The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-12-17
"FLoCKEO BY HIMSELF"
Col. Fellows Last Previous Appearance as : Leg
isatOr.


Col. Fellows Last Previous Appearance as Leg
lsatOr.
The following story is revived, spropOs Of
the election Of "Col" Fellows to Congress as a
Representative from New York City:
In 1866. previous to the passage Of the Re-
construction Act, the Legislature Of Arkansas
assembled in what became known as che rebel
session" Expecting trouble, the rebel session
adjourned in March, with view of meeting
again the lst Of May. In the meantime Gen.
Ord received instructions TO prohibit the reas-
semblng of the men who. under the COnstitu-
ton Of the United States, had no right to enact
laws. Nearly all the members yielded TO the
military mandamus; but a few headstrOng
statesmen, knowing that the country demand
ed their services, convened upon the arrival Of
the proper time. The StaIehouse was sur
rounded by soldiers, but the determined Leg
stature met in Gen. NewtOns law Office. John
r. Fellows, now a prominent 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 a desk, struck
the board with a horseshoe, and said:
The Senate will come 70 order. As the
Chaplain is not present, Mr.. Fellows, you will
please offer prayer"
Then Mr. Fellows prayed.
"Mr. Fellows" said Mr. Fellows, "will you
please act as Seageant-at-Arms? ,"
90 Yes, sir" answered himself
"As the Secretary is not present, Mr.. Fell
| lows you viii have to discharge the duties Of
that officer"
"AIl right. sir"
"Read the proceedings Of the last days ses-
sion"
Mr. Fellows read, and then moved that the
| journal stand approved.
"Any objection, gentlemen"
There being no objection, the Journal was
Mr. President said Mr. Fellows, ct see
that the ianitor Is not present. We need a
bucket Of fresh water"
"Mr. Fellows" said Mr.. Fellows, at will APP
point you to discharge the duties Of janitor."
Mr.. Fellows brought bucket Of water.
"NOw, gentlemen, we are ready for busi-
ness"
Just then someone looked in and said, Come
| on John. and let's get drink"
Second the motion" said Mr.. Fellows, and
/ then, turning, with the gravity for which he
/ is noted continued:
at is moved and seconded that the Senate
| adjourn and take drink. All in favor Of the
motion viii say aye"
AYE"
Contrary, no."
"The ayes have it, and the Senate will adj
| journ."
A few moments later the Senate was again
called TO order, and the transaction Of business
| began in regular form.
The commander Of the post hearing that the
| Legislature had met in violation Of his orders,
/ sent a file Of soldiers with orders to arrest the
| members aud 20 bring them TO headquarters.
/ The Lower House, consisting Of five members,
/ had adjourned when the soldiers arrived, but
the Senate was still in session, deep in a discus
i sion pending the passage of bill amending the
/ revenue laws Of the State. Mr. Fellows was
! arrested and taken before Gen. Ord.
| "WhO are you sir?" asked the General.
1.-THE Senate Of Arkansas"
4 "A member Of the rebel Legislature, eh, Cap
tain 2 Where are the other members2"
This was the only one we found, General.
/ He had assembled and organized himself into
/ the Senate, and was discussing bill when We
arrested him."
"Have you got the bilI2"
Eyes, sir; here it ID" producing the dOcu-
ment.
The General, after reading the bill, said:
"a very good idea, Mr.. Senator. Now, SIR
what Is your opiniOnH Do you think it would
| have passed."
II think that its chances were good" replied
Mr.. Fellows.
"You are no doubt wise legislator. By the
way. Mr.. Senate, do you ever drink any
MT. 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 viii go down
and pass the bill"
| Several years afterward, when reconstruction
had been effected, FelOwss bill was taken up,
passed without trouble, and is now law.