The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1880-01-21
TELEGRAPHIC
BACKBONE.
The Maine FuSiOnisfs have
had Theirs Strengthened.
Two Legislatures and Two
Governments.
War Preparations by the
Republicans.

scenes inside the slate house during the
sfGerncon hours were extraordinary. The
granite walled cd structure resembled a
feudal castle awaiting attack. In every
passage way from the subterIanean
regions up to the roof were policemen,
armed with revolvers. Policemen chsl-
lenged the steps of the exceedingly few
persons who had by special favor gained
admittance. A double guard protected
the governors room. The spacious
rotunda below swarmed with men and
when anyone succeeded in getting pas
the guards ct the step gate he WIS
not admitted to the state house
without scrutiny fon vigilant
sentries, who tended carefully the locked
| door. The younger gusrdsmen on duty
did not hesitate to show their revolvers,
and were anticipating hot contest with
the fusionists forces, whom they believed
were about TO arrive by railroad. A
special force Of 10 or more men was de-
tailed to stand guard on the balcony
arrival Of the fusion legislature on the
sidewalk below this balcony, the force
was ordered into the hall of the house,
where they were drawn up in military
order and divided into squads. General
Charles Mattucks, of Portland. was in
command Of this contingent, and he ap.
pointed Major A. Bennon, of Portlaud,
his Rdjutant. When the guard were
about to move out to the balcony, Gen
eral Mattuck commanded them to break |
step, fearing that the measured tread of 50
many men would be heard by fusionis.s |
on the sidewalk, 800 feet distant, so when |
the men went out they broke step and |
succeeded in making no unnecessary |
noise. They were all armed with revolt |
vers, and from their elevated point in |
the lofty balcony could have guarded the |
steps leading from the State House |
against q force of 600.
Augusta, 19.-Failing 10 gain admis-
sion to the state house. to-day, has seemed |
TO cement the fusionists. They say Gov
ernor Smith could have had 10000
men in readiness at a moments notice,
but his counsel for peace has prevailed.
The meeting, tonight, of fusionists
seemed harmonious. They have secured
Union Hall, where they will hold their
legislative assemblies, beginning to-mor-
row. The secretary of state and goYer-
nor have secured rooms in the same
building. Money enough has been
guaranteed to run their legislature Sll
winter, and pay every man his salary.
They say they intend 10 appeal to Con-
Eress and will soon have a committee
here 10 investigate mstters. Their COM
nittee Will report tomorrow unani-
mously declaring their body to be legal,
but have not determined on any definite
plan of action. Republicans say such
legislature cannot hold together week,
but in the present frame of mind of
fusionists it is impossible to predict. Il
IS thought had they taken possession of
The state house to-day, they would have
held it until expelled. This afternoon
$50 pounds of ammunition were found
in the Office of the superintendent Of
which had been q sort of hesd-
7olvers.
Augusta. Me, 2O.-Machinists worked
MI night on the safe in the secretary's
,ffice, and finally opened it. There were
10 valuable papers in it, nor the seal of
tate or official election returns. 1t is
,oDjectured that the returns have been
destroyed.
The fusionist senate and house were
called 10 order at 10 o'clock, in Union
Hall, at Water street. In the house,
Dickey, of Fort Kent, moved that the
committees appointed on Saturday TO
a course of action be in
;tructed TO report also on the proceedings
IF yesterday at 4 p n. to-day. He urged
Ill members to stand firm, as he had con-
idence that this body would be recog-
lized as the legal legislature of Maine by
he courts, as well as by Congress. In
act, he said he had assurance to this
Effect. DR.. Bradbury said he did not
Iuite like the attitude of some of his fell
ow members; also, they did not seem to
nave that determination and stesdfsst-
ness necessary for carrying the cause to
, successful end. He had firm faith that
authority higher than partisan supreme
court ", uld recognize this as thu legal
legislature, and he urged the appointment
If committees and proceeding to regular
business just as if the usurpiDg party had
lot prevented meeting in the place in
which this body was entitled to sit.
He read telegram from friends 10 OK
ord urging fusionists to stand firm, re-
,ognize 10 usurping legislature, to stand
~ the legal governor, Smith, and
money would be ready to sustain them to
he last. He said all parts of the state felt
he same way about this act Of violence.
t had strengthened the flsionist cause
md bound them together. Swami fol-
owed, accusing the republicans of bribery
md intimidations at the polls, of plan
ling TO get partisan decision from the
court and of usurping the 60
7ernor's office. Fusionists should say to
he court Glands of! we will not be sup
pressed by your partisan action. The
lark cloud Of treason hangs over u. The
capitol is in the hands of rebels. If we
tand firm victory will be ours" A COM
nittee was appointed on psy roll and
mileage Of members.
Dickey said if the state treasurer re-
used topsy out funds for this it would be
for otherwise.
Plaisted deprecated haste or rashness.
Affairs were in safe, able hands and if
hey were careful all would be well. He
deprecated force and inhammatory talk.
Staples said he had told the republicans
who invited him into their legislature,
that that body was like a hotel without
bed, pantry or food-nothing but a sign.
His quaint remarks provoked great
laughter.
The fusionist senate met in the ante
room. Patton said we ale waiting
reply from the judge whether they will
questions from this body.
Patton believed Intimidation was ram
pant in the country. Barker said at
tempts were made to bribe him, and he
hoped the resolution would pass.
Thompson, Of Knox, believed frauds |
were practised.
Ellis ssid he wished an opinion Of the |
court. he thought that the fusionist |
house was not legal, but the senate was
legal body; that no business transacted !
by the house would stand legally. Some |
action must be taken that will be recog- |
nized by the court; also some action that |
would affect the greenbsck party in the |
spring elections,
Patton had come to Augusta to do the
duty imposed upon him as a legislator.
He believed the branches legal, and that
we should proceed to the transaction of
business.
Adjourned to pm. 1t is thought
the committee will report in favor of the
adjournment till May.
The matter of pay roll was taken into
consideration. Where the funds are to
come from is not definitely known. 1t
is not believed that the fusionists can
hold out long, unless money outside the
state is obtained.
The legislature in session at the state
house declares the existence of the fusion
Legislature wholly without authority, and
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