Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 December 1894 — HAS TWO GOVERNORS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HAS TWO GOVERNORS.

KOLB AND OATES BOTH TAKE THE OATH IN ALABAMA. The Populist Candidate Sworn in by a Justice of the Peace—Threatened with Arrest If He Attempts to Speak at the State House. More Tronb'e Feared. Although no outbreak of violence attended the attempt to inaugurate Capt. Kolb as Governor of Alabama, the situa-

tion in the Southern State is even more precarious than it was before the twin inaugural, services were performed. As it is, Alabama finds itself with two Governors, two sets of public officers and two factions of ■ popular sentiment,one supporting Capt. Kolb >in his claim that > he was defrauded of votes and the other

sustaining Col. Oates, who was inaugurated in the usual way and has the State militia at his disposal. As Captain Kolb is a man of pretty well-known determination, there is a disquieting prospect that the ]>ost-election battle may not end here. The General Assembly has declared in favor of Col. Oates, but his opponent means to demand a reconsideration, and in the prospect that he will fail lies the source of alarm. Koib was sworn in at Montgomery by James E. Powell, a justice of the peace, the ceremony occurring in the law office of Warren Reese. Kolb and his Cabinet then proceeded to the State House for the purpose of making a speech. He was followed by several hundred of his adherents. They marched up the State House steps through the ranks of the assembled militia and took their places beside the identical portico upon which Jefferson Davis was declared President of the Confederate States. In a few minutes Gov. Jones sent for Capt. Kolb, who was escorted into his presence by Lieut. Irwin,

of the regular army. “I understand, sir,” said Gov. Jones, “that you propose to make a speech in these grounds, claiming to be Governor of Alabama.” “That is my intention,” answered Kolb. “Then I must say to you that the moment you attempt it I will have you arrested and carried off the grounds. I say this in, all kindness to you. If you were Governor you would do the same thing in a similar case. I will not permit you or anyone else on these grounds to interrupt the inauguration proceedings of Gov. Oates.” Gov. Jones’ manner was courteous but firm. Capt. Kolb looked around at the assembled troops, and with a wave of his hand started down and out of the grounds, followed by his adherents. They congregated again in the street outside the Capitol grounds. A wagon stood near by, and upon this Capt. Kolb mounted. He said that the proceedings would be opened wi.th prayer. A Populist clergyman mounted the wagon, and at his motion the crowd uncovered their heads. Every man in the crowd was a plain countryman with rough clothes and big top boots. The clergyman invoked the blessing of God upon the assemblage, “a plain people, Oh, God,” he said, “who are here to secure an honest government.” At its conclusion Capt. Kolb made a short, temperate address. The only bitterness in it was directed at Gov. Oates, whom he termed a usurper. He declared he had been legally elected Governor, and that he would use every means to gain the position which, he declares, belongs to him. At 2 o’clock Governor-cleet Oates reached the State Capitol, escorted by the militia. Tho inaugural ceremonies were preceded by a prayer, after which Gov. Jones introduced his successor, who was greeted with prolonged cheers.

REUBEN F. KOLB.

STATE HOUSE, MONTGOMERY, ALA.