Morning journal and courier., 1880-01-21
News Dy Telegraph . ~ FROM ALL QUARTERS. AFFAIRS IN MAINE. No. Change in the Situation
 at Augusta. Both Legislatures in Session. But Little Business Transacted
 by Either. EXtensiv } Fire in Japan Nearly Fifteen Thousand Houses Destroyed.
 NEW ENGLAND.
Nearly Fifteen Thousand
 Houses Destroyed.
NEW ENGLAND.
Maine.

, The SituatiOn-+ROth Legislators Meet l investigation Denanded-Proceed- ings i'm the FusiOnist LegisIature--. Questions for the Supreme Court-.-A Legal Case to be Made OOt.
 i AUGUSTA, Jan. 2O.-In the Republican House this morning communication was re- ! ceived from Wallace R. White, of Winthrop, demanding an investigation of charges of bribery preferred against him by the fusionist legislators. White says that he has been wait.
 ing for the organization of the Legislature
 in order to present his demand A spec
 ial committee will investigate the case.
 Eugene Halo offered resolution declaring the
 State government fully established, and de-
 nouncing all other bodies pretending to be
 parts of the State government as unconstitu-
 tional.
 Gov. Davis, by whose orders the State House
 was closed against the fusion Legislature,
 says he is unwilling that the farce should
 go on longer. Had they applied as citizens,
 and not as legislative body, admission would
 have been granted. He should be ashamed to
 occupy the position of chief executive and
 allow what had been justly termed flat Leg
 islature to meet. If there is legal Legisla-
 ture, backed up by the courts, the people and
 the military, it was about time that the hum
 bug part was done away with. He had no
 doubt that the rank and file of the fusion
 ists are all right and have honest purposes, and
 if let alone by interruptions leaders would
 take their places In the Legislature
 There were many Republicans who favored
 the opening of the halls of the Senate and
 House to the fusionists, but on mature delib-
 ~nkS .NlI@ 1Ar cy was pursued. If they had agreed to hold single session, made their protest, and made that the last, it would have been different.
 On the contrary, the majority of the leaders declare that such is not their purpose. This being the case, the Republican State govern ment would bring upon itself only contempt if it permitted another legislative body to meet in it's halls, pass laws, etc.
 The fusionist Senate and House were called to order at 10 o'clock in Union Hall, on Water street. In the Senate Mir. Patten said we are waiting reply whether the court will entertain questions from this body. Messrs Barker, Thompson of Knox, and Thompson of Franklin repeated the accusations of fraud and bribery against the Republicans Mr. Ellis said that he wished the opinion of the court. He thought that the fusion cause was not legal but ths Senate was legal body He thought that no business transacted by the House would stand legality. Some action must be taken that will be recognized by the court, also some action that would affect the Greenback party in the spring elections MT. Patten had come to Augusta to do the duty imposed upon him as legislator He believed that both branches were legal, and that we should proceed to the transaction of business. The Senate then adjourned to p. m.
 In the House MT. Dickey moved that the l committees appointed to recommend course of action be also instructed to report at D. m: to-day, on the proceedings of yesterday. He urged all members to stand firm, as he | had confidence that this body would be re- | cognized as the legal Legislature of Maine by | the courts as well as by Congress. In fact he | said he had an assurance to this effect. Dr. | Bradbury said he did not quite like the atti- | tude of some of his fellow members, who did | not seem to have that determination and | steadfastness necessary for carrying the cause | to successful end. He urged the appoint l ment of committees and the proceeding to | regular business just as if the usurping party | had not prevented meeting in the place in | which this body vas entitled to meet and sit. | The motion of MT. Dickey was carried and | he then moved the appointments of commit | tee of seven on pay roll and mileage of mem | bers He said many members had come from | long distances, were poor, and needed money. If the State Treasurer refused to acknowledge | our right to draw funds for this purpose it | will be provided for otherwise. The order | was adopted, and the committee was appoint ed by the Speaker. The House took a recess until p. m.
 The afternoon of the fusion Legislature was occupied mostly with the subject of sub- hitting questions to the Supreme Court Af- ter much discussion, in which MT. Plaisted, of Lincoln, said it would be better to know the decision of the court before agreeing to abide by 1t, committee was appointed to draw up questions, to which the Senate joined | i've others. After these proceedings the Legis- lature adjourned till 10 o'clock to morrow, when probably further adjournment will be had till p. m.
 The situation is unchanged The excite ment has subsided since it became known that the fusionists would not resort to force In the back country the feeling is stronger The novelty of two legislatures in session ex- cites much comment, and speculation is free on the probable result of the fusionist's appeal to the court. The public is admitted freely to the fusion Legislature in Union Hall Mr. Sawyer still retains possession of the State seal and will do so until the court de- ciares his position illegal. He has opened an office for the transaction of public business He appointed 8 deputy secretary. The legislative mail carrier delivers all letters for the secretary to Sawyer. Hon. A. P. Gould vii! assist the fusion committee in preparing Lhelr case for the courts. Some leading fu- sionists think the best plan is to adjourn for two or three weeks and submit the questions to Congress.
 The Standard, the fusion organ, points to the fact that the bonds of the State mature and that the credit of the State is impaired by the action of the courts. It recommends the fusion party to hold together firmly.
 Governor Garcelon is in town tonight He says the people regard the fusion Legislature as legal and he is indignant over the course DurSred hv GhannbarIain