The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-02-16
MILITIA CALLED OUT.
Conflict Between Kansas Republi-
cans and Populists.
AFTER REINFORCEMENT
Eoth Factions Want HeIp-RepubIicans
Seized the Hall From the Popuiists
and Then the State House Was Sur
rounded by troops.

TOPEKA, Kan, Feb. 18.-The long ex-
pected crisis has arrived and there now
seems no way to prevent a dangerous
clash between the Republicans ana Popu-
lists.
Yesterday Gov. Lewelling called out
the state militia to eject the members OF
the Republican House from the hall
representatives, they having effected for
chile entrance through doors barred by
the Populists by means of sledge ham
mers. Had the Populist House been in
session a conflict would have resulted.
The Republicans being informed OF the
action OF the governor, held a hurried
conference to determine upon what course
of action to pursue. No definite plan was
decided upon, but individual Repu blicans
are trying to induce the Atchinson rail-
road to call out its shop hands to oppose
the militia in ejecting the Republicans
from the hall. The Republicans have
nailed, barred and propped every door
leading TO the hall.
Company c, a military company which
Adit.-Gen. Artz had notified Tuesday
night TO stand in readiness, was already
on the ground, and orders were tele-
graphed To Holton and Marion for COM
panies ID and O..
Adjutant- General Artz was only con-
firmed Tuesday and is not very CONVEX
SAINT with military affairs. The only cap
able officer OF rank on the ground is Col.
j. w. f. Hughes. To him, late yesterday
afternoon, Adjutant General Artz deliv-
cred the following order from the gov
ernor:
"You are hereby ordered TO assume active
command OF all officers and men OF the Kansas
National Guard assembled in Topeka and
around the state House."
Col. Hughes at once took charge. The
various companies which had been
Drawn Up About the state House,
according to the ideas OF the individual
commandants, were given stations at the
four main entrances to the Capitol.
Squads of men were posted at all the
basement entrances. Sentinel lines were
thrown out and the situation assumed a
military aspect.
The forces were divided into three
parts, each TO remain on active duty eight
hours, while the other two, while being
held In reserve, are permitted To obtain
rest and refreshments.
The Populists decided not to force the
issue by an assault upon the Republican
position In Representative Hall, but to
conquer the enemy by siege. The Repub-
lican House is in no condition to stand
siege. 1t has neither supplies nor the
means of obtaining them.
'"During the excitement prevalent at
ulist blockade, and secured sandwiches
and coffee for lunch. Enough was left
over for few meals, but when that is
gone there will be left no hope OF eating
except at the cost OF unconditional sur
render.
Guards have been stationed in all the
corridors leading to Representative Hal
and at all the entrances to and exits
from the building. Anyone can leave the
hall who so desires, but is not permitted
70 return. Nopasses are given out by
Col Hughes through the lines. Even
newspaper men are denied entrance to
the building.
AT o'clock the Repu blicans telephoned
from Representative Hall TO n caterer tO
send a lunch TO the hall. In the event OF
being unable to get it through the lines,
he was instructed to take IL TO n position
under one of the windows, whence the
Republicans would
Elevate II by Means of n Rope.
The caterers messenger, while attempt
ing to carry out the order-was arrested bv
the pickets and his stores were captured
He was allowed TO go after having being
reprimanded and cautioned.
The Republicans thus find themselves
in position which cannot be maintained
for long. The janitor Of the building
having by Adiutant- General Artzs order
turned of the steam in Representative
Hall, the Repu blicans have been without
heat all day. They have managed to keep
reasonably warm by wearing their over
coats and hats.
The Republicans have barricaded the
doors OF Representative Hall from the in
side and now have $50 deputy sergeant-st-
arms on the inside to resist any effort on
the part OF the officers OF the Populist
House TO gain admission. Speaker Doug
las has given orders to admit any OF the
Bnnnligt u n -
but no officer or member of the Populist
House isto be recognized. One hundred
Republican sergeants are on the outside
TO guard the doors and prevent rush hy
the Populsts.
At the instance of Joe Waters, the Re- !
publicans appointed committee, con
sisting of Mr.. Sherman, Mr.. Waters and
Mr.. CubbisOn, TO visit Governor Lewell-
ing and agree, If possible, upon a suspen-
sion OF hostilities. They proposed that
both houses agree to adjourn until case
could be made I'm the Supreme Court and
finally adjudicated.
The governor would not entertain the
proposition, but suggested that the Re-
publican house adjourn. The Republi-
cans would not consent to this. Joe Wat
ers said the conference had come about on
the governors request. This the COVER
nor denied and a war OF words between
him and Waters ensued.
Then Waters told Judge Frank Doster,
who had been the
Legal Adviser of the Popuiist House,
that IL was to Doster's interest to settle
this thing.
"You have been more active than any
other man." he continued, ain bringing
about this state OF affairs. But for advice
TO the Populists the House quarrel would |
have been settled long ago. Now we tell |
you that 100 men have IL in for you and IL |
there is ever a shot fired in this excite
ment, you will be the first to fall"
IL being evident that no agreement |
could be reached the conference broke up |
and the Republicans returned TO the half. |
UAt q o'clock two of the Republicans guards |
stationed in the corridor ran across Mr..
Mckay, Populist state auditor. The
guards arrested him on the charge OF hav-
ing assaulted a Republican guard during
the mornings scrimmage. Mckay was
hustled into Representative Hall. The |
there cheered and cheered again.
Mckay was taken before the bar OF the
House, was reprimanded by Speaker
Douglas and was then allowed TO depart.
Then the members settled down to
await developments. Their policy is to
-