12. But it was Judge Brooks who broke the backbone of this great conspiracy against the government of North Carolina. No man ever lived on our soil who deserved to be held in more grateful remembrance by the people of North Carolina than he. Whatever others may have done in building up the State, it was he that saved her Constitution and her laws and the liberties of her people. The scenes of horror that would have been witnessed but for his timely interference cannot be thought of, even now, without a shudder. It is greatly to be hoped that the Legislature will speedily erect a suitable monument in the capitol square in token of the gratitude of the people for whom he did so much. QUESTIONS. 1. What occurred at Yanceyville on May 21st? 2. Who were accused as the murderers of Stephens? Upon what ground was this denied? 3. What had Congress done concerning martial law? 4. What man was put in charge of the state troops? Where was Kirke from, and what was his character? 5. What was the condition of affairs in Alamance and Caswell counties? 6. Give an account of Kirke's exploits in these counties? 7. To whom did the people apply for aid? With what result? 8. What was next done by the Governor? 9. To what judge did the people next go for protection? What did Judge Brooks do? 10. What was Governor Holden's next step? Where were Kirke's prisoners taken? 11. Where were the prisoners then carried? 12. What tribute is made to Judge Brooks? What are the reflections upon this matter? CHAPTER LXVIII. THE IMPEACHMENT OF GOVERNOR HOLDEN. A. D. 1870 TO 1872. The election of 1870 resulted in a great triumph for the people. Opponents of the administration were elected to the Legislature in overwhelming majorities, and a determination to bring Governor Holden to trial for his crimes against the Constitution and liberties of the people was at once apparent. 2. Nothing can be more important; in a civilized government than protection to the liberties of the people. Nothing is truer than that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," Even in the royal government of England, for more than two centuries the King has had no power to deprive a citizen of the right to be heard in the courts, when restrained by legal process or otherwise. Neither there nor in America could anything but foreign invasion or positive insurrection justify even Parliament or Congress in suspending the right to this palladium of civil liberty. 3. Upon motion in the House of Representatives, the Legislature having assembled, a committee was appointed to inquire into the facts, and soon, articles of impeachment were presented to the Senate, charging the Governor of the State with the commission of "high crimes and misdemeanors." 1871. 4. By the terms of the State Constitution, this worked a disability in Governor Holden; and Tod R. Caldwell, of Burke, then Lieutenant-Governor, assumed control of the Executive Department.