The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-07-10

families are more closely united than any
tw" w'them VII have been acquainted.
But that Is far apart from the question.
Independent of his filial feelings for mo,
and his regard for me as his constituent
and Senator, have no doubt that per-
sonal feeling of regard for myself indiyid.
ually influenced him.
lie approached tha. man with no other
purpsoe than to disgrace him-as far rs he
could; but the stick broke. After it broke
he was reduced to kind Of necessity-a
contingency not apprehended at all in the
original inception of tho purpose of making
the assault. Notwithstanding all that has
been said of his brutality, he is ons of tho
best tempered fellows ever knew-impc..
uous, no doubt, and quick in resentment,
but he did not intend what has been rs.
signed to him.
Aaer all that has been said and done
on post betfum examination, what is il?
A light in the Senate Chumber, resulting
in two flesh wounds, which ought rot to
have detained him from the Senate. Being
rathor a handsome man, perhaps he would
not like TO expose hsmielf by making his
appearance for some time; but if he had
been in the army, there was no reason why
he should not so TO the field the next day;
and he would deserve TO be cashiered if he
did not go. What does his physician say?
Ho says there were but two flesh wounds:
that he never had r fever while under his
care and attendance, and that he was ready
to come into the Senate tho next day, but
for his advice; and his advice was, that he
should not come into the Senate, because
1T would aggravate the excitement already
too high. lie did not recommend him not
to go into the committee room to be exam
ined on the ground that his wounds had
enfeebled him, but for other considerations
because It might aggravatc the excite.
mcnt already prevailing to an extent which
might lead TO mischievous consequences.
This, then, is the mode of redress to
| which Mr.. Brooks resorted. do not say
what should have advised him to do, but
perhaps it was fortunate that was absent
in one respect, for | certainly should not
have submitted TO that insult Possibly it
might not have been offered if were pres.
ent, though do not know the fact, because
| cannot say exactly what would be the
course of one Of those persons who have n
way of fabricating speeches. Perhaps, be-
'oS III NOulu ntNO nau 10
read it; but | think it possible that on the
appeal which | would have made en- my
discretion, his friends might have induced
him to reform it in some way SO rs to con.
form at least TO the requirements of com
mon decency in public opinion. Ii he had
not done so, | do not know villa, would
have been my course.
For this transaction, as have detailed it,
and without the intelligence which have
detailed before them, the Legislature of
Massachusetts have sent their resolutions
here. These resolutions arc without q pre-
cedent in the history of this country. |
hope other Senators will speak to them, for
they are not only an insult 10 South Caro-
lima and her representatives in Congress.
but think they assail the Constitution Of
the country. Before commenting on them,
| may be permitted to alude to the first
was between two members from New Eng.
land.
This affair is said to be an evidence of
Southern violence and Southern ruilianism.
Some papers speak Of the bowie knife and
the revolver Of Southern hackguards.
Why, sir, the first fight which took place
in Congress was between Matthew Lyon
and Roger Griswod, from Connecticut.
Oar ancestors in those days looked upon
fight with very little of the importance
which is now attached to it. They said it
was SO unimportant, that they were vexed
that so much of the time of the House was
occupied in considering il.
1t seems ;hat Matthew Lyon, originally
an officer in the army had been cashiered
and awarded wooden sword. lie then
lived in Connecticut. At that time, and
at this, too, in Connecticut, there was n
pretty pressing opinion against n low man,
and lie could not stand it. He had to move
over into Vermont, new State, then the
frontier Of the country. He was elected
member of Congress from Vermont. He
was one of the Democrats. | suppose he
was one Of the Red Republicans Of that day
against J ohm Adams administration. Was
lie Democrat?
Mr. Foot. Yes, sir he was a Demo
crat.
Mr. ,utler. 1t was before the gentleman
from Vermont taught shool there and Lyon
assumed to be kind Of apostle OF Liberty
and Democracy. Not satisfied with instruct
ing the people Of Vermont, he vent to Mr..
Grlswold, Of Connecticut; stood behind his
seat and told him, "Sir, you do not represent
Connecticut correctly; know these people;
they are mean people; they will take 81 900
as soon rs $4,000 for salary" Griswold
stood II for n great while. Finally Lyon
said, 81 will go over to Connecticul; | will
talk to these people, and will have an in
iluence upon them; | will show whether
you ought 10 occupy your seat or not"
Griswoll said, 81 hope you will not go with
your wooden sword"
lie repeated this twice; and after some.
body suggested TO Lyon that the third time
was too much, he spit iR Griswolds face a
great hubbub was raised, and Lyon WAS
brought UP, | snppose. 10 his nerfect de