Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 February 1893 — SLEDGE-HAMMER ARGUMENTS. [ARTICLE]

SLEDGE-HAMMER ARGUMENTS.

Republicans and Populists Come to Blows ' in Kansas. The struggle for the control of the Kansas House of Representatives grows Serious. Wednesday, the Republican members, anticipating opposition to their entrance to the hall, marched in a body to the Capitol, where they found a Populist guard in charge. A hand-to-hand conflict ensued. By the aid of two sledge-ham-mers, which had been provided, entrance was obtained to the hall of the House. Having gained entranze, the Republicans barricaded the doors aud prepared for a siege. The Governor called upon the sheriff to preserve the peace at 11 o’clock, but tho sheriff refused to obey. Governor Lcwelling appeared at the hall at 10 p. m. and entreated the Republicans in possession to respect the legal authorities and yield peacable possession Of the hall. He feared bloodshed should they persist in theiJMrttitudebf defiance. Great fears are entertained of a serious conflict that may involve the entire State. The sheriff at Topeka refusing to obey the Governor’s orders, and Governor Lewelling becomihg convinced that the militia could not be depended upon, the Populists decided to not attempt to oust the Republicans from possession of the IlalLof the House by force. The Populist House will convene in a hall in the city, and the dispute will be carried to tho courts in some of its phases.