The Legislative Wars of 1893
After 30 years of Republican Party domination in Kansas, the Populist Party was swept into office in the 1892 election. In addition to controlling the state Senate, Populists managed to place a Governor in the Statehouse and win five congressional seats. Both the Populists and the Republicans claimed control of the House, the Populists asserting that the Republican elections were illegal. Rather than compromise, the floor leaders of each party called the House to order--in the same room. The Republicans passed a resolution accusing the Clerk of the Populist House of disturbing the peace. The Sergeant-at- Arms arrested the clerk, thus starting the "legislative war." Both parties enlisted sergeants-at-arms and guards and the Governor called the militia. On February 15, 1893 the Republicans marched to the Statehouse and smashed the locked doors. Armed hostilities continued for two days. On February 25th, 1893 the Kansas Supreme Court held that the Republican House was the legal body and the conflict ended.
1893 Protest Photos