Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-06-07
ARGUS.
Columbus, miss. .Txme. =. Is42

Columbus, Miss. J4ne. z, 1912.
CONGRESSIONAL BULLYING,
MEssRs. WISE AND SrANLY-We
learn from the Baltimore papers that
these honorable gentleman, whose chiv-
alrous spirit and refined sense of pro-
priety have so highly distinguished
Them, have happily adjusted their diff
ficulties without the efusion Of blood.
The fortunate termination Of this af-
fair, which threatened such disastrous
consequences in the death Of one or
both Of these heroes, is a subject of
congratulation TO the American people,
second only to the flight of Dorr the
redoubtable Governor Of Rhode Is
land.
hseems that in the challenge which
was sent by Mr. Stanly to Mr.. Wise,
II was stated that the collision between
them on their return from the race
course, was caused Internationally by
Mr.. Slanly's horse becoming unman-
ageable. The challenge was accepted
by Mr.. Wise's friends but with sng-
gestion that if it could be Withdrawn,
an explanation and apology would be
given by Mr.. Wise. This was accor-
dinghy done and resulted in the peace
full settlement of this momentous diff
Guilty; and Mr.. Stanly has subsequent
ly resumed his seat in Congress.
tits subject of melancholy contem-
platicn TO see TWO gentlemen really
courageous and honorable going TO the
field to terminate their animosities in
mortal combat. There are few oc-
cusrences better calculated to arouse
our liveliest sensibilities or to enlist our
deepest symphathies. But when vul-
gar abuse is adopted as a manifestation
Of spirit, and the coarsest violence is
exhibited as proof Of vaIor, we feel
anything but regret that DULLES who
have been practising their accomplish
ments upon each other, should be al
Toured to escape from their difficulties
with no more sensible punishment for
their impairment folly and ridiculous
pretension, than the silent contempt of |
gentlemen. We think it would have |
a salutary influence in improving the
language and manners Of members of
Congress,if Mr.. Wise and Mr.. Stanly
had been forced TO fight until one or
both, if not killed, had been at least aim
ged. This is punishment, which they |
have richly merited, and its moral eff
fects would be more beneficial than a |
hundred anti-duelling laws.--Stript
however, as they e,of even the small
claims to honorable distinction, which
reputation for mere courage gives,
it is TO be hoped that these babbling
braggards,w lave been making such
patade of their reckless bravery and
personal daring, will in future cease to
disturb the deliberations Of Congress
by their broils, and quietly submit to
the contempt, which they so fully de-
serve.
We scarcely imagine situation more
painfully CALLING to vain and concei-
ted individual, than Mr.. Wise's. At
all times comparatively frivolous and
insignificant, combination of circum-
stances gave him for awhile Fictitious
importance in the eyes of the ma
ton, which his egotism disposed
him to attribute solely 10 the brill
liancy of his genius and the force
of his character. If his vanity had al
lowed him properly to appreciate the
real causes Of his elevation, land he had |
exercised ordinary prudence in main
tanning position for which he owed
but little to his individual merit, he
might perhaps have long continued to
reap the fruits of a reputation, which
accident had mainly bestowed. But
in the fate Of such men as Mr.. Wise
there SENS to be an immediate super
intending Providence, which controls
their destiny After they have fulfilled |
the purposes, for which they became
important, after The period has passed
when their services have ceased to be
necessary, and they have wantoned for
awhile in the full enjoyment of their
precarlous elevation, they seem to be
endowed with a kind of phrenzy that