The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-03-26

a Fight in the House of Assembly.
An unfortunate collision occurred in the House this
afternoon between Mr.. James Bowen, member Of the
New York delegation, and Mr. John Mason, of the city
of New York. The latter gentleman is q brother Of
Cyrus Mason professor in the New York University
end he has Office at No Wall street. do not wish
say anything to sggrieve eth of these gentlemen
bat after careful enquiry, feel to be my duty to give
you the particulars far have learned them. Mr.
John Mason has been here at the capital several weeks
and has manifested deep interest in the fate Of the
egrsn BILL which lately passed the Senate and which
is pending in the Committee Of the Whole House.
II is understood that Mr. Mason has assumed to be the
representative Of the commissioners of emigration In
New York. have no means of knowing whsther these
commissioners have him to act In this capac
t., but am informed that one Of them (Mr Robert
MnturD) has addressed note to Mr. Bowen stating that
Mr. Mason not authorized to represent express ia
any the views wshes of the commissioners in
regard to the framing aud passage Of this bill Upon the
marked upon sevsral occasions toat Mr.. Mason mad
rotAing to do with tbs bill. or with the COM
thnS to arouse ths anger Of Mr. Mason ' any
NO. prepared to say. But this morning MIR. Mason
addressed Mr.. Bowen note you will compre-
tbese words the issue (of this affair may your life
mine-psrhsps both" Mr.. Bowen received this note
a. his hotel and INN ,diatey commenced search for
Mr. Mason Upon the meeting Of the House this after
noon, Mr. Mason observed standing within the bar
OF the House, near tho south entrance Suddenly Mr.
Bowen rose from his seat and walked toward the south
entr ance, where Mr. NJ. was standing Upon coming up
to Mr.. Mason, Mr. Bowen held up the note which he
bad received and asked did you write that letter
don't allow persons to write Insulting letters to mel
outside, sir; come outside" Mr. b. then grasped
chair as II to strike Mr. NJ Mr. Mason Immediately
struck Mr. Bowen full in the face with his hat which
held in his hand Tho House at this presented
q scess Of extraordinary excitement and confusion;
general rush made by the members toward the
batants; there cries OF separate them remove
them from the chamber" SC &c. Messrs. VI. and B
instantly separated and the former gentleman
into custody by the sergeant and removed
10 the clerks In passing through the vcstibulc
of the capitol towards the clerks ROOM observed
that the crowd there greatly excited and
heard to ask for pistol Mr. Mason finally reached
the clerks without injury, and it hoped that
the affair was ended; but suddenly as a climax to this
folly the door Of the was forced OPEN and of
the pers of the House rushing in attempted ia
strike Mr. Mason with chair; no ID aud thrust
from the Before the door closed, Nc Bowen
came into the room, but he compelled to leave 1t
The House Immediately appointed a committee Of 10
vestig ration, and aftsrwsrd adjourned. In the
neantime Mr. Mason remains under arrest Before thi,
committee make their report, would be unjust to at
tempt to reprosch either Mr.. Mason or MIR Bowen.