Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 May 1885 — A Solitary Senate. [ARTICLE]

A Solitary Senate.

In 1866, previous to the passage of the reconstruction act, the Legislature of Arkansas assembled in what became known as the rebel session. Expecting trouble, the “rebel session” adjoined in March, with a view of meeting again the Ist of May. In the meantime, Gen. Ord received instructions to prohibit the reassembling of the men who, under the Constitution of the United States, had no right to enact laws. Nearly all of the members yielded to the military mandamus, but a few headstrong statesmen, knowing that the country demanded their services, convened upon the arrival of the proper time. The State House was surrounded by soldiers, but the determined Legislature met in Gen. Newton’s law office. John B. Fellows, now a prominent lawyer of New York and Assistant District Attorney of that city, was the only Senator present. Entering the little room set apart for the Senate, Mr. Fellows took his place behind a desk, struck the board with a horseshoe and said: “The Senate will come to order. As the chaplain is not present, Mr. Fellows, you will please offer a prayer.” Then Mr. Fellows prayed. “Mr. Fellows,” said Mr. Fellows, “will you please act as Sergeant-at-arms ?” “Yes, sir,” answered himself. “As the Secretary is not present, Mr. Fellows, you will have to discharge the duties of that officer.” “All right, sir.” “Bead the proceedings of the last day’s session. ” Mr. Fellows read and then moved that the journal stand approved. “Mr. President,” said Mr. Fellows, “I see that the janitor is not present. We need a'bucket of fresh water.” “Mr. Fellows,” said Mr. Fellows, “I will appoint you to discharge the duties of janitor.” Mr. Fellows brought a bucket of water. “Now, gentlemen, we are ready for business.” Just then some one looked in and said “Come on, John, and lets get a drink.” “Second the motion,” said Mr. Fellows, and then turning with the gravity for which he is noted, continued: “It is moved and seconded that the Senate adjourn and take a drink. All in favor of the motion will say aye.” “Aye!” “Contrary, no.” “The ayes have it and the Senate will adjourn.” A few minutes later the Senate was again called to order and the transaction of business begun in regular form. The commander of the post hearing that the Legislature had met in violation of his orders, sent a file of soldiers with orders to arrest the members and to bring them to headquarters. The lower house, consisting of five members, had adjourned when the soldiers arrived, but the Senate was still in session, deep in a discussion pending the passage of a bill amending the revenue laws of the State. Mr. Fellows was arrested and taken before Gen. Ord. “Who are you, sir?” asked the General. “The Senate of Arkansas.” “A member of the rebel Legislature, eh, Captain? Where are the other members?” “This was the only one we found, General. He was assembled and organized himself into the Senate, and was discussing a bill when we arrested him.” “Have you got the bill ?” “Yes, sir, here it is,” producing the document. The General, after reading the bill, said: “A very good idea, Mr. Senate. Now, sir, what is your opinion; do you think it would have passed ?” “I think that its chances were good,” replied Mr. Fellows. “You are no doubt a wise legislator. By the way, Mr. Senate, do you ever drink anything?” Mr. Fellows said that his most intimate friends had known him to drink. “Captain,” said the General, “pull out that jug. Drink, sir, and then we will go down and pass the bill.” Several years afterward, when reconstruction had been effected, Fellows' bill was taken up, passed without trouble, and is now law. —Opie P. Read , in New York Mercury. ‘