The morning call., 1893-02-16
THREATS OF VIOLENCE.
But So Far They Have Been Only
Threats.

TOPEKA, Kans.. Feb. 15-The Populists.
anticipating the events of the day. yester-
day attempted to throw the burden of the
situation upon Sheriff Wilkinson of this
county. The Governor informed him Off
clally late last evening that rumors were in
circulation TO the effect that a lawless mob.
mean ing the Republican House of Repre-
sentatiyes, contemplated forcible invasion
OF the hall Of the House of Representatives,
and called upon him to summon posse
comtatus to resist such law less invasion,
and Speaker Dunsmore of the Populist
House sent message calling on the Sheriff
for sufficient force to preserve the peace
end authority of the House.
The Sheriff. after taking legal advice re-
fused to comply with the demand of the
Governor and of the Populst Speaker. say
ing that II there was House of Repre-
sentativeS legally organized that is clothed
with authority to appoint sergeant-at-
arms who has all the powers necessary.
Not being willing to decide which House
was the legally organized body he the
Sheriff would take no part so long as the
peace and quiet OF the citizens remained
undisturbed.
This reply determined tie Governor to
executive order Colonel Hughes at once
took charge. The various companies which
had been drawn up about the State House
during the day according to the ideas OF
the individual commandants were given
stations at the four main entrances of the
Capitol and on its four sides.
The Republican House Is in no condition
to stand prolonged siege. as II has neither
81 ol1f hi, ban
Daring the excitement prevalent at noon
they succeeded in running the Populists'
blockade aud secured sandwiches and coffee
for lunch. Enough Of this was left for
meager meal this evening, but when that
had disappeared all hope of eating except
at the cost Of unconditional surrender, was
gone.
Guards are stationed in all the corridors.
and no one Is allowed TO enter the building.
The steam is also kept turned off, and the
members are forced to wear their oyercoats
to keep warm.
The policy Of the Republicans is to hold
out as long as possible and await the forci-
BILE entrance of the militia into the bail.
They will obey 10 orders to yacate the hall,
and will compel the troops to move each
bodily.
NJ lEs lHbldHCc vi JOotpu NdtcIS tuS
publscans tonight appointed a committee
TO carry flag Of truce TO Governor Lewell-
lug and agree, IL possible, upon a suspen'
sion Of hostilites. The committee proposed
that both Houses adjourn until the case
could be made in the Supreme Court and
finally adjudlcated. The Governor would
not consent to this. and a wordy war en-
sued. Finally, Waters turned to Judge
Doster, who was leading Populist candI-
date for Senator and who has been the legal
adviser OF the PopuIist House. and told him
that it would be to his (Doster's) interest to
settle the matter.
You have been more active than any
other man." he continued. "in bringing
about this state OF affairs. But for your
advice to the Populists The House quarrel
would have been settled long ago. Now, we
tell You that 100 men have it in for you,
and If there is ever a shot fred in this ex-
element you will be the first to fall"
1t being evident that no agreement could
be reached the conference broke up and the
Republicans returned to the hall.
Yesterday the Senate coneurred in the
amendments to the legislative appropria-
tion bill and last evening the bill was ap-
proved by Governor Lewelling. 1t makes
an appropriation of $4,000 for salaries aud
mileage Of the members Of the Senate and
the Populst House.
Early this morning the Populists be-
sieged the Office of Treasurer Bidde and
began drawing their salaries, and In the
meantime the Republicans went before
Judge Johnson and secured an injunction
restraining the State Treasurer from paying
out money under the act. Notice was
served on the Treasurer at 10 80 o'clock,
but two-thirds of the members had already
received their money. The injunction will
be the test Of the legality of the Populist
House.