The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-01
AN EXCITING DAY.
Efforts of Democrats to Secure a Hall
for Meeting.

for a Meeting.
FRANKFORT, Ky, Jan. 31.-Ths morn
ing not a member of the Legislature knew
whether or not the body would be per-
mitted TO meet in the Capitol building. All
they knew was that soldiers were guarding
every gate and that nobody would be al
lowed to enter without a pass. They de-
cided. however. to meet at the Capitol
Hotel and march in a body to the State
house Clerk Edward Lee. of the House
with Representatives Kildey and Lewis,
formed the advance guard and at 9:45 they
presented themselves at the south gate of
the capitol grounds. A young lieutenant
was guard. in command of a small
squad. As soon as the members of the
Legislature were identified they were adj
mitted and allowed to pass into the Capt.
toll building. Not soldier in sight on
the outside of the building, but once the
door was opened II looked like war. Long
lines OF infantry We're drawn up on each
eide of the hall, with fixed bayontes.
At the foot of the stairs leading to the
legislative halls stood Colonel Williams.
and behind him detachment of soldiers
completely blocking up the stair. Colonel
Williams carried in his hand large bum
die of papers, one OF which he handed to
each member of the House as they passed
him. IL was a copy of the proclamation
given above Colonel Williams permitted
Clerk Lee. Assistant Clerk Henry Stone
and a few representative to pass up the
stairs Then the main body of the Legis-
lature came tramping through the door
way and they were stopped by the soldiers
d. f,ot orfaQ nd eve la ma
filled the air and Colonel Williams. mount
ing half way up the stairs, shouted:
'Gentlemen. hold in my hands a proc
lamation issued by the Governor of Ken
lucky which 1 will read
He then read the proclamation in a loud
tone and directed an orderly to pass
copies OF the proclamation to the crowd.
The legislators were coming in too rapidly.
however, and the pushing and shouting
made il impossible for any explanation
TO be given the late Corners. Adjutant Gen
eral Collier then mounted the stairway
and read the proclamation second time.
When he finished representative shouted:
''Mr. Chairman. Mr.. Chairman"
WELL" said the general with laugh.
where is London?" us IL in Ken
tucky?" yelled another voice.
The good humor soon died away, how
ever. and loud cries of Indignation were
heard from the Democratic members.
Then loud above the tumult came a voice
clear and sharp:
I'VE are dealing with a pack of heather
and hounds. Let's go to the opera house,
AT THE OPERA HOUSE.
Shouts of approval greeted this proposal
and out of the door down the broad steps
streamed the crowd Fastening along ST.
Clair street toward the opera house Close
behind came General Collier on the run
He shouted orders to Lieutenant Colonel
Gray. who was standing by the steps. A
few quick orders were given by that officer
and the away toward the opera house went
the soldiers the dead run. 1t was no
parade. Every man went as though run
ming TO a fire. They up the middle of
the street and easily distanced the legisla-
tors. who took the sidewalk and handi-
capped themselves by the numerous posts
boxes and pedestrians that filed the way
When the lawmakers arrived all they OBJ
tanned for their run of a quarter of mile
was the privilege OF standing on the oppo-
site side OF the street and gazing at the
opera house, the front of which was occu-
pied by a painting line OF soldiers in double
rank. with fixed bayonets.
General Lyons, the oldest and most cor
pulent member OF the House. had despite
his physical drawbacks. managed to beat
the soldiers and get into the hall. He was
politely requested to come out. which he