New-York tribune., 1880-01-13
4 REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE.

BOTH HOUSES ORGANIZED LAST EVENING" oSEPH
4. LOCKE CHOSEN PRESIDENT OF THE SEN
Ar, AND GEORGE II. WEEKS SPEAKER OF THE
noUsE-AN APPEAL TO TIE COURT.
AUGUSTA. Me-, Jan. 12.-At twenty minutes be-
fore G this evening the Republican mem-
bers of the Senate and House OF Repre-
sentatives proceeded to the State House for
the purpose of organizing tho Legislature
The movement was entirely unknown to the Fu-
sionists, and only few Of the Republicans, out
side of the immediate members, were aware Of
the position of affairs The news that the
Republicans had taken possession of the
state House spread rapidly, and caused great re-
jo.cing among the Republicans, who have been I'M
patient to have just this result brought about.
Mr.. LamsOn President of the Senate, whom
he saw the people assembling, proceeded
TO General Chamberlain headquarters, and cXclt-
edly said, protest against these men coming In !"
The General informed Mr.. Lamson that he should
porlnt the mon to in and stay as long as they
rleasel There was 10 forcible resistance whatever
The halls were lighted, minor officers of the pre-
yious Legislatures familiar with the premises taxi
ing hold and lending their assistance.
In the Senate jeremiah Dngley, jr, called the
meeting to order and Austin Harris was called to
the chair. Prayer was offered by the Rev. DR.. But
Ter. a member Of the House. Charles W. Turner,
ESQ. Assistant Secretary of the last Senate,
called the roll and eighteen Senators
responded to the call quorum was announced
present. all being Republicans, who proceeded to
luahfy, the oath being administered by the lion.
William VI. Stratton.
Andrew X. s. Smith was declared Senator from
Lincoln County on the face of the returns.
joseph A. Locke was chosen president. receiving
al the votes castle.
Charles w. Tilden was chosen secretary and Geo..
E. Bracket, of Belfast, assistant secretary. Chas.
]. Lovejoy was chosen messenger, and a. B. i.
chadbOurne assistant messenger.
The following order was passed:
Ordered That committee, consisting of three menl-
bers of the Senate be appointed by the President,
% report to the Senate for its action whether
he Senate shall call upon the justices
Of the Supreme Court for their opinion
touching the legal organization of the Senate for
she Fiftyninth Legislature, ana 10 report f0r the
lciOn of the Senate such questions as the law and
the facts require in the premises.
The members Of the House were called to
,Ider by Mr.. Hale. Mr.. Wentworth, of Kittery.
was made temporary chairman and Oxamandal
Smith clerk, who called the roll of the flem-
bers-elect. All the Republicans responded, but
the Fusionists did not. E!ghty-four members of
the House responded to the CALL and were qualified
by William Stratton. Clerk of the Court of
Kennebec County.
Subsequently SIX members who wero not
by the face Of the returns elected on ac-
count Of defects amended under the law of 1877
were admitted bv resolution submitted by Nj.
StroW. George L. Weeks of Augusta, was elected
Speaker. =,
After organization, Mr.. Hale offered similar
resolution that passed by the Senate calling Tor
the appointment o. a committee to request the Opin-
ion of the Supreme Judicial Court to the legality
of toe organization of the House. In making the re-
solves Nh Hale spoke OF the extraordinary cTcum-
stances under which they met sald that the OBJ
ect of the organization was TO settle the vital
questions affecting the organization Of the Legisla-
faIe and State government. and the House Will
obey the decision of the court.