The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-01-23
THE MAINE MIDDLE.

THE MAINE MIDDLE.
The Fusonst Legislature had brief ses-
sion on the 18th, but made no attemptto trans
act business The Republican members were
not in session, having adjourned at an early
hour in the morning after an all-night session,
until the nth. The Fusionist committee ap-
pointed to investigate the bribery charges met
and took considerable testimony. cousin Of
William II. White swore that ali effort was made
by the latter to bride him, and that he himself
told White that Swami could be bought White
refused TO obey summons to appear before
the investigating committee, alleging thatit was
not legally gained, and had no author
ity TO administer oaths or compel the
attendance OF Witnesses Mai Gen. Chamber
lain was formally called on TO recognize the
authority of Acting Gov Lamson, but refused,
basing his action on the order OF Garcelon
directing him to take charge OF the institutions
and property of the State. o. ID. Baker, coun-
sci for the Republican Advisory Committee,
delivered an opinion to the effect that there
was no Acting Governor, as Lamson, the claim
ant, was not President of constitutional Sen
ate
The situation at Augusta was virtually un-
changed on the l4th. The Legislature met at
the usual hour, the Republicans remaining
away. The Bribery Committee met,
but transacted little business. The
Election Committee reported in favor
of uuseating Dunnell, Republican member
from Westbrook and the seating OF Stiles DEM
ocrat, on the ground that Dunnell had but TIVE
majority, and three men at least voted for hum
who had no right To do so. Action on the re-
port was postponed
Everything was quiet at Augusta on the 18th.
In the House the Committee on Elections re-
ported, giving the seat of Donnells, of West
brooke, Republican, TO Merritt w. Stiles, Dem
ocrat The report was carried without oppo-
sition, and Stiles qualified and took his seat
| Acting Governor Lamson issued an or
| der to the Sheriff of Kennebec
county, informing him that his
| deputies were no longer required TO pro-
| tect the pubic buildings and directing him to
dismiss them. The Sheriff refused TO obey
the order. The House Bribery Committee
continued its investigations, but ELECTED
nothing Of Importance.
The Name Supreme Court on the 10th inst,
answered all the interrogations submitted to it
by the Legislature. The decision was in favor
of the Republicans and adverse to the Fusion
lists upon every point. The Legislature went
| into tue election Of Governor, the choice fall
| ing on Maj. Joseph l.. Smith. Other State Off
| GERS were also chosen. In the House, the re-
1
ing William Murray, Fusionist. of Vas,
| salboro, elected to seat instead
Of Rev Dr. Nathaniel Butler, Republican, was
adopted, thus bringing the members of the
| House to II. Gov. Smith delivered brief in
| augural address, and also issued an order re-
lieving Gen Chamberlain from the command
| of the State militia. The Bribery Committee
continued its investigation Thomas b.
| Swami repeated in greater detail the state
| ments previously made by him in regard
4 fo.t Ia afh nIo bx,W No p,
| induce him To stay away from the House or re-
| sign his seat. Scion Chase corroborated Swanns
| testimony in certain particulars. James o..
| White, member of the Legislature and cousin
of Wallace II. White, testified that the latter
offered him 81 ,00J TO stay away from the Legis-
| lature. Wentworth and Cushman, members OF
the House, swore that efforts were made to
| bride them to absent themselves from the
| State House.
Saturday, the 18th of January, was lively
| day at the Maine State capital The Fusion
Legislature met in the forenoon, and, after the
appointment of committees by both the Senate
| and House to take into consideration the eitua-
| ton of affairs and report upon the best mode
| of procedure, adjourned until Monday, the
| 10Th. Immediately after the Fusionists dis
| persed the Republican members of the
| Legislature took possession Of the State House
| and elected Daniel f. Davis Governor s. j.
Treasurer, H. b. Ceaves Attorney General and
S. j. Gallaghan Adjutant General. Davis was
sworn in az Governor and delivered an inaug-
| ural address. After the transaction of some
routine business both houses quietly adjourned.
| During the session Blaine came upon the floor
| of the House and was received with the widest
| demonstrations of applause.
The Republican Assembly held brief ses-
sion at Augusta on the 10Th inst, but did Moth
ing of importance. After the adjournment
| Gov. Davis gave orders to exclude the Fusion
| lists from the State House. In the afternoon
| the latter, headed by Gov. Smith, pre-
| sented themselves at the gateway of
the Capitol, but admission was denied
] them, and they proceeded to organize and
| transact their business on the sidewalk. After
| very short Sc ssion, at which it WAS determined
| to secure Union Hall and continue their ses-
sions from day to day, they adjourned. The
| Secretary of State and Governor secured
rooms in the same building. Money enough,
| it Is said, has been guaranteed 70 run
their Legislature all winter, and pay
| every man his salary. They say they intend
to appeal to Congress, and will soon have a
committee there to investigate matters. The
Fusionists were very indignant at their exclu-
sion from the Capitol. They say Gov. Smith
could have had 10000 men in readiness at a
moments notice, but his counsel has been
| for peace, and has prevailed. The State Treas
| urer issued an order instructing the subordi-
mates of his Office not to honor any demand for
| the payment of money from the treasury en-
anating from, or issued by, the authority OF
either of the Legislatures until further advised
| by him