Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-04-23
A solitary Senate.



In 1866, previous to the passage of the
reconstruction act, the Legislature of
Arknnsaw assembled in what became
known as the ''rebel session. Expecting
trouble the rebel session" adjourned in
March, with view of meeting again the
LIST of May. In the meantime, General
Ord received instructions to prohibit the
renssembling of the men who, under the
constitution of the United States, Ind no
right to enact laws. Nearly all of the
members yielded to the military man
damus, but few headstrong statesmen,
knowing that the country demanded their
services, convened upon the arrival Of the
proper time. The state house was sur
rounded by soldiers, but the determined
Legislature met in General Newton's law
Office. John II. Fellows, now promi-
nent lawyer of New York and assistant
district attorney Of that city, was the only
senator present. Entering the little room
set apart for the senate, Mr.. Fellows took
his place behind desk, struck the board
with a horseshoe and said
The senate will come to order. As
the chaplain is not present, Mr., Fellows,
you will please offer prayer"
Then Mr.. Fellows prayed.
Mr.. Fellows" said Mr.. Fellows, twill
you please net as sergeant-at-arms?
Ives, sir" answering himself.
"As the secretary is not present, Mr.
Fellows, you will have to discharge the
duties of that officer"
IAN right, sir"
"Read the proceedings of the last days
session."
Mr.. Fellows read and then moved that
the journal stand approved.
ANY objections, gentlemen :"
There being no objections, the journal
was approved.
"Mr. President" said Mr.. Fellows. ~
see TINT the janitor is not present. We
need bucket of fresh water"
"Mr. Fellows" said Mr.. Fellows, -
will appoint You to discharge the duties
of janitor."
Mr.. Fellows brought bucket of water
Now, gentlemen, we are ready fol
business"
Just then some one looked in and said
"Come on, John, and let's get drink.
Second the motion, v said Mr.. Fellows
and then turning with the gravity TO
which he is noted, continued
SIT is moved and seconded that tn,
senate adjourn and take n drink. All il
favor of the motion will say aye"
"Ayem
Contrary, no."
'The ayes have il and the senate viii
adjourn"
A few moments later the senate wa
agnin called to order and the transaction
of business begun in regular form.
The commander of the post hearing
TINT the Legislature had met in violation
of his ORDERS sent file of soldiers witt
orders to arrest the members and Il
bring them to headquarters. The lowe
house, consisting of five members, ha,
adjourned when the soldiers arrived, bu
the senate was still in session, deep in
discussion, pending the passage of II bill
amending the revenue laws of the state
Mr.. Fellows was arrested and tnkel
before General Ord.
who are you, sir - asked the general
THE senate of ArlSnnsnw."
"a member of the rebel Legislature
: ehI Captain" addressing an officer
'where are the other members:'
This was the only one we found
general. He had assembled and organ
, lied himself into the senate, and was dis
, cussing bill when we arrested him."
! Have you got the bill?"
; "Yes, sir, here it is" producing tn
document.
, The general, after reading the bill said
"a very good idea, Mr., Senate. Now
. sir, what is your opinion; do You think
, would have passed."
II think that its chances were good,
replied Mr.. Fellows. 1851.
You are no doubt wise legislator
BY the way, Mr.. Senate, do you eve
drink anything ?" ....-
Mr.. Fellows said that his most intimnt
; friends had known him to drink.
, Captain continued the general
pull out that jug. Drink, sir, and the
, we will go down and pass the bill"
j, Several years afterwards, when recon
struction had been affected, Fellows bi
! WINS taken up, passed without trouble an
is now law.
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