Weekly Chillicothe crisis., 1880-01-29
NAMES LEGISLATURE.

The Republican Legislature met at the
appointed time on the 10th. The only busi-
ness of Importance transacted was the pas
sage of a resolution which declares the exist
ence of the fusion legislature wholly without
authority and orders an inquiry whether
Legislation is necessary to punish the alb
stractiOn Of state records and property.
The fusion house and Senate were called to-
gether at 10 o'clock on the Goth in Union Hall.
In the senate Mr.. Patten said: We are wait
ing a reply from the judges whether they will
entertain questions from this body. Barker
said attempts were made to bribe him and
hoped the resolve for an investigation
would pass. Thompson of Knox believed
frauds were practiced. Justice required
something should be done. Thompson was
sure bribery had been practiced in his cOun.
ty and favored an investigation. Ellis said
he wished the opinion of the court; thought
that the fusion house was not legal but that
the senate was legal bndy, and that no bus
iness transacted by the house would stand lie.
gally. Patten had come to Augusta to do the
duty imposed upon him. He should proceed
to the transaction. The matter Of pay roll
was taken into consideration. Where funds
were to come from was not definitely known.
1t is not believed that the fusionists can hold
out long unless money from outside of the
State is obtained.
In TIE house the committee reported rec.
ommendng the submitting of series of res
olutions to the supreme court, the committee
to be instructed to make to the court full
statement of the facts in the case Dickey
saw no way out but to submit to the court.
There are points in our position which are
unchallenged, but to stay here and pass laws
which will be disregarded by the courts would
be ludicrous. He would have the committee
take ample time. We are either legislature
or we are not. Let us stand or fall tegether.
Staples followed, expressing satisfaction ut
the present attitude of this body He COM
pared the situation of the Fusionists to that
of the jews as described in the Old Testa-
ment. Like the chosen people of God he
said: I'VE are building wall about our
Jerusalem that no man can pull down." Re
publicans had invited him to come in, but he
said; Gentlemen, you have nothing to come
in to; your Legislature is like hotel with NJ
bed, no pantry, nothing TO eat, nothing but a
sign" Motion was then made to adjourn until
O'Clock p. m, but il was changed to ten a. m
An opinion was then expressed by Col, DIokey
that the Republicans may find ont We are
not sagaves and dangerous fellows they have
supposed us to be and will permit us to occu
py the state house afternoons and adiOurr
from day to day until decision of the cour
can be obtained.
The Republican Legislature met at The
usual hour on the 2lst, but no business oI
interest TO the public was transacted.
The fusion house met in Union hall at II
a. m. on the 2lst. Swan moved to reconsider
the vote Of the previous day ordering the com
mittee tO submit questions to the suprem
court, believing it was hasty and i'll consider
cd. He thought the house had enough of th
opinions of the supreme court. The cour
had not agreed to consider any questions, anC
there was no doubt that 1t would refuse Il
give decision If any were submitted. Sucl
step would be complete surrender to tn
Republicans.
The Fusion secretary of state, Sawyer, ha
established the state department of the Flu
sionist government in two rear Offices on tn
second floor of Aliens block, and has appoint
cd chief clerk and deputy, and notified al
persons having correspondence with the dc
partment to address p. A. Sawyer, Augustt
Maine. Sawyer says we have returned to frs
principles, we have pine table and chair
The great seal of the state is in the possessio
of the only legally elected and qualified Sc,
retary of state. The Capital guards and 9th
or companies have been ordered to the armor
as precautionary measure. The Fusionist
in secret session, voted to draw up stat,
ment of facts and series of questions to b
submitted to members who will decide wheth,
to send them 10 the court or not, Goul
who will prepare questions desires two day
time.
The Republican Legislature met at th
usual hour the 22nd The state house was guar,
ed and the local militia company remained
the armory. In the senate au amendment
the constitution was presented to elect u
governor by plurality vote. The Fu'ioni'
representative, Staples, has taken a seat in tf
Republican house. The Republican legisl,
tors are talking seriously OF taking measur,
to arrest the whole body of Fuaionists on
charge of tn ason,
The Fusionists met in secret caucus at Unio
hall discussing the state of affairs. About
dozen members appeared in the senate aud fiji
ty iu the house. Absolutely nothing wa
done.
In the house, an order was passed raising
COMMITTEES of FIVE, on the part Of the houS,
wi h such of the senate as may join. 10 consul
In regard TO the removal OF the legislature 4
either Biddeford or Portland. The mayor o
Biddeford came here In persou and offered th
pfotseli N OF tho city to the legislature ihoul
u assemble in that eity. This assurance ha