The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-02-28
A SOLITARY sRNArR.
lopie ?, Read. In New York Msreury.l
 In lS66 nreNlona tn lhA nassnrn nf sh

In 1866 previous to the passage of shs reconstruction act, the legis ure oi Avkansaw assembled in what became known as the rebel session. Expecting trouble, the "Fehel session ciouyned Ia MaFch, with view of meeting again tho lst of May. In the meantime, General Ord received instructions to prohibit the Eeassembling of the men who, under the i constitution of the uaisea States, had n right to enact laws. Nearly all of the members yielded to the military manAa- mus, but few headstrong statesmen, knowing that the country demanded their services, convened upon the aErivaf ot the proper time The state house was surrounded by soldiers. but the deter. mined legislature met in General New tons law office. John R Fellows, now a prominent lawyer oi New York and as- sistant district attorney of that city, was the only senator present. Eatering the little room set apart for the senate. Mir. 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, Mir. Fellows, y0o Wat PiVASC thVk 1 pt&yCA.
 Then Mir, Fellows prayed.
 "Mr. Fellows" sad Mir. Fellows. will you please act as sergeant-at-armsT
 Yes, sir" answering himself.
 As the secretary is not present, Mir Fellows, you will have to discharge the duties of that officer."
 "All right, sir"
 Read the proceedings of the last days session"
 Mir. Fellows read and then moved that the journal stand approved.
 Any objections, gen,lemen?'
 There being no objections, the journal was approved.
 "MI. Psesii lent, said MT. Fellows, "I see that 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."
 Mir Fellows brought bucket of water
 Now, gentlemen, we arc ready for business"
 ust then some one looked in and said, "Come on, John, and let's get a drink"
 "Second the motion," said Mir. Eel. lows, and then turning with the gravity tOt WutNh hG tS uUk00t AOuuuuEds
 It is moved and seconded that the senate adjourn and take 8 drink All in favor of the motion will say aye"
 "Ayer
 "Contrary, mo-"
 " The ayes have it and the senate will adjourn"
 A few moments later .he senate ~as again called to order and the transaction of business begun in regular form.
 The commander of the post hearing that the legislature had met In violation of hls orders, sent fife of soldiers with orders to arrest the members and to bring them to Headquarters. The lower house, consisting Of five members, had Sad- journed when the soldiers arrived, but the senate was still in session, deep in q discussion pending the passage of a bill amending the revenue laws of the state. Mir. Fellows was arrested and taken be- fore General Ord.
 "Who are you, sir p asked the general.
 "The senate of Arkansaw.
 A member of the rebel legislature, eh2 Captain" addressing an officer, where are the other members :"
 This was the only one we found, kCnCidbs AiC uaA asSGthDtCh duu zed himself into the senate, and was dis cussipg bill when we arrested him."
 " Have you got the bill1"
 "Yes, sir, here il is," producing the document.
 The general, after reading the bill, said: "A very good idea, MT. Senate. Now, sir, what is your opinion; do you think it would have passed 2'
 |" l think that ts chances were good, ," replied Mir. Fellows.
 "You are no doubt wise legislator By the way, Mir. Senate, do you ever drink anything"
 Mir Fellows said that his most intimate friends had known him to drink.
 "Captain," continued the general, "pull out that jug. Drink, sir, and then we will go down and pass the bill 2
 Several years afterwards, when recon- struction had been affected, Fellows bill was taken up, passed without trouble and