The Portland daily press., 1880-01-26
RY TELEGRAPH.
AUGUSTA.
AN OUTBREAK PREVENTED
BY GOV. DAVIS PROMPT
ACTION.
Fusion Militia Organized All
Over the State.
A PLOT TO SURPRISE AND
CAPTURE THE STATE
HOUSE.
All Danger Probably Over
for the Present.
All Danger Probably Over
for the Present.
TSpecial DESPATCH to the Press


facts, from what is considered reliable sources,
were ascertained to the effect that the fusion
lists were organizing in the rural towns with
view of coming here and, with the assistance
of force here that has been drilling for weeks,
undertake to take possession of the capitol.
In view of the startling developments made
respecting these aggressive designs, Mayor
Nash felt that the civil police force would be
unable to cope with the dangers that were
threatened, and he so informed Gov. Davis,
who felt it his duty to prepare for any critical
event that might happen. Accordingly, the
Richards Light Infantry of Gardiner, Capitol
Guards of this city, Auburn Light Infatry,
and a detachment from the Androscoggin
Light Artillery, in obedience to orders to re-
port for duty at the State House, responded to
the call at once. The two former companies
reached the State House last night after mid
night and were assigned for duty. The Lew
iston companies reached here at half-past five
O'Clock this morning, and proceeded without
any delay to the capitol. The detachment
from the Androscoggin Light Artillery brought
with them gatling gun manned by fourteen
men.
Fully Prepared to Quell any Disturbance.
The lawful State authorities are now fully
prepared to quell any unlawful disturbance, or
to repel any attack that may be made. Other
bodies of State troops are in readiness to come
here in case their services are required.
The Troops Quarters.
The troops already on the ground are quar-
tered in the committee rooms. The battery is
in position in the rotunda, covering the public
entrance to the building from the east side,
and ready to belch forth its iron missiles of
death at any warlike attempt to take possession
of the building.
No Peaceful Citizens Incommoded.
The occupation of the capital by troops did
not prevent members of the Legislature, State
officials and all other persons peacefully in
clined from entering the State House at the
time the Legislature assembled in the morn
ing. The troops remained in their quarters
and only few could be seen outside. Visitors
to the building would scarcely have been aware
of their presence if they had not been told,
although the bulldog Of war that confronted
them might have excited their suspicious.
Everything went on just the same as if the
State House had not been garrisoned by armed
men.
Further Proof of Fusion Intentions to
Resort to Force.
Additional information was received at the
Adjutant Generals office today which not
only confirms the reports that the fusionists
are enrolling in the country towns, but that
they were converting greenback clubs into
regular Southern rifle clubs, and were going to
adopt the shotgun policy. Other startling
facts have been received which the military
authorities, for prudential reasons, do not wish
to disclose at present. Among the develop
ments of the fusionists' hostile intentions in
formation has been received from Waterville
that if a search warrant was obtained and
Capt. Blacks Office in this city was visited, it
might result in finding box of carbines
secreted there.
The troops are comfortably provided for in
their quarters, and precautionary measures
have been taken for any emergency. Every
body is at liberty to visit every part of the
building except where the troops are quarter
ed and the basement where large guard is
posted. The troops are under strict discipline.
Rations are served in three subterranean pas
sages, and the smell of hot coffee is redolent
throughout the building. The rules of camp
life are strictly observed, although somewhat
modified. The troops are fine looking body
Of men, many of them having seen active SER
vice in the war Of the rebellion. Not one will
finch in doing his duty if occasion requires it.
All are thoroughly alive to the situation and
do not regard it as any holiday affair. Their
Sc, 81,
ties and to The people of Augusta, and should
any civil disorder take place it is believed that
they will be abundantly able to repress it with
out any more assistance. If aid should be
needed however, a click of the telegraph can
bring several other companies here promptly,
who are under arms at their armories.
The Force at the State House.
The force at the capitol numbers in all some
12o men rank and file. The Capital Guards
are under the the command of Capt E. n.
Ballard; Richards Light Infantry under the
command of Capt. John L. Berry; Auburn
Light Infantry under the command of Lieut..
Merrill and the detachment from the andre
scoggin Light Artillery under the command of
Capt. Mennealy.
Fusion Legislators Gone Home.
Initiating the example of the Republicans,
most of the fusionists left for their respective
homes today. The few fusionists who remain
stay simply to meet and adjourn their bogus
legislature from day to day, so as to keep it
until decision of the court is reach
ed; then it is said that the absent members
will return.
The Bogus Legislature Getting Tired.
The impression is becoming stronger that
there are quite a number of fusionists who
will certainly take their seats in the State
House if the court decides adversely on their
statement of facts and questions which they
have SO ingeniously and evasively framed
Among them is Mr.. ingalls, of Wiscasset who,
it is said, is anxious to transfer his seat on &C
count of bis solcitude about having the valua-
ton of his town fixed all right This fact is
sig nificant, as it looks like quasi recognition
of the Republican House, or at all events
that he had rather take his chances in that
body on the State valuation question than in
his own. It is not unlikely that even Plaisted
of Lincoln may also join HIM, actuated by the
same motives, as well as others whose names
have figured conspicuously, prominent among
WnOUl are MeSSrS. Fdtteu dllu loStIS VI C
nobscot, Strickland of Aroostook and Ellis of
Waldo. The counted-in members of the fus-
ion legislature with few others, are really
the only recacitrants who follow Smith, Pills
bury and the rest who brought on the reign of
misrule. These men have nothing to lose but
their regulations.
The fact that the fusionists are going to
memorable Congress and also issue an address
to the people of Maine, if it means anything
means that they have reached the last round of
the ladder in their descent, and that when they
hear from the court they will step on to the
ground and "throw up the sponge"
With the State House bristling with bay
onets and knowing that tie armed force there
can be increased SO that the entire military
arm of the State can be felt b. simply word
from Gov. Davis, there is every reason to be-
lieve that they will succumb. Circumstances
go to show that the moment the Capitol was
occupied with troops then dismay and consterna
ton were thrown into the fusion ranks. The