The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-13
DUELLING-THE RIGHT SPIRIT.

We do not know when we have been more
gratifed than in perusing the following extract
from proceeding connected with, and enacted in
the British House of Commons How noby in
dependent does Mr.. Roebuck stand before the
world, in refusing to yield his example to keep
up barbarous practice, that ought to receive the
frown of every honest man in civilized country :;
especially when exercised by some Hotspur to
stop the free expression of debate that he has not
the capacity to answer or control. How honora-
bly, distinguished is the British House of Commons
for their action in this matter, compared with our
our Bear Garden House of Representatives, which
for years and years has been disgrace to the ma
ton, by the repeated personal brols that have
taken place in that Hall under the very rgis and
eagle of liberty by men who have
no mental or moral power to make themselves
respected or beloved, and who thus surround
themselves with an atmosphere of bullying and
blackguardism, that drives all prudent men from
them for fear of becoming defed by contact
We trust that the noble example set below will
not be lost, if necessity should require, hereafter,
in our Halls of Legislation
DUELLING-NEw PARLIAMENTARY PRAc.
TICE.-Mr Roebuck, member of the British
House of Commons, found it necessary in the
course Of some observations which he made in his
place on the 18th Of last month on the {" Irish
College bill to bear rather hard on the conduct
of the Irish Repealers. The observations were
not taken in good part by Mr.. Somers, the men,
Der from Sligo who addressed the following belli-
gerent note to Mr.. Roebnck:
"Reform Club House, June H. 6 O'Clock p. M.
"Sir-Uufortunately | was not in the House
of Commons last night when you spoke in COM
mitee on the Irish Colleges bill. If I had been
present, the necessity Of addressing letter like
this, which is one of inquiry, could not have
arisen. But, having been absent, I am compelled
to resort to the newspaper reports of the proceed
ings which took place, and the language used ;
and beg, in the first instance, to ask You if the
following words were spoken by you, or words TO
the same effect This consideration might have
led 10 what had been witnessed, and those who
followed in the train Of such leader deserved
little respect either for their position or their in.
intellect If you used those words, the insult
they convey TO me, as a Repeater is plain. NV
second question. therefore, is, are You prepared 70
Justify them2 The meaning of the word |
have underlined am sure you are too well read
in the old history Of chivary to misinerpret.
have the honor to be, sir. your ohedient ser
want, w. p. SOMERS.
p. S i send copy Of the Morning Chroni-
Gle herewith, the passage marked"
Mr.. Roebuck sent, the next morning, the fol-
lowing reply:
Sir:-You shall receive the answer which
your letter requires in the House of Commons. on
Monday evening next and now give YOU the
following warning, for your guidance. at the anne
time ! am determined that free expressions shall
not in my person be coerced or checked, and
shall therefore take the most stringent and ef
fectual means TO punish your present menace, and
pat down all future violence. / hope you are
sufficiently read in the laws Of your country 10
understand this intimidation"
On the 10th Of June. Mr.. Roebuck read in the
House Of Commons the above letters. Several
passages Of his reply to Mr. Somers. were londly
cheered. He moved that Mr.. Somers's letter be
laid on the table. The speaker here inquired
whether the latter gentleman was in his place in |
the house, and Mr.. Somers rose in his place and