William Hepworth Dixon, White Conquest: Volume 2

Neither party has a legal quorum; and the Republicans, finding they have lost their small majority, begin to slip away from their seats. But the Conservatives, accustomed to such dodges, intercept them before a count-out can be tried. A member proposes the Hon. Louis A. Wiltz as Speaker; a second member proposes the Hon. Michael Hahn. Fifty-eight members are present in the House. Fifty-five cast their votes for Wiltz, who is declared elected, in the midst of frantic cheers.

Judge Houston, who is standing by his chair, administers the usual oath of loyalty to tile law and constitution of Louisiana. Wiltz calls the House, and swears the members who remain. Though some have slipped away there is a legal quorum. Hahn, uncertain what to do, remains, and takes the oath from Wiltz. Captain Floyd is voted Serjeant, and Mr. Trezevant nominated Clerk. The House is now composed. Wiltz, as Speaker, invites General De Trobriand to remove the police, who occupy doors and passages, and General De Trobriand obeys his call. The Conservative Chamber, organised under Wiltz, appears to be recognised by the Federal