River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-06-17
SPRAGUE ON HIS MUSCLE.
The Ex-Governor said to Have Reen
Knocked Down while Endeavoring
To ForcibIy DepOse One of the As
signee's Mill Superintendents.
New 7 ORR sun.


Early this morning a rumor rapidly
spread the town that ex-Gov. William
Sprague had arrived here last evening.
had deposed the acting superintendent of
the Sprague MILL Nathan r. Gardiner,
and had been knocked down by the
irate Gardiner; that the governor had
taken possession of the fort and bivou-
accd on the field of battle intending to
remain there all simmer. A reporter
of the Sun learned the main particulars
with the utmost difficulty, as all who
were personally cognizant of the affair
had received Their cue and were hermet-
ically sealed. There was intense excite
ment among all classes of men, and lit
tie groupes of workmen and workgirls
were gathered in the door-yards and
along the road eagerly discussing the most
exaggerated rumors. When an individu-
al was approached however he vigorous
" asserted that he knew nothing.
The San reporter found the man who
chased Senator Conkiing from the
Canonchet re- idence with shotgun last
summer, reclining on sofa in the cool
parlor of the boarding house. Gov.
Sprague said that he had no statement
to make, except that no blows had been
struck and there had been no personal
violence. He came from Providence
last night for the purpose of appointing
a superintendent in place Of the late
superintendent, Henry Dyer He learn
ed when he reached Baltic that Mr..
Gardiner had assumed that position and
refused to recognize his Gov. Sprague'sl
authority. Nevertheless, Gov. Sprague in
plain English, put Mr. Gardiner out and
took possession of the Office and its pa
pers, which are contained in large
safe The governor represented Mr..
Gardiner as offensive to the creditors
of the great A. 4 W. Spraguc estate,
which, as is well known, is now in the
hands of Mr.. Zachariah Chaffoe as re-
ceiver. Mr.. Chatiee is treasurer of the
concern, and appointed Gardiner, so it
is said, to the office of superintendent.
The conflict of the authority seems to
have been between Mr.. Chaffee and
Gov. Sprague, and Gardiner as the ser
want of Mr.. Chatiee, was crushed in the
struggle. The governor and his friends,
all of whom are unknown, took posses
sion of the counting room of the MILL
and at II o'clock at night sent out for
mattresses and slept on the floor The
great mill went on as usual, and the
1900 operatives were at work.
Mr.. Gardiner maintains that he is
acting in concert with the manager of
the company's concern. 1t is feared
that there will be another personal
meeting if the senator and the ex-su-
perintendent meet. Both men keep
within doors with their personal friends.
In Baltic it is generally believed that
Gardiner knocked Gov. Sprague to the
floor in the counting-room alteration.
1t has been understood for some time
past that Mr. Chaffee and Gov. Sprague
are not friends, and that Mr. Chaffee
has expressed fears lest the governor
might take such Il step as that of to-
day. The governor has for several years
been i'll receipt Of salary from the as
signee.
When the failure for ten or twelve
millions occurred, seven years ago, the
estate was put into the hands of Mr..
Chaffee, and it is claimed, without res
eryation. For some months past, as is
said, the ex-governor has been endeav-
oring to regain some control over the
property, and there are rumors that the
assignee has on several occasions been
compelled to use forcible means to pre-
vent the governors interference. The
elder brother and partner of the COVER
nor is superintendent of the Cranston
mills, under salary from the assignee.
Gov. Sprague still occupies the house at
Canonchet, pending arrangements for
tic colo His son Willie il with him