Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-08-18

SCENE IN THE SENATE CHAMBER-MEssRs
BENTON AND Misunderstanding to our no.
tions, quite disgraceful scene occurred in
the Senate chamber, on Saturday night, be-
tween Messrs. Benton, of Missouri, and But
Ter, of South Carolina. 1t seems that in the
previous week, on the nomination of Gen.
Kearney as Brig General, some resolutions
were offered (by Mr.. Benton we presume,) in
reference to Gen. Kearney; and these, in VIC
lation of the rules of the Senate, were pub
lished in the New York Herald. Mr. Butler,
of S. c., charged that the rules of the Senate
had been violated by the Senator from Missou-
ri. But with this preamble we will give the
Baltimore Suns report of the scene as it &C.
CURED:
Mr. Butler rose to a question of privilege,
and wished that certain resolutions published
in the New York Herald of to-day, lin refer
ence to Gen. Kearney,l which had been offer
ed in executive session, and, by the publica-
ton of which. he said, the rules of the Senate
had been violated by the Senator from Nilsson.
ri, (Mr. Benton.) He moved to go into execu-
tive session, with view to consider the sub
iect. Messrs. Mason and Berrien seconded the
motion.
Mr.. Breese denied the right of the Senator
TO make the motion, while the Oregon bill was
pending.
Mr.. Benton was in favor of having it pro-
ceeded with, and with open DOORS He was,
for one, determined to sit here, during the Sab
bath, rather than the efforts of those who were
talking about dissolution of the Union should
succeed.
Mr.. Berrien insisted that the action was in
order, and should be decided
MIR. Benton, thought it not proper that the
business of the Senate could be interrupted to
settle quarrel between two members. For
if the Senator from South Carolina, or any
other. said that he had done any thing dishon-
orable, he would get the lie in his throat-yes
he would get the lie in his throat-the lie in
his throat [cries of order, order1 and he would
have to meet him elsewhere, yes elsewhere,
elsewhere
Mr.. Butler was ready 10 meet him there or
anywhere else. [Order, order, orderl
MIR. Benton repeated what he had before
said" the lie in the throat;' and much con-
fusion and excitement prevailed, with cries of
order, order, order, from all parts of the cham.
her.
The presiding officer desired Mr.. Benton ia
take his seat. and he did so accordingly.
Mr.. Bell obtained the floor, and argued al
some length the question of privilege, conten.
ding that the motion was not in order, and in.
timating that it was an effort to defeat the
great measure before them. Whether he dis.
agreed with his southern brethren or not, he
was disposed to do his duty fairly and with
out finching.
Mr.. Benton said that under pretext for a
secret session public motion had been made
here, by the Senator from South Carolina, d.
rected at him, with a view to attract attention
throughout the country. lie quarreled with
no mamie had fought-he fought once &C
the tunerdP-" to the death"-but be never
quarreled
The Presiding officer declared the motion OIL
MIR. Butler to be out of order
Mr.. Butler explained the reasons which had
induced him TO make the motion. He had
considered the publication a violation of the
rules of the Senate to which he had felt bound
TO call their attention. He had intended nc
violation of the order or decorum of the Sen.
ale, and was alone responsible for what he
had done.
Mr. Benton considered the remarks OF the
Senator from South Carolina no satisfaction
for the attack which had been made upon him
by that Senator and his t,Co seconds alluding
to the two Senators who had seconded his mo-
toni He required indemnify.
Mr. Mason felt bound TO appeal from the
decision of the Chair, and the question on sus-
tanning that decision, was decided in the afir-
mative-36 to IL.
The consideration of the Oregon bill was
then resumed, and
| The debate was continued by McsSEs. Heus.