Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-20
DIsGRACErUL SCENE IN THE SENATE

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DISGRACEFUL SCENE IN THE SENATE,
Encounter between Benton and Foote
The United States Senate was the scene
of another disgraceful encounter between
Nlessrs. Benton and Foote on Wednesday
last, on the consideration to refer Mr.. Bells
compromise to a select committee.
Mr.. Benton, after being twice voted down
proposed fourteen new amendments, for the
purpose, as he avowed, of throwing obloquy
on the authors and signers Of the Southern
Address. Mr.. Foote remarked that John
c. Calhoun, now in his grave, and the cause
ofmourning with the nation, was the au-
thor, and that he would live when his ca
lumlnatorS and detractors would be con-
signed to oblivion and contempt; and who
said MIR. Foote isthus aspersing his memory
A gentleman who calls himself the oldest
Senator-a man who
Here Mr.. Benton, with a violent crash
of his chair, left his seat, and with an ex-
preston Of countenance which indicated
resolve for no good purpose, rapidly ap-
porached Mr.. Foote.
Mr. Dodge of Iowa, and Mr. Dodge of Wis
cousin, and others, apprehending collision
between Mr.. Benton ard Mr. Foote endea-
vored TO detain the former from moving from
his seat. Overcoming all resistance, he con-
tinued towards Mr.. Foote, who, leaving his
place, stepped down the main aisle, and took
a position in the area just in front of the Ser
geanl-at-Arms' seat al the right of the Vice
President, at the same time drawing pistol
from his bosom and cooking it.
The scene which ensued is indescribable
Loud calls for the Sergeant-at-Arms were
made, cries Of "order" resounded from all
sides of the chamber.
Many persons rushed from the galleries
and out of the chamber in apprehension of a
general melee.
Several Senators surrounded Mr., Foote,
among whom was Mr.. Dickinson, who, Sc
curing the pistol, locked it up in his desk.
Mr.. Benton in the meantime was strug-
Cling in the hands of his friends who were
endeavoring 10 prevent him from reaching
Mr., Foote. While thus pinoned, as it were
and yet almost unsuccessfully resisting the
efforts of those who held him, Mr. Benton
boldly denounced Mr. .Foote as an assassin,
who had thus dared 10 bring pistol in the
Senate 10 murder him. He said 81 have no
arms-eyamine me- carry nothing of the
kind-stand out of his way; and let the
scoundrel and assassin fire ~
In nttering this sentence, Mr. Benton threw
off from either side those who held him
tore open his vest, and invited the fire of his
antagonist.
Mr., Foote, in the meantime, was restrain
ed from advancing towards Mr.. Benton.
The ce-President, after repeated and
vigorous efforts, succeeded in restoring a
comparative stale OF quiet.
Mr.. Benton and Mr.. Foote having resumed
their respective seats,
Mr.. Foote rose and inquired if he could
proceed in order.
Mr., Benton, lin a very loud tone aud much
excited, demanded that the Senate shall take
coguizance of the fact that pistol had been
brought here TO assassinate him.
Mr. Foote explained, he had no intention
10 attack any body. His whole course had
been that of the defensive. He had been
informed that an attack upon him had been
minated, supposing, when the Senator
from Missouri advanced towards him, that he
was armed and designed to attack him, he
had himself advanced to the centre of the
chamber, in order to be in a position where
he could meet Mr.. Benton, in the main aisle,
upon equal terms.
Mr. Benton protested against an intimation
that he carried arms. lie never did So
The Vice President requested MIR Foote to
take his seat until it could ascertained what
: course was proper for the Chair 10 pursue.
Mr., Hale regretted the necessity which
seemed TO impose itself upon him, one Of the
youngest members of the Senate; but if no
one else moved in the premises, he should
deem himself unworthy of his seat, if he
could let such transaction as had just been
witnessed, go out to the country without in
vesligaiion. The Senate owed such a course
10 itself.
3 Mr.. Foote, lin his seat) court it.
MIR. Borand said he had apprehended nc
danger, and instead of the matter being a Sc.
: riOus affair TO be investigated, he thought in,
on of which the Senate should be ashamed
and should say as little about as possible.