But were it possible not to understand the conditions present at that time, the following day everybody knew what had happened and an intercepting order could have been sent and the troops ordered out. This was not done. When asked why, he replied that he had no official knowledge of the violation of the constitution and could not act on simple hearsay. Waiting for the barn to burn before the water was turned on. In order that the acting governor may not be misrepresented, the following clipping is taken from the Cheyenne Leader of April 8th, 1892: “Governor Barber was seen yesterday and asked if he had taken any action with reference to the armed body of men which entered and passed through the state on Tuesday evening. “‘I have not,’ he replied. ‘The matter has not been brought to my attention officially. I only know of the matter through newspaper reports, which, as you know,’ he added, with a smile, ‘are somewhat conflicting on the subject.’ “‘Do you intend to take any official notice of the matter?’ “‘As soon as I have learned the facts I will take such steps as I may deem necessary. I was more interested in the statement from Douglas, published in the Leader yesterday, than anything else. It was to the effect that the militia could hereafter be only ordered out by the Commander-in-Chief. This matter has been under consideration ever since the last Legislature adjourned. Previous to that, under certain circumstances, judges, sheriffs or mayors could call out the militia. This was changed by the last Legislature so that this power rests exclusively with the governor. During my absence from the state I was much worried that something of this sort would be done. The idea of the order was to make it plain that the militia could only be ordered out by the governor, as no one else now has that authority. The order was issued over a month ago.’” The reader can compare the law quoted above, which was then and is now in force, with Barber’s statement, and draw his own conclusions as to exclusive power resting with the governor. Besides, if the law conferred no authority upon “judges, sheriffs and mayors,” why issue an order to prevent the exercise of power not possessed? The peculiar exigencies of the case seemed to demand it--namely, the preservation of the proposed invaders.