The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1893-02-16
sledghammer LawmaIing.

TOPEKA, Feb. ia riot is imminent
between the republicans and populists
in the hall of the house of representa-
tives. There seems no way to avoid
dangerous clash. When the republicans
went to the hall this morning they found
the doors barred by the populists. At
ter short consultation, the republicans
resolved to force an entrance. Sledge-
hammers were brought into play against
one of the side entrances, with such
good effect that the doors were soon de-
molished and the republicans quickly
filed into the hail. Had the populists
been in session conflict would surely
have resulted, but fortunately the popu-
list house adjourned yesterday till 1
o'clock this afternoon. AS soon as the
populists learned what had been done,
Governor Lewelling was notified.
The governor promptly called out the
militia and instructed them to proceed
to the hall to eject the republicans from
the floor and the soldiers started on
their mission.
The republicans, learning of the COVER
nor's action, held hurried consultation
as to the course to pursue. No definite
plan was decided on, but individual re-
publicans are trying to induce the Santa
Fe railroad to call out their shopmen to
oppose the militia. The other industries
known to be in sympathy with the re-
publicans were asked to furnish men for
the same purpose.
Mentime the populists were not Idle
Company G. of the local militia, res
ponded promptly to the call, having
been notified by adjutant- General Artz
last night to be in readiness. They
marched to the capitol grounds and took
up their position awaiting orders.
Orders we're also telegraphed to-
Holton and Marion for companies D and
G, which are now reported on their way
on a Special car. In the hall of the
house the republicans are making show
of doing business. Great enthusiasm
and loud cheers wshe evoked by the
presentation to Speaker Douglas of the
sledgehammer with which an entrance
was effected into the hall, and which
Douglass subsequently used in place of
the gavel to call the house to order.
There were "a assistant sergeants-at
arms n'the house when the republicans
forced their way in, but they did Enoth-
ing to prevent it, except to warn the re-
publicans that they Iwere destroying
state property, and would be held ac-
eountable for it. ie
When the..republicans took possession
of the house they elected the populist
They say they pro-
pose to hold possession. and sent out for
dinner.
The governor has ordered out four
companies of infantry and two batteries
of artillery, and rs men, chiefly farmers,
have been taken to the arsenal, uni
formed, armed and sent to the capitol
grounds. An Oakland company also ar
rived and took a position on the grounds.
The republicans then nailed, barred
and propped every door leading to the
hall. o
The populists decided to freeze the
republicans out. The janitcr shut off
the steam from the hall. The populists
also have undertaken to starve out the
The men sent for lunch
for them cannot get past the militia
lines. The house, therefore, is. in a
state of siege. A militia company has
been stationed near the arsenal with
guards posted. Two cannon run out of
the arsenal were loaded with shot, and
everything looks decidedly warlike.
The militia has full control of the situa-
ton, and every move of the populist
house depends on the governor. COL
of the Third regiment, repub-
lican, has been relieved from duty be-
cause he refused to obey the adjutant-
general.