The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-01-29
THE FUSI0NISTS.
THEY ADJOURN THEIR CAU-
GUS TILL AUGUST.
Only a Way Of Letting Them
selves Down Easily.
MOST OF THEM GOING In
TO THE LEGAL LEGIS-
LATURE.
Major Smith Showing Good
Sense.
rsnecial Despatch to the Press. |


reporters and outsiders were excluded. They
remained in session some two hours, and after
they adjourned every members lips were as a
sealed book when asked what had been done.
The result was there were conflicting reports
of their doings, but in spite of their attempts
to preserve them inviolate your correspondent
has elected the following as to what transpired
of any interest:
The Swan Hartman bribery case was taken
up and after short discussion it was decided
to have the committee continue their investi-
cations.
A committee, consisting of Robinson OF
Thomaston, Swan of Minot, Plaisted OF Lin
coin, Staples of Parsonsfeld and Long of Fort
Fairfield, was appointed to investigate election
frauds in every county in the state.
All the members were paid off by the fusion
State Treasurer with funds supplied from
private sources.
The de cision of the court was discussed by
Speaker Talbot and Messrs. ingalls, of Wiscas-
sett. STAPLES of Parsonsield, Bradbury of Nor
way, Mclaughlin of Carmel, Dickey of Fort
Kent, Gushee of Appleton and Wilson OF
Orono. There was a free expression OF opinion,
ana several OIL tuCSo WIZ nave AloiiOA w iAi-
dulged in belligerent expressions, showed
remarkable toning down. The remarks
generally were of conciliatory character.
While the court received its share of con-
domination from some, and its opinion was not
regarded as finality,it seemed to be generally
agreed that the matter had better be left to
the people to be settled at the polls next Sep
TENDER. Mr.. ingalls, counselled obedience to
the mandates of the court which he regarded
is finality. "It may be distasteful to some, !"
he said, ''that the legality of our organization
has not been recognized, but, on mature reHec-
ton, he hoped that all would respect the
courts authority, and endeavor to make the
best of it " His remarks were of conserva-
tive and pacific character, and had good in
fuence over quite number who all along
have been under the influence of the reckless
and desperate leaders.
II was voted to adjourn to the first Wednes-
day of August next, Notwithstanding the Sen
ate on its part, voted to 2 to adjourn to the
legal legislature.
There was general shaking OF hands alter
dissolution. A considerable number leave to-
night and tomorrow to confer with their con-
stituents, while the rest will stay and take
their seats to which they are entitled in the
legal legislature. 1t is thought that nearly
one-half of those who go home, if not more,
will return shortly and occupy the seats which
await them in the State House.
1t is reported that nearly all of the Aroostook
delegation under the lead of Mr.. Dickey, will
take their seats with the Republicans in day
otN,f from
nobscot, says he shall take his seat in the SEN
ate tomorrow, and Mr.. Hunnewell, the Fusion
member from Scarboro', says he shall take his
seat in the House, and says he has been adyis-
oSrtain that Mr.. ingalls, will take his seat and
it is believed at least four from Waldo Will al
ter they have made flying visit to their con-
stituents.-
The Republicans expect that some thirty OF
the Fusion absentees will take their seats to-
morrow, and the rest will keep dropping into
their seats until they are all filed The col
lapsed Fusion legislature is clear case OF
spontaneous combustion.
ITO the Associated Press]
AUGUSTA, Jan. 2S.-The Fusionists held a
protracted caucus this afternoon, there being
SOIuG ulcHUcTS III 1IOuoO etuu hiiiO AL oiiO
Senate. All outsiders were excluded, includ-
ing reporters. The meeting was held all the
afternoon. The opinion of the court was free
ly discussed, the debate taking about the same
range as the previous talk on the subject.
Several of those who at first were in favor OF
standing out regardless of the courts opinion,
held to their ground though somewhat soften
ed. The moro conservative ones were in ia
vor of yielding and not fighting against the in
evitable. 1t was finally voted to adjourn until
the first Wednesday in August. No division
of vote was called in either branch and no
member recorded himself either for or against
the measure. sThe proposition was simply de-
clared as carried, and the so-called legislature
adjourned.
Some Fusionists claim that it is their pur-
pose and intention to meet on the day named
and that they will enter upon heavy campaign
work for the next election and endeavor to
have two returns of congressional votes made,
one to be sent to them and another to the leg
islature recognized by the court; that they will
make up case to Congress concerning the
electoral vote. The Republicans and quite
number of Fusionists say that such an adj
journment was the easiest possible way of let
ting down the counted-in members who have
given their associates good deal of trouble,
and that the Fusion legislature will never
again meet as will be shown tomorrow by
members taking their seats in the regular leg
islature; that the course pursued was an indi-
rect method of dissolving. If the members go
home they will be soon returned by their con-
,fnra
coming before the legislature this session.
This will be the lever that will move the
towns which in turn will move their repre-
sentatves. The legislature will declare va
can't all seats that are not now filled and new
elections will be ordered.
Major Smith will leave for home on the
early morning train to attend to his numbering
business. He holds to the same views express
seq in these dlspatcnes last night, and recon-
mends the quiet submission of all good citizens
to the will of the court. He will never agree
to the proposition of the Fusion legislature
coming together again.
Of the Fusion Senators who will take seats
at the Senatorial board we may safely cal
culate upon the following: Strickland of
Aroostook, Thompson of Knox, Atwell, Barker
and Rogers of Penobscot, Linn of Somerset and
Ellis of Waldo. The five remaining are
doubtful at this hour. Patten of Penobscot
has telegraphed to his people for instructions.
Parlin of Somerset will probably go home.
Speaker Talbot will start for home to-mor-
row. He says he cannot take his seat in the
House, but Hobson, Wilson, Long, Hussey,
Knowles and in fact the leading men among
the Fusionists will come in quietly tomorrow
and take their seats. About one-fourth will
come in to the Legislature tomorrow. The
eihander will go home for a brief visit to
friends and then enough will return to make
up about two-thirds of the entire number.
So-caled Secretary of State Sawyer promises
to return the valuation books to the Office of
Secretary of State and it is thought he will
not claim to be secretary any longer.
State Treasurer White was unable to be
here to-day, but telegraphed the finance COM
mittee he would read the opinion and meet
them tomorrow. His only desire having