New Britain herald., 1927-12-12

Scenes at the capitol recalled the stirring days In 1923 when Gov crnor Walton refused to call a special session to investigate his administration. as Governor John- ston also has declined to do. After several days Of negotiations. in which no legislators were allowed in the building. Governor Walton approved the session and was i'm peached.
 Leaders to Convene
 Representative II, Lom Right, chairman of the lower house inyes- tigating committee which prepared the charges against the state off leaders would be called as soon as possible.
 Other than 10 state that the con stitution gives us the right to meet in peaceful assembly" Night de- clined to comment on the gov ernor's proclamation.
 AI' bI p' ltillititipl 'fhli fl lt'llSl II with the demands of the legislators for an inquiry and their efforts 10 secure authorization for 9 special session.
 Such q session. Governor John- ston said in the proclamation, 'caused constitutional government to be overcome and literally de- stroyed and the treasury of the state 10 be encroached upon, pill fered and greatly reduced; that the members Of the house Of represent atives have preciptated by their unlawful acts state of insurrec- ton in the state of Oklahoma.
 "The state of Oklahoma and its constitutional government is in danger of being thrust into inc throes of civil war. and the menn- bers-elect of the house of repre- sentatives by their unlawful, con- temptuous, illegal and reasonable acts threaten to destroy the safety of constitutional government"
 It was estimated that 100 guards men were on duty at the capitol In addition to guarding all en- frances two mon were stationed at each door of the house and senate chambers. Pairs Of soldiers also were assinged 10 stairways and ele- vators.
 Says Soldiers Without Power.
 James Nance, Cotton county representative, declared that as no order had been issued proclaiming martial law. none of the soldiers had any more right to prevent the meet ing than any citizen.
 If ] try 10 so into the house and one of them shoots me. he has con- mitted a high crime," Nance said.
 The guardsmen before the legisla- tive chambers bore rifles and side arms.
 4 score of legislators had arrived ten minutes before the scheduled meeting hour. Expressions of indig- nation were heard from most of them.
 Isn't this a fine American. looking institution" asked l.. w. Snoddy, republican and minority house leader.
 Capitol corridors were filled with spectators shortly before 10 a. m. Motion picture and newspaper pho tographerS were busy
 What are you going to do?" newspapermen asked d group of house members.
 If wo cannot meet here. We will meet somewhere else" they replied
 Capitol Employes Excited.
 Work at the capitol was at standstill and most of the employees were eXcitedly running about the [
 In his petition. Governor Johnston alleged that the "cement trust of the state was spending q large sum of money and was back of the move- ment to have him impeached
 He did not cite any specific in stance in which money has been spent by the trust but asserted , that because of his activities against | it, he was being made the butt of every form of criticism in order to force him to call an extra session of the legislature. He also declared that all state officials were being 1 harasscd by 'snooping" members of the legislature and that the legisla- tors would draw a large amount of money from the state treasury un- less prevented by court action,
 The petition said the purpose of the action was 10 determine whether the Oklahoma legislature is entitled 10 meet at any time without the call of the governor.
 Shortly after s a. m, guardsmen lt the entrances 10 the capitol were removed. All persons were allowed 10 enter the building without ques- tioning.
 At the same time, ropes were stretched between the columns in front of the house and senator chambers.
 At the adjutant generals office, it vaS said that no trouble was OK pectcd. The guardsmen were order- ed to treat all citizens courteously.
 Governor Johnston had not arriv- cd at the capitol at S;30 a. m. His secretary. Mrs. O. O. ! | q m r1pn6s who has bn.u a e- or,,1 center of the legislative situation. and IT. F. sullivan. his private sccr--