The Delta independent., 1891-01-13
NEBRASKA OFFICIALS.
AImnst Riot at the Declaring of the
vote

vOtc.
In the threc-cornered fight between
Republicans, Democrats and Alliance men
at Lincoln, Nebraska, there came near be-
ing a collision last Thursday. Tho vote
was to be announced by the officer pre-
siding over the joint session, and right
here the contest centered.
The Alliance members had taken posses
sion of the House at 8 o'clock in the morn
ing. They placed the Speaker IAN Al
lance mani in the chair and put a Gordon
of assistant sergeant arms around HIM
When Lieutenant Governor Meikleiohn
(Republican) appeared he was not allowed
to take his seat, but stood in front OF the
Speaker ready to call the joint session to
order.
At 8 o'clock the Speaker issued On order
for the arrest of Lieutenant Governor
Meikleiohn on the charge of misconduct in
office and breach OF the peace. The lieu
tenant governor defed the officer and was
not taken into custody.
Both sides had force of sergeants-a
arms within call, and any attempt on
| either side to proceed with the canvass OF
the vote would have precipitated a row.
| To avoid this COMMITTEES from each
| party was sent with statement Of the
case 10 the Supreme Court for u decision
as to which officer has the constitutional
right to preside.
Governor Thayer ordered out company
OF the National Guards, and at II o'clock
they stacked arms in the corridors OF the
capitol, Crowds were arriving on every
| train 10 attend the Inauguration Of the
Democratic Governor-elect Boyd, and
considerable impatience was shown oyer
the delay in counting the votes. The
militia was called out only Us precau-
tionary measure.
| AT l2:l5 IL became known that the Su-
preme Court had issued u writ OF manGs-
mus directing the Speaker OF the House
! 10 canvass the returns. The sheriff OF
Lancaster County, with deputies and n
ballir OF the Supreme Court, burs: in the
doors OF the House and fought their way
through the crowd of Alliance men guard
ing the entrance, and the writ was served
on the Speaker.
A motion to take a recess until 3 o'clock
was declared carried, and the lieutenant
governor and the Republicans fled out Of
the hall.
At 2:l5 Speaker Elder called the joint
session TO order. Tho Republicans and
| Democrats were In their seats and an
swcrcd the roll call. Meikle!ohn held his
position in the front of the speakers
! stand, which was crowded with Alliance
men.
Chaplain Difrcnbocher prayed that the
/ Almighty would give the legislators there
assembled grace TO control themselves
and faithfully perform their duties.
The returns were taken in charge by
Meiklo!ohn, who handed them over to
Elder. Elder announced that they had
not been tampcrei with. II was 4 o'clock
when Speaker Elder commenced at Meik-
leiohns behest 10 read the returns. As
slowly as he could, tho speaker called OF
the vote of each county. In the meantime
nlieustering was continued.
Chief Justice Cobb of the Supreme Court
sent in word that the men who advised
the Alliance men 10 disregard the mandate
OF the court would be dealt with severely.
This had n soothing effect on the obstruo-
tionis,s in the lobby.
At $50 the speaker finished the canvass
and formally declared that James Boyd
had been duly elected governor. This
declaration was also made in reference to
the Republican state ticket below gov
crnor.
Then an Alliance member introduced q
resolution to the effect that tho election
was void and refusing to recognize any OF
the officers as elected, also ceusurin K the
Supreme Court After much delay and
discussion the resolution was adopted by
n strict party vote, 20 to 50, the Repubh-
cans and Democrats voting no. The joint
session then adjourned.
AT S o'clock this evening Governor elect
Boyd called on Governor Thayer and was
informed that the latter would not give up
the oftice on the ground that Boyd was
not citizen of tho United States and was
therefore not eligible. Governor Thaycr
has barricaded the executive ofice and
remains inside with policemen and troop
of militia on guard. II Is impossible to
reach him to ascertain his purpose. but 1t
is understood that he will remain governor
II possible until all questions affecting his
successor are settled.
The officers, however, were sworn In
promptly by Chief Justice Cobb and the
contest will now go on as prescribed by
law. There is prospect that the logisla-
ture will unseat every one of tho new
officers.
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