Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-04-22

fable attack had been made on measure,
the southern address, which many had been
proud to sign. That address would live in
the esteem Of patriots. Who was its author?
The Senator from South Carolina, over
whose death the nation is now mourning.
And who was it that attempted to impugn
that address? It was an individual known
as the oldest member Of the Senate.
Mr. Foote was proceeding with some sar-
castle and pungent remarks, evidently in
alusion to MIR Benton, but had said nothing
sufficiently open or offensive to justify the
Chair in calling him to order, when,
Mr. Benton rose e,much agitated and throw
ing his chair from him, proceeded by the
narrow passage outside the bar towards
Mr. Foote's seat, which is on the outside
row, near the main entrance.
Mr. Dodge, of Wis, apprehending col
lision, endeavored to detain the former from
moving from his seat. Overcoming all re-
sstance, he continued towards Foote, who,
leaving his place. stepped down the main
aisle and took position in front of the Ser
geant-at-Arms' seat, at the right Of the Vice
President, and drawing pistol from his
bosom, cooked it. The scene which ensued
is indescribable. There were loud cries for
Sergeant-at-Arms and @order." There was
great excitement in the Senate Mr.. Benton
was about to attack Foote, when the latter
drew pistol, retreating to the center of the
Hall; and it was only by the most strenu-
GUS exertion that the parties were kept from
collision.
Many persons rushed from the gallery
and out of the chamber, in apprehension Of
a general melee. Several Senators surround.
Foote. Mr. Dickinson took the pistol from
him. Mr. Benton, meantime, Was struggling
in the hands of his friends, who were en-
deavoring to prevent him from reaching
Foote. Mr.. Benton boldly denounced Foote
as an assassin, who had dared to bring a
pistol into the Senate. He said: 81 have
no arms; examine me; 1 carry nothing of
the kind; stand out of the way and let the
scoundrel and assassin fire" On uttering
this sentence, Mr.. Benton threw off those
who held him, and tore open his vest, and
invited the fire of his antagonist.
Mr. Foote, in the meantime, was restrain
ed from advancing towards Benton.
The Vice President, after repeated and
| vigorous efforts, succeeded in restoring COM
parative quiet. Benton and Foote having
| resumed their seats, Mr. F. rose and inq uir-
ed if he could proceed in order.
Mr. Benton, in very loud tone, demand
ed that the Senate should take cognizance
of the fact that pistol had been brought
here to assassinate him.
Mr. Foote explained, that he had no in
tention to attack any body. His whole
| course had been that of one on the defence
| Mr. Foote said that he had been informed
that an attack on him had been intimated.
Supposing when the Senator from Missouri
advanced towards him that he was armed
and designed an attack on him, he advanc-
ed to the centre of the chamber, and in Or
der to be in a position where he could meet
Benton in the main arch upon equal terms.
Mr.. Benton protested against an intima-
ton that he carried arms. He never did so.
The Vice President requested Mr. Foote
to take his seat, until it could be ascertained
/ what course was best to be pursued.
Mr.. Hale would not let such transac-
ton as had Just been witnessed, go to the
country without investigation.
! Foote-I court it.
Borland-I never knew Mr.. Benton to
carry arms.
BeEton-No, never. ..
Mr.. Dodge moved that a committee O
seven be appointed to investigate the sub
ject.
Mr. Clay expressed hope that Benton
and Foote would go before magistrate, or
else pledge themselves before the Senate, moi
to commit breach of the peace.
Mr. Benton-I have done nothing to au-
thorize charge of intention to commit a
breach of the peace, and will rot in jail
before I will give promise by which ad.
NIT such a thing.
Mr.. Foote was willing for an investiga.
tion. He had only prepared himself for an
attack against which be bad been warned.
He felt bound as a man of honor to take
the proceedings elsewhere.
Mr. Benton greeted this with contempt
uous laugh.
A Committee was at last appointed.
Adjourned.
WASHINGTON, April 15.
HousE.-Mr Young, the Clerk elect,
was qualified.
After on Intellectual attempt to rescind
the resolution postponing till March 1851,
the election of Doorkeeper and Postmaster.
Mr.. Brown, Of Miss, preferred the fol.
lowing charges against Mr. Horner acting
Doorkeeper:
That said Horner made false certificates
under and by virtue Of which his brother
drew pay as an officer of the House, On
when it was notorious that he was absent
from the city Of Washington, and held Office
in the State Of the duties of which
he was discharging, and receiving his sal.
ary from the United States.
Second, That Horner has dismissed from
his place, page ofthe House, without rea-
son, and in an attempted Justification. has
made false charge against such page,
which iftrue, would disgrace him and JUS
| tify criminal prosecution.
Third, That Horner made false statement
in dischnrging his official duties,