The North-Carolina standard., 1844-05-01

10 De pursued. one s0I Ln6 gentIemen SnOuId
be ascertained to be. In the wrong, he should be
censured; if both were in the wrong, both should
be censured. After brief debate, the following
remarks fell from Messrs White and Rathbun:
"Mr. WHrrE was glad the gentleman from Vir-
ginia had qualified his remarks, but still he took
exception TO them. He proceeded TO make other
remarks, at some length, but he was very imper-
fectiy heard. He was understood to contend that
censuIe should not be visited on either himself or
the gentleman fiom New York, without an nVes-
tigaUon into the facts aud circumstances Of the
case. He also expressed his regret that such a
scene had occurred, but said he could not be pro-
accusation of the genteman from New York.
Whether either or both were guilty, or neither, he
sincerely regretted the occurrence, for the House
would participate in the disgrace.
Mr.. RArRBUN remarked that he was youag
member on this floor; he knew but little. by expe-
rience, of the business of Legislation having COM
meneed, for the first time in bis life, business of
this kind at the present session and perhaps oW-
ing TO that fact he was more likely become excu
ed and was liable to err, Than those who had
been long accustomed to seats on this heor. That
he had erred, whatever might be his excuse, and
whatever his justification, he was not disposed 10
deny. He knew it was due to the character of this
House, it was due TO the country, If he had been
ever 30 much wronged, and respect for Its dignity
would prompt him 10 make proper Submission
And he regretted exceedingly that a moments re-
Election had not been permitted (might he, not say)
to each of them. Though he said this, II must
not be Supposed that he intended to impute any
Thing wrong to the gentleman from Kentucky, or
10 attempt any justification of himself. He left
the whole NATTER as the gentleman from Ken
lucky had left it, to be investigated in the proper
form-by committee; and If 1t were found that
the whole fault was his he was ready TO submit 10
the Judgment and the action of the House. 10
say that he regretted the occurrence as inficting
in some degree, upon his fellow members In that
House indignity, was not to express the tut ex-
tent Of his regret. He regretted II on account oil
his constituents. They were peaceable and quI-
Ell people, and that it would give them pain TO be
informed that, in anything which occurred in that
House, the conduct Of their representative had not
copformed TO their disposition. But what had been
done could not be recalled. He desired that a
committee should be appointed, and that an lnVes-
tigalion should be had; and that the blame, any,
should fall where it properly belonged. II might
be deemed that an apology was due from him to
the House, as he had been guilty Of what looked
certainly more like fighting to-day, than be ever
had been before in his life, as he hoped, ever
would be again. He was, like other men, subject
10 passion, and it was often more hasty than he
could wish. He would add, moreover, that he
never treasured hate. Whatever may have occur
red was occasioned by the excitement Of the mo-
ment, and that being passed, he regretted the oc-
currence. He might say he regretted il more than
any circumstance Of his life; but, nasaluch as 1t
could not be recalled be willing 10 submit the
whole matter to the judgment of the House, aud
abide by what the House should thereuPon deter
mine.
Mr.. WnITE said, after what had fallen from the
gentleman from New York, he was ready TO re-
spond to the gentleman in equal terms of coRcllia-
lion. He had no desire to be considered guilty OF
harborius feelings Of animosty. He frankly ten
dered the gentleman his hand.
Me.srs. w HrrE and RATnBuN here shook hands,
amidst the general acclamaton Of the House"
The resolution of Gen. Saunders, providing for
a committee of inquiry, and so amended as to en-
power them to take cognizance of the circumstan'
ces attending the firing of the pistol, was then put
to the House and adopted; whereupon the House
adjourned.