Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1893 — THE LAW DEFIED. [ARTICLE]

THE LAW DEFIED.

Kansas Populists and Jerry Simpson Organize the Lower House. Troop. May B« Necessary to Maintain Order—A Tangle that May Result In Bloodshed. The fight at Topeka for the Kansas Senatorshlp is waxing warm and a grave situation confronts the Legislature. Amid the most intense excitement and the greatest uproar two separate organizations were perfected in the House Tuesday. A conflict between the opposing forces seemed for a time unavoidable. Tho Populists objected to the certified roll, and the Republicans proceeded to act independently. The two Houses were both organized at the same time and the same place, and are both in Representative Hall. Tho Republican House organized with tljo following officers: Speaker, George L. Douglass; Speaker pro tem., E. W. Hock; Chief Clerk, Frank L. Brown; Sergoant-at-arms, C, C. Clevenger. The Populist House organized with these officers: Speaker, J. k. Dunsmore; Speaker pro tem., R. H. Semple; Chief Clerk, Ben. C. Rick; Sergeant-at-arms, Ben F. Dick. The Democrats held aloof and enjoyed the fun. The Governor has, as yet, recognized neither House, but will doubtless recognize the Populist organization. Republicans will not resist the State miiitia should they bo called out. Several personal encounters seemed imminent while the rival organizations were being perfected. The members prepared themselves for a long siege, and both sides expected serious trouble. The plan of the Populists is to hold out until Wednesday, when they think their side will be recognized by the Governor and the Senate. Jerry Simpson says it will work, The Republicans will not use force to retain possession of the hall, but will retire if compelled to do so and continue their organization in some other place.