Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-06-21
DAILY NATIONAL ERA.

Der, Mr. Smith, who belongs to the Liberty
Party proper, of which he has been the Presi-
Dental candidate, and Messrs. Giddings, Wade,
and De Witt, who are Independent Democrats,
and voted for John p Hale Not one Of these
gentlemen, it seems congratulated Mr. Cullom
on his speech but as is the custom when
member makes successful effort, Wings and
Democrats, from the North and the South, went
up to MIR. c. after he had closed, shook hands
with him, some oomplimenting him for the abil-
ity he had displayed, some, for the sentiments no
had uttered. And this simple fact Mr. Church
well makes the foundation of q grave charge,
that his colleague was congratulated ON the
occasion by the Abolitonists and Free Sellers
Of the North! If Mr.. Cullom's constituents are
to DO imposed upon by such nonsense, they
should send fool to represent them.
The sequel to this personal explanation "
took place yesterday, in the House. Mr..
Churchwell, who had got the floor by the cour-
tesy Of Mr. Stevens, Of Michigan, pointed to
some remarks of his colleague in the Globe,
which he pronounced UNANIMOUSLY false. Mr..
Cullom sprang towards him, calling him liar
and ut the same moment q pistol was seen in
Mr. Churchwelps hand Before they came in
direct personal collision, both were seized by
members the Sergeant Arms, bearing the
mace of the House, appeared among them, and
order was at last restored.
1t will be observed that nearly all these per-
koI hot ,haro
from the slave States
The discreditable scene in the Senate in
which Messrs Bell and Toombs figured, is
still fresh in our recollections. We remember
some bitter correspondence, just before the
meeting Of the present Congress, the parties
to which wore, Mr.. Toombs, and Colonel Davis
Secretary of War-correspond in which
language was applied and retorted, not COM
mon among Northern men. Ia the House.
two instances have occurred Of altercation be-
tween Southern men, in which the lie out
right has been given and returned, without
stint or crcumlocution; and there are two
other instances, in which Southern men, with
out provOcation, INDUCED in abusive language
towards Northern mon, in one of which q
duel was meditated, but prevented by the
usual mode Of adjustment.
Even Southern members themselves must
admit that they are oftener offenders against
parliamentary decorum than Northern men,
in their intercourse with each other. And yet
we are told that the practice Of duelling is civil
izing in its tendencies that it cultivates eleva-
ted ideas Of honor, chivalry, courtesy that
wherever it prevails, gentlemen in their inter-
course with one another arc careful to avoid
abusive and denunciatory language Certain
ly the history Of transactions in Congress gives
the lie to this theory. Where members are
restrained within the bounds Of decorum, SIM
ply by the fear of being called to an account
for breach of it, they will study the "oode Of
honor,D to ascertain precisely how far they
may violate its spirit, without trespassing upon
the letter-and if in the heat Of passion, they
should 80 far forget themselves as to incur any
danger, they will trust to the ofiicious zeal Of
considerable friends, always at hand, to bring
about an amicable arrangement.
How such code, and the practice under it,
can refine human nature, liberalize its views,
cultivate its amenities, enlarge its charities,
subdue its passions foster tho habit of self
control, and produce that real kindness Of
heart, without which there can be no genuine
courtesy of manper, we are at q loss to under
stand.