Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1857-01-22
Border Rufianism In the Ohio Legs
lature,

IaJuT6I
On Wednesday, the 18th during a debate in
the House Of Representatives, Mr.. Slough.
Democratic member from Hamilton county
and former Secretary of the State Democrat
ic Committee, struck the member from Ashta-
buls county, Mr., Caldwell, a blow IN the face
with his clenched fist in consequence of re.
marks made by Mr.. @. in reference to a pro-
position 10 refer 10 the Attorney General q
question relative to the per diem of members,
which ia set forth by our Columbus correspond
snt, The matter has been referred to a com,
mittee Of FIVE for investigation. On Friday last
Mr.. 8. made what be calls an acknowledge
ment to the House, which truly does but add
insult to injury. We clip the following ex-
tract from the Legislative proceedings Of Fri
day, and remarks thereon from the Cleveland
Leadcr,
Mr., Slough rose to a question Of privilege.
Mr.. Caldwell interrupted. and inquired il the
gentleman wanted 10 make q statament, wheth.
il was done by general consent.
Mr.. Slough said be wanted to make an ack-
nowl,jgme-t to the House, and proceeded
Mr. .SP~EAEER:- If | we're TO refrain for a Ion
ger period from an expression of feeling | pos
sess. and which | have never concealed. in re-.
gard to the occurrence between another mem
Der of the House and myself, which vas an in.
fraction Of the rules of propriety and Of the
House. | would be doing violence to tas sense
Of Justice | entertain.
At an earlier period, the acknowledgement
I propose 10 make, should have been made,
but bslisveing that The committee appointed to
invsGtigate the matter would report at an early
day I have deferred making this statement until
til, time. I make it now for the reason that l am
informed that the committee referred to will
not be ready to report for several days.
Nov. of my own %voliiion, | say to the House
I recognize the sancity Of places set apart for
legislation, especially when occupied for that
purpose, and believe that any act calculated to
destroytthat sancity, demands the rsparation
Of at Iesst IN acknowledgement.
| have no fear but that the constituency I in.
part represent upon information OF the circum.
stances that led to the rencontrs. would rec.
ognize my right. yea. would expect me to re-
sent an insult in the manner deemed most pro
per By me: ye! in such q case as the present,
would demand 4 of me the adoption Of the course
| now pursue.
The personal relationship existing between
tbe member and myself, prior TO this occurrence
was Of a friendly character. | do not permit
an or0inarycircum lance to interfere with friend.
ship, yet, | acted in the belief that the insult
offered was designed. l have no reason now
to change that o~pinion. and whilst / disavow
all idea of apolegy to yard the member. for !
feel that the insult demanded chaatisvment. yet
| entertain no vindictiV eness.
To the House I would say that | regret the
breach Of rule and propristy OccssioEsd by my
act.
l feel that | have thus done everything that
could be properly demanded BY The House.
not for the purpose of attempting to influence
in the least its final action in the premises, but
for the purpose Of placing nysslf right in the
opinion Of my constituency. and the people Of
the State generally.
Mr.. Miller moved that Mr.. Slough's remarks
be entered upon the journal.
Mr., Plumb objected. He thought it . mis-
srsbls failure At an attemptsto make acknos al
sdgsment to the House; aad q justification Of
his conduct. The gentleman from Hamilton
had committed q gross outrage, and fine had
made a full and frank apology. that he had
d, ne wrong. no member would be more willing
than himself 10 have his (Mr. S~lough'sl re-
msrks spread upon the journal.
Mr., Flowers would Ike 10 see The remarks
printed.
Mr.. CLANCY inquired whether or not they
would be entitled to be upon the Journal with.
out motion.
Msssrs. YAple and Upham wished TO see
them put upon the journals.
Mr.. Braytou objected.
Mr.. CALDWELL hoped that all objections would
be withdrawn.
The motion to spread Nr. Slough's aeknovl-
edgement upOn the %iOurpal Was then put. and
sgresd 10