Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-01
Captain Kolb's Demonstration at
Montgomery, Alabama.
SWORN In, BUT DIDN'T TAKE OFFICE
Go, Jones Kept Him From the
Capitol.
THEN INDUCED IN ORATORY

| MONTGOMERY.A Ala, December 1.-Since
| daylight this morning the streets of Ala
bama's state capital have resounded with
the tramp OF armed men and the roll Of
| drums. The early morning sun has glinted
| upon hundreds of bristling bayonets all
| OF which marks the arrival and presence
| OF portion of the state militia to par
| ticipate in the Inauguration of Gov w. c.
oates. The mere presence of troops on
this occasion is not an unusual occurrence
| in itself. 1t has long been the custom for
the state militia to participate in the cere-
monies There is one unusual feature in
connection with their presence, however
| today. Each of these men, by direct or
| ders OF Gov. Jones. carried forty rounds
| of ball cartrid ges for his rifle, and there
were other rounds close at hand. Instead
Of coming to Montgomery, all on pleasure
| bent, to make a jolly occasion of the day,
| they are here prepared for sterner matters
III necessary. Consequently they presented
more military display as they trudg-
| ed steadily up streets in close order and
there was an appearance in their manner
ana bearing of readiness for whatever
might come. These troops are not here by
public order OF state authorities, but by
invitation to take part in a civic ceremony.
1t is fair to assume however, that when
| their invitation was followed by command
| to bring ammunition they construed the
| invitation in a different manner.
This Is the day set apart by Capt. H. F.
Kolb in a pronunciamento issued to the
| people of Alabama last month upon which
he Is by the grace of Cod to be sworn in
as governor and to attempt to exercise the
functions thereof. 1t is also the day ap-
pointed by the legislature Of Alabama for
the inauguration of Governor elect Oates,
declared elected by that body who is to
be vested with his gubernatorial authority
by the present governor. by the grace OF
God and with whatever collateral in
nuence may be necessary.
Capt. kolb's Followers.
There was another body Of men upon
Mortgomery's streets this morning who
made no display Of force but who were
easily recognized. They were tall, gaunt
countrymen, with sullen faces, and attired
in rough clothes and SLOUGH hats They
| came in town in small groups within the
| past twenty-four hours by trains wagons
and mules. They dent appear to be armed
They make no boast or buster, but go
about with cowed air, and gaze wrath
fully upon the military. These are the
men who came here at Capt. Kolb's re-
| quest to see him sworn in as governor "by
of law.
When The Star correspondent reached
Montgom cry, at late hour last night,
there Were few outward signs of anticipa-
ton of trouble. The visiting militia were
resting upon their arms in their armories
A guard had been maintained at the ar
mory for several nights There were no
demonstrations on the streets, but men
gathered In the hotels and restaurants, and
talked earnestly over the prospects of the
morrow. No exhibition of braggadocio
was made, but the people seemed to be
upon strain.
Out at Capt Kolb's residence a secret
caucus OF some of the populist leaders was
in session. whose deliberations were care
fully guarded
Gov. jones' Preparations.
The Star correspondent found Gov Jones
at down town Office, with Congressman
Cobb. well known in Washington as a
member of the District committee; Maj.
Screws, the postmaster; Col. Glass and
Judge Rutledge.
Il don't anticipate trouble" said Gov
Jones to The Star correspondent, but I
am prepared to stamp 1t out on the spot
If II should appear.
Il have ordered the militia to carry ball
cartridges, so as to be ready for action II
required. / am simply doing my duty In
providing for the safe and orderly inaugu-
ration of the man whom the legislature Of
Alabama has declared to be governor-Wm.
c. Oates. If the legislature had declared
Capt. Kolb to be governor l would take
the same steps for his inauguration, II
there were signs of opposition.
Capt. Kolb has no earthly claim to the
governorship. He was Overwhelmingly de-
where he charges fraud, there would still
lie sweeping majority against him. / re-
gard his threats and murmurings as a
bluff to serve several purposes. First, he
wants TO be able to say TO his followers
that he made an attempt to be seated as
governor. He wants that attempt to be
accepted by outside sympathizers as a
guarantee OF the good faith of his former
statements to them, and he wants to place
himself upon record for the benefit of his
followers who will make congressional
contests"
The kOlb Program.
At tie caucus of the Kolbites. held last
night a program of action for today was
state house at IL o'clock today, one hour
in advance OF the Inauguration of Oates,
and have Mr.. Kolb sworn in.
Some difficulty was experienced i'm getting
ar official to administer the oath to Kolb.
Two populist judges. sympathizers with
the cause, were asked to perform the Of
fce, but declred on the ground that they
would lose their offices by being impeached
for treason. The caucus OF the kolbite
legislators. who, by their announcement In
the legislature, are men OF peace, are said
to have been thrown into state of con-
sternation by the appearance of a we'll
known Kolbite leader. who announced that
he had come for war.
He said he had brought body Of
mounted men, armed with Winchester
rifles. who had come from an adjacent
county, and were at that moment en-
camped just across the river opposite the
town. The leader wanted to know what
his men should do.
The men of peace stood aghast at this
declaration, and declared that they did not
want any violence.
but Capt Kolb called for the people to
come and seat him." said the countryman.
land / do not see how it can be done with
out fighting. What did you start this
thing for If yoa do not intend to carry II
out You had better have kept your
mouths shut II you did not intend to fight"
This fellow. who is known as a hard GUS
TONER and has killed his man, is said to
have told the leaders that he was in Mont
gomery fully prepared to face anything
that comes.
II am a single man." he said. "and
haven't a near relative in the world; more
over, / am dying with consumption. Now.
1 am willing to give up my life today to
establish a republican form Of government
in the state of Alabama, or make the at
tempt to do ii one of the bloodiest pages
in the history of the state, and have got
men who will follow me. VIII you do it?'
His offer is said to have been declined
with precipitate thanks, and he was en-
treated to return to his camp across the
river.
This incident is cited to show the effect