Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1838-01-24
Correspondence Of the Baltimore Patriot.
WAsnINeroN, Jan. Is, 1888.

Congress. Every oody has heard oil
the occurrences OF the famous mid
night session during tho debate on the
North Carolina Contested Election, two
years ago.
The Mississippi case came up to-day,
and produced more excitement and
connection than occurred in the House
before during the present session.
Mr.. BRoNsoN OF New York, offered
a resolution to the effect that Messrs.
PRENTIss and Woap have not been
elected members Of the 25th Congress,
and that they are not entitled TO seats
in the House.
After loose and irregular debate
on this proposition, Mr.. WISE offered
resolution that Messrs. PRENTIss and
WoRp be admitted to seats within the
Hall and allowed TO participate in
any debates that might arse on the
subject Of their application.
Mr.. FOSTER oil New York, offered
an amendment to the effect that the
claimants be allowed to appear at the
bar and to be heard in support Of their
application.
This amendment was very strenu-
ously opposed by Mr.. PoPE Of Ken
lucky, ard Mr.. BELL of1'ennesce; who
took the proper ground that such treat.
merit was not what was due to gentle
men who came here with credentials
from the people of Sovereign State.
The resolution Of Mr.. Wise was adop.
ted and Messrs. PeENrIss and WORD
took seats provided for them by the
officers Of the House
Col. Howard then presented a com.
munication from Mr.. CLAIBORNE, in
reference to the case and alluded 10
the fact that printed statement ema.
mating from the claimants had already
been laid upon the desks of members.
Mr.. WISE rose and said, that the
paper referred to by Col. Howard
the statement Of Messrs. PRENTIss and
WoRD-had been printed at the Elk.
pense Of those gentlemen themselves.
So far every thing went on with per.
feet quiet. Nothing had occurred,
which any reasonable man could ina.
CINE was calculated to produce excite.
ment. Col. HowARD knowing that
the statement of Messrs. PRnHTlss and
WORD was in the hands of the mem.
bers, had only wished, il is presumed,
to place Messrs. CLAIBORNE and GHoL.
SON on an equality with them in that
respect. And Mr.. WIsE's remark
was only intended to show that for the
purpose Of placing them on an equall-
ty it was not necessary, that the com.
munication Of Mr.. CLAIBORNE should
be presented to the House, and printed
by its order.
Such was, undertake TO say, the
general understanding. But Mr.. GnoL.
SON took the remarks Of Mr.. WISE in
high dudgeon. He said he and his
colleague did not come to ask the char
ity Of the House = that though not as
rich as some men, they were able to
pay for the printing of their communi-
cation, &c. &c.-For several minutes
he went on in this strain. Then he
spoke Of Mr.. WISE, and said his re.
marks were unworthy OF member Of
the House.
This attack was as entirely gratui,
tous as 1t was entirely mpotent. What
had Mr.. WISE said, that the most NOR.
bid Imagination could have construed
into personal reflection Nothing
positively nothing. | know Mr.. WISE
personally. There is not man il
either House Of more generous and no
BILE feelings. He is incapable of ma
king an insidious attack on any man
When he does assail his poltica
adversaries, all is open and above
board He gave not the slightest pre-
text to Mr.. GHoLsoN, on this occasion
for the remark in which he though
proper to indulge.
Of course, that remark could no
fail to excite, 10 high degree the re
sentiment of Mr.. WISE. lie rose in
stantly and turning to Mr.. GHoLsoN
said, in clear, firm tones, "Jf igao
rance and impudence can make a black
guard, there, Fastening his eyes OF
and pointing his finger at GnoIsoN
there is one :"
"ORDER ORDER" was shouted
from all sides of the House. The
greatest confusion prevailed. The
Speaker raped loudly on his desk
with his ivory hammer. Above the
din the voice of Mr.. GuoLsoN was
heard. He was understood to say that
no one but cowardly scoundrel would
make such a remark.
The Speaker enforced the rules
and order was finally restored. The
communication Of Mr.. CLAIBORNE was
then read Mr.. Howard moved thai
it be printed; and after desutory de.
bate II was so ordered.
Cot. Dawson of Georgia, then offer
ed resolution of consure upon the