The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-02-17
THE POPULIsTS BEATEN
Republican Members at Topeka Won
The Victory.
IT WAS A GAME OF BLUFF
None OF the Beselged showed Any Signs
ofGIving in and Only Yielded On
Favorable Conditions.
IT WAS A GAME OF BLUFF
Associated Press.

Associated Press.
Topeka, KS, Feb. 16.-The only thing
needed to make war in Kansas, is fight
ing. The conditions OF war are in exist
ence. Opposed bodies of armed men, some-
thing to fight about, and q disposition to
fight, are all evident, but war does not
open. Bellicose preparations were car
ried on briskly by both sides all day, but
the governor, by offering to compromise,
the difficulty, and keeping the two houses
apart, tapered the crisis off into very
tame armed truce The proposition for a
compromise was offered to the republi-
can house, and they finally amended 1t to
suit their own ideas and returned 1t to
the governor who announced that he
would reply tomorrow and in the mean
time, an armed truce exists. This is the
situation late tonight. The whole city of
Topeka appeared during the day to be
under martial law. Troops marched and
countermarched through the broad av-
eneues of the city. wearing yellow badges,
bearing inscriptions Deputy Sheriff."
were hurrying to and fro; cannon were
being dragged through the streets and
hundreds of civilians arrived during the
day from all over the state. Many car
ried guns In cases, few carried them
under their overcoats, but more marched
boldly from the stations to the hotels
with rifles or shot-guns flung over their
shoulders. The real sensation Of the day
was the disloyalty of the state troops to
the commander-in-chief, the governor. He
twice ordered Colonel Hughes, command
ant of the forces to attack the republican
but Colonel Hughes declined,
and he was relieved. Then the governor
took personal command and ordered that
no provisions be allowed to pass the
lines but the order was disregarded.
Then Lieutenant Barker Of the Sd Regi-
ment was given command of the troops,
but still the governors orders were dis
regarded. Finally, Brigadier General Het-
tiger arrived from Wichita and took
He let It be understood that the repub-
licans had nothing to fear from him.
This caused the governor great uneasi-
ness and after council with the popu-
list leaders, a compromise proposition
was offered the republican house.
At 2 D. M, the governor submitted to
the republicans a proposition to with
draw the militia and not allow the re-
publicans to be interfered ith by the pop
ulists If the republicans would drop the
legal proceedings against the populists,
and IL the sheriff would disband bis posse.
The agreement to last till the close Of
the session. The republicans are consider
Ing the proposition.
The prospects for tomorrow are that |
the populists will decline to accept the
proposition of compromise as amended by |
he republicans.
The republicans this morning hit upon |
4 plan to strengthen their position by
bringing to their aid the authority Of the
sheriff, backed by posse. The sheriff is
sued proclamation and by noon fully a |
thousand men were sworn in. Not caring |
% take the risk of arming recruits with
ire arms, the sheriff decided to arm them
Ill with clubs. All sorts of clubs were
pressed into service, from broomsticks to
baseball bats. The sheriff announced that
he would make no move until fracture
If the peace actually occurred. He ex-
blamed that he would regard an attempt /
o eject the republicans the legally con-
Itituted house, as he regards it) dis
urbance Of the peace and would then in
erfere to maintain order This action by
he sheriff taken in connection with the
Lttitude assumed by the militia, has de-
,rived the popuIists Of all fighting sup
'ort excepting that afforded by three pro
-isional companies of militia and some
Ifty assistant ergeants-at-arms But in
he meantime, the populists began to ar
i've and tonight they are strongly rein
orced. The governor may organize these
nto provisional troops who can be de-
ended upon to obey his orders.
1t is not believed, however, that he will
AXE such extraordinary action.
The general feeling tonight is one OF re-
ewed uneasiness, and the prediction is
reely made that tomorrow may seq the
ong anticipated war inaugurated.
Topeka, Kansas. Feb. 1.-THE republic
an house is still besieged in the repre-
entatives' hall, and the force OF state
militia is still posted around the cap
tol. Col. Hughes has again declined to
bey the governors order to eject the
epublicans. and the only resources the
overnor has beside the regular militia
re three companies OF populIst proyis-
onal troops. No overt action has yet
cen taken, though Governor Lewelling
till asserts positively chat he win drive
he republicans from the hall at the
oint Of the bayonet- The republicans
ssert with equal posltiveness that they
I'LL resent election even to the use Of
rms. The sheriff still refuses to take
and in the trouble.
The city is black and blue today-blaclk
nth people come to see the fun, and
lue with troops. Every train arriving
uring the past twelve hours has brought
roops and republican and popullst vol
nteers. armed with ali sorts Of weapons.
nxious to take a hand In the fight Sol
iers surround the capitol. and guards
re stationed at every entrance to pre-
ent any one from entering without
ass from the governor. countersIgned by
he adjutant general 1lFs. Lease man