, 1844-05-11
CONGRESS.

presented and referred.
The Senate then took up the bill
providing for the indemnity to the
officers and crews OF national vessels
that may be wrecked at sea for loss
OF private property.
Mr.. Choate submitted some amend
mentS, increasing the sums TO the OIL
GERS Of subordinate grades, which
were adopted. The Gill was then
laid aside.
The report OF the Committee Of Fl
nance Oh Mir. McDuliie's bill for
the modification of the tariff, being
taken up, Mr.. Wright resumed and
concluded his remarks in opposition
to the present tariff.
The bill to regulate the rates of
postage was then taken up; and, al
ter beng discussed for some Time, tie
Senate adjourned.
In the House. Hon. James Pollock,
member elect from tie 18Th congress
slonal district OF Pennsylvania, APP
peared and took lis seat.
The House then resolved itself in
to the Committee of lie Whule--hIl.
Hopkins in the char, and resumed
the consideration OF the bIIi mod'iy-
ing the tariff.
Mr.. Wright of Id, concluded his
remarks i'll opposition to the project
ing system.
Mr.. Whre of kentucky, followed.
directing his remarks principally to
the reiutaiion Of the charge of bar
gam and sale" against Mr.. Clay, and
CT the assertion that Mir. Clay had
saId"i gentleman will not let Us have
back slaves. We must have white
ones" &c. His hour having expired.
Mr.. BrIukeIh0:f obtained The floor,
but was strongly urged by
Mr.. Kennedy OF Ia, to yield it. TO
enable INN 10 make an explanation;
but Mr.. b. declined.
Mr.. Rathbun remarked hal it Was
OF no consequence, as the charges
could be abundantly proven from all
quarters o.. the House.
Mr.. White made some remarks IN
4 low tone OF voice. upon which MIR.
Rathbun turned. and inquired If they
were addressed To hnn; when Mr..
White having replied, Mr.. Ralhbun
struck al Mr.. White, and blows were
rapidly Interchanged. Several MEM
b9rs rushed to separate the combat
ants. and much disorder prevailed.
\ Mr.. Moore of kentucky, who
has bad the privilege of the Hall,
moved towards the cUmbatantS. EVIL
IDENTIFY with the intention OF parIIcI-
pating in the aiiray. He was seized
by Mr.. Lane, the Scrgeant-at-ArmS,
vino attempted TO put INN outside the
door. This he resisted TO the utmost
OF his power, when Mr.. McCausien
OF Ohio. aided the officer of the House.
and succeeded IN electing INN. As
Mr.. McCauslen was re-enterIng the
door. Moore drew 4 pistol and point
ed ii towards han, when one OF the
door keepers gave han a sudden Jerk,
by winch the muZz.e oi the pistol was
diverted from It's object, and the ball
entered the IhI.h OF Mr.. Writ, one
of the police attached 10 the House.
vino Instantly tell. Moore was Secur-
ed, and the wounded man conveyed
to his residence.
The Speaker having taken the chair,
succeeded, after much effort. in bring
inc the House TO order.
A variety oil motions were submit
ted, and much discussion ensued as
to the proper course TO be pursued by
the House in vindlcation of lis vIo-
laled dignity.
Mr.. Whilerose and spoke at some
length upon the subject, deprccating
any definite action On the par; OF the
House IN censurins him, or the gen
tIeman from New York. until I'm in
quiry waShad INTO the facts, and then
let censure and punishment fall upon
the one who was culpable.
Mr.. Rathbun then rose and X
pressed his deep regret at being in
strunental in violating the decorum
of the House in a moment of excite
ment. apologIzing TO the House, and
to his constituents, Tor his particiPa-
ton in it, and assured the House that
the excitement had passed with the
moment, and that he was incapable
of harboring resentment or hatred 10
any individual.
Mr.. White then and expressed
his satisfaction at the remarks of Mr..
Il. and expressed concurrence in his
sentiments, when Mr.. 4. turned and
took Mr.. VS.. prollered hand in to-
ken of reconciliation. This move
ment was greeted with loud tokens of