National Affairs: Who's Huey Now?

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"Governor" Cyr countered on Tuesday by telegraphing to Adjutant General Ray Fleming in New Orleans an order to disband the troops. He signed himself "Governor & Commander-in-Chief of the Louisiana National Guard." The order was ignored; Adjutant General Fleming was reported to be in Atlanta. Captain W. J. B. Hawthorne of the Baton Rouge troops said the movement was merely a "test," explained that Tuesday was drill night anyhow.

When Governor Long arrived in Baton Rouge all was quiet. He dismissed the militia, but kept highway and city police on guard. Explained the Governor: "I was afraid he would try to seize the executive mansion and frighten my wife and children." Then he issued a manifesto declaring his henchman, Senate President (pro tern.) Alvin 0. King, lieutenant governor. "Taking the oath as Governor ends Dr. Cyr. He is no longer lieutenant governor and he is now nothing."

Sneered Cyr: "Huey's scared."

Next day things were moving quietly. Senator King arrived in Baton Rouge, was sworn in as lieutenant governor without opposition. "Governor" Cyr said he would not try to force his way into the chair, but would file suit in court, await a decision.

At this point another "governor" appeared. He was one Walter L. Aldrich of Shreveport. Mr. Aldrich was out of a job. So he went before a notary public and took the oath of office as governor, "just for the hell of it." Said he: "All good lawyers know that any one may take possession of, and retain, abandoned property."

"Governor" Cyr set up a cry that the Aldrich claim was a Long plot to burlesque the situation. Governor Long ignored this charge, busied himself looking up and jotting down a long list of Governor-Senators who had done what he is doing—remained Senators-elect until their gubernatorial terms expired. "Governor" Aldrich said he would take charge of the State in a few days. L. D. Smith, another jobless one, got himself sworn in as lieutenant governor. E. H. Reed, Shreveport grocer, did the same, said he would attach himself to "Governor Aldrich's staff." Sang the groceryman: "Every governor needs a lieutenant governor, and that's why you need me."