Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-02-28
HERAL ID OF II III d Il nj r. >.

Mr.. Duncan toward Mr.. Stanley and
Mr.. Southgate, and also toward Mr..
Slade, and commented on It at great
length. He declared that no one could
read it without the sentiment that the
author was unworthy Of seat in the
House unworthy Of the association OF
genilemen-or without regarding it as
due to the dignity of the body to put on
it mark of the strongest condemnation.
As to the code Of honor, MIR. Prentiss
declared that the author had placed him
self beyond its pale. His communica-
ton was TRADE against members OF the
House, the ebullition Of feelings which
II he had husbandod for four weeks. If
he felt himself insulted by Mr.. Stanley
he was bound by that code to call on
that gentleman for satisfaction il he
was not insulted, what excuse could he
offer for these columns of vituperation |!
And then, with regard to MIR. Souihgaie,
il that gentleman had given him person
al indignity, why had he not been called
upon Ifthere was no indignity, why
pour out this shockingly Incorporate and
rufianly abuse, which no blackguardism
could transcend
II MIR. Prentiss farther contended that
the publication was loud inducement
to prompt challenge, and was such an
offence as might be punishable under
the law just passed by Congress.
Il He concluded with an earnest appeal
to all parties in the House, to lay aside
their divisions, and afford 10 every men,
Der that protection for his honor and
character which had been taken away
when the cavalier code was abolished.
If this publication was allowed to pass
unnoticed, the character Of the House
would be degraded, and the tone Of pub
lie sentiment depraved.
Il MIR. Jenifer followed in very earnest
and vigorous speech. He called par
ticularly on those who had, from the best
motives, voted for the anti-duelling bill,
to consider well whether they ought not
instantly to follow that up with other
measures for protecting the members Of
the House from such indignities. The
publication he regarded as the most dis
graceful he had ever seen; and mem
Der Of the House had declared himself
its author. Was it the object Of the
House to protect such calumniators p
If not, then, he asked, did not these
wholesale charges constitute breach Of
privilege, and should they not be visited
with the severest punishment II the
publication was not reprobated by the
House, then, he said, the House would
be attempting TO elevate the author to
the platform Of equality with gentlemen
of honor and after leaving this District,
those very consequences may occur
which the bill he had referred to was
intended to prevent.
He concluded with an animated ap-
peal to the House to vindicate its own
dignity by expelling the offending men,
Der, as one unworthy to hold his scat.
II Mr.. Duncan himself then took the
floor, and made long desutory speech,
the gist Of which was that he considered
himself insuted by Mr.. Stanley, and
| Mr.. Southgate, and not having an OPP
portunity to reply in the House, had
done SO in the columns Of the Globe
lie insisted that his publication was only
in retaliation. This argument excited a
great deal Of laughter in the House and
the galleries. In his letter he had i'm
puted to Messrs. Stanley and Souihgnte
cowardice for not challenging him, after
having been insuIted--yet here he made
an elaborate argument TO prove that he
was the one who received the first insult
and that his columns vituperation were
only in answer to that insult
Mr.. Gray, of New York, followed,
and after few remarks against holding
n member accountable to the House for
language used out of doors, made some
reference to the case of Cilley, and to
the parties concerned in that matter,
against whom committee had reported
a resolution Of censure. He maintained
that if any proceeding was to be had on
the conduct of Mr.. Duncan, the ques-
ton respecting that resolution, which
was now undecided ,ought TO be disposed
of also.
/ Mr.. Wise rose for explanation. He
said he had for one Of these parties
demanded to be tried, and protested
against leaving the matter unsettled.-
And now all he asked WINS, that since
the penalties Of the penitentary are hang
ing over the heads Of members who may
be disposed to yindicate their own char.
acters, the House would offer them pro-
lection. He added that no fears of the
penitentiary would ever induce him to
submit to insult and obloquy.
Mr.. Gray, saying it was high time
this matter should stop, moved TO lay the
whole subject on the table.
i The motion was rejected, ayes 83-
nays 81.
II Mr.. Mcnefee Of Kentucky then took
the floor, and spoke with a remark able
degree of energy and eloquence. 1t is
impossible at this late hour to give you
an outline Of this severe yet dig gnifed in
vcctive. Mr.. Menefee's object was to
show that Mr.. Duncan was cowardly
braggadocio, who wished to have the
reputation Of being what is called ga
man Of honor" and responsible in the
me aning Of the "code Of the ducllist !"
and on this point he spoke with the most
perfect directpess. He emphaiieally
declared that throughout the whole pro-
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