Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-01-24
ACrisis in Maine.

Monday.
A Crisis lin Maine.
ALLEGED INCENDIARY PLOTS OF THE FUSIONIsTs
Observation-Disclosures CHANGE IN THE ASPECT
OF AFFAIRs-GovERNOR DAVIS PREPARING TO
DEFEND AND PROTECT THE STATE HOUSE-THE
MILITARY CALLED OUT-FUsIoNIsTs AIMING.
The afternoon session of the fusion legislature
assembled in Augusta yesterday as per adjourn
ment. The report of the committee on questions
to be submitted tosthe court was read; and a
long debate followed. some members contend
ing that two opinions from the supreme court
were enough, that it was partisan and would be
adverse, however just their claims. Others
thought it would aid the fusionists cause II they
submitted the questions and the court refused
to reply, and others that the only thing to Go
was to get the opinion of the court, and if it was
adverse to go home. A vote on the submission
OF the questions was postponed until Monday.
PAY FOR FUsIONIsT LEGISLATORS.
The fuSionist Treasurer White, who refuses
to deliver the keys OF the sub-treasury to the
republican Treasurer Holbrook, began yesterday
paying small sums to such of the fusioniSt leg
islature as chose to apply therefor. The money
is not state funds but part of a subscription
fund. The republicans say this is a dodge for
backbone. High republican authority guaran-
tees the statement that Treasurer White will
be put out Of the treasury next week, and that
If the banks where state moneys are deposited
refuse to recognize Treasurer Holbrook's draft,
legal proceedings will be begun in order to vim
dictate Mi. Holbrook's title to the Office.
A CHANGE IN THE SITCATlON-MIIITARY GUARD
ING THE STATE HOUSE.
A dispatch from Augusta, Me-, to the Herald
last night says: The whole situation has, since
fifteen minutes past eleven O'Clock tonight, en-
tirely changed By tomorrow morning three
companies OF infantry. the Capitol Guards, of
Augusta; the Auburn Light Infantry, the Gar
diner companies, and the Androscoggin Light
Infantry will garrison the state house. At ten
spector General Tilden arrived at the adjutant
generals Office In three minutes Gov. Davis
authorized this startling military movement.
with the politicians, who have for several days
had the dominant influence at the state house.
This has been the most sensational OF any night
since the complications; but the rumors Of STIR
ring events were not baSeleSS. The fuSioniSts'
militia are and have been drilling downtown in
this city, and 1t has been ascerta1ned to the sat
isfaction OF the military authorities that a con-
centrated attack upon the state house was likely
to occur at any moment. A plot to burn the
residences of leading Augusta republicans was
discovered tonight. Triangular bits OF paper
tackled on after dark. and soon perceived by the
vlgilant police. Had the governor not given his
order for calling out the troops tonight the
military men at the state house were ready to
abandon their watch. The orders for the mill
tary were given out by Gen. Chamberlain's as
Instant ad1utant general, for the reason that
palt of the militia would motor 1t is feared
would not-obey Gov. Davis order. The Capt.
tol Guards garrison the state house tonight,
and partly relieve the WORKOUT police who
have been without sleep for many hours. A
special train Is ordered tonight from Lewiston.
Probably the most aggressive movement OF the
state government will be to dispense the fusion
list legislature, and arrest every fusonst official
who persists in playing at government.
THE SITUATION EXTREMELY CRITICAL.
telegram from Augusta, Me-, last night
says: 1t Is the general impression that matters
are in more critical condition than they have
been for some Time. Crowds are collecting at
various points, secret clans Of armed men are
drilling, and other circumstances tend to create
alarm. The Greenback Labor Chronicle OF Au-
burn states that the state house must be taken
though it costs thousands OF lives. The govern
ment is not alarmed, but fully graSpS the Situa-
ton, and will make the state house perfectly
impregnable. The first military company that
ever entered the state house marched In at mid
night: Messrs. Pillsbury, Blood, Charming and
others are known to be enrolling men in every
county in the state. Men are collected in
tain Black, of Augusta, is drilling men nightly.
Mayor Nash addressed the following note to
Governor Davis tonight: sc In view of the
threatening attitude OF persons hostile to the
strained TO say to your eXcellency that fear
my civil police force will be unable to sufficient
" protect public property at the capitol, or
against such force as the public enemies seem
to be willing and able to bring against it."
THE MILITARY FORCE BEING COLLECTED.
From consultation with the military authori-
ties Governor Davis became fully convinced OF
the seriousness OF the situation, and that the
position OF Mayor Nash is perfectly sound. He
has therefore ordered to the state house the
Capitol Guards and Richmond Light Infantry,
who at one O'Clock this morning were there.
The Auburn Light Infantry will leave that place
for the capital at two o'clock this morning, and
other military forces will be brought here If
necessary. Information of the operations OF the
fusionists comes from reliable men in each coun-
ty. The design Is to take the house, Pillsburys
last hope. The honest country members of the
fusion legislature have been deceived by the
Ounted-ln-memberS. 1t is hoped the prompt
action Of Governor Davis will avert trouble. The
conspirator5 are to be hunted down If its takes
all the force at the governors command. Men
are known to be ready at the call OF Smith in
Lincoln and Somerset counties who are to take
sleighs across the country. The prompt action
Of Colonel Peaks prevented movements in
Piscataquis county. All the armories in the
state are under guards. The republicans mean
to have possession, and If the states troops are
inadequate, the President will be called on for
aid.