Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-03-17
GUNS NOT NEEDED.
Day of Peace and Quietness
at the Kentucky Capital.
Neither the Democrats or Republicans
Vote in Joint Convention.
Vote Will Be Taken, Today. II Both Houses
are In Session.

Frankfort Ky, March l6.-At 10
o'clock 400 soldiers were encamped in
State House square. Every entrances to
the state building was patrolled by a
militia man. The Governor was in his
Office and had been there all night. except
for few hours between . o'clock ard
daylight, when &c slept at the marsion
for "a while.
When seen by United Press represen-
tative Just as the Louisville Legion. $50
strong, stepped from n special train and
marched up To the State house to Join the
troops already stationed there. he said,
Il hate to see that, referring to the
marching troops.
There is no craftsmanship in what |
have done. Except for the disgrace it
would bring on my party, | would wish
that they were unruly and that 1t had
been The DemI rats who demanded this
protection. However, several Democrats
have been among those who have de-
manded of me this protection.
The people Of Frankfort slept very little.
last night. They were too excited. Lights
burned all night and rays shone from
every window of the hotels where the
leaders of both parties gathered for con
sultation.
The Frankfort military company, on
DUTY at the capitol, was reinforced by the
Lexington at 3 o'clock this morning, anu
shortly after 10 o'clock the famous fight
ing Louisville Legion, under command of
John Morgan S trusted aide, Col John Is.
Castleman, arrived aud went on duty
about the state house.
a strong guard was also placed at the
arsenal rs a precaution, the streets were
j.mifled as early as clock and every in
coming train was loaded down with Black
burn sympsthizers and curious people who
came "a gee the row Every man pocket
looked heavy and pistols were very much
in evidence.
The citizens are very angry over the riot
call, last night, and IN Indignation meet
ing was held at the court house. this after
noon. Rev. Mr.. Cooper, the chaplain of
the penitentiary, whose turn it was, this
morning to open the Honse with prayer,
was stopped at the entrance by a sentry.
He finally got through and said
1t is my morning 10 open the House
with prayer, but | will not do SO. | refuse
to dishonor God while Kentucky is being
dishonored. The House can go without
prayer, this morning, az far as | am con
cCrned. -
Shortly after 10 o'clock, Col. J. b.
Castleman of Louisville was made the ac-
tive commander of the troops. Most of tht
members of the Legislature arriy ed early
at the state house They did not believe
there would be serious trouble, today.
They think the crisis WAS passed last
l. I
Shaply, was dressed In an adiutart's uni
form and he had squad Of men around
him.
Among the first to arrive Were Walton
ard james the unseated senators. They
took the same seats they have occupied IN
the House since their expulsion from the
Senate. The mayor and chief of police
showed their disapproval OF the Governor s
course by staying away.
Senator Blackburn and Congressman
Phil Thompson arrived at the House stair
ways at 1890 The senator was allowed
to go up, but Mr. Thompson was turned
back
A minute later Sergeant at Arms Som
mers of the Senate, accompanied by Col.
John Chinn, Eph Lillar and his other
newly sworn in deputies, were halted.
Mr.. Sommcrs showed his papers and those
of his deputies. He was told to go on
himself, but his deputies must remain be-
hind. The latter turned back and said
nothing
Up stairs Senator Blackburn was the
only one to be seen CT the crowd that had
heretofore been with him in the cloak
room of the Senate for the past two
months.
Continued on page 2.