The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1857-01-15
CoLuNBUs, January 3, 1857.
Scene ian the Illinois Legislature,

Our readers have already been advised by
telegraph of row that occurred in the lower
House of the Illinois Legislature on the 9Th
inst. The particulars of the scene are fur
nished by correspondent of the st. Louis
Republican:
This morning an outrageous and at the
same time amusing scene occurred in the
House OF Representatives. 1t took place in
this way: Nearly all the members being
t,they proceeded to organize the House
in the usual way, by electing Speaker,
Clerk, Assistant Clerk, and Sergeant-ut-
Arms, pro TEN. Tbe person chosen for
Speaker pro ten., was Mr.. Dougherty, of
Union; for Clerk, J. L. Mcconnell; fer
Sergeant-at.Arms, Tevis Greathouse, % Fay
ette. The Speaker and Clerk took their
seats.
At this time, Mr.. Bridges, the Clerk Of the
former House, made his appearance, and de-
clared himself the presiding officer of the
House until it was regularly organized, and
protested agcinst the proceedings of the
members in electing Speaker and other of.
6cers. The members paid very little atten-
tion to him-inlsmuch as they had an inti-
nation Of the course he intended pursuing
and went on with the business. The Speak.
er directed the Clerk pro tenn. to call the roll
of the House, and see how many members
were present. Mr.. Bridges again protested,
called the Speaker TO order, declared himself
the presiding officer, and demanded that the
members address him. The Speaker seve.
raj times called Mr.. Bridges to order, and
Mr.. Bridges again called the Speaker to Or
der. Every one began to be somewhat ex-
cited ut thir stage of proceeding. Mr.. Ar
mold, of Chicago, commenced making a
speech to sustain Mr. Bridges, and here we
will proceed vcrbatim et lsteratam.
Mr. Arnold-Mr Speaker, | wish to make
a few remarks.
speaker-Does the gentleman rcsognizc
me as the Speaker!
hrnold-No, SIR.
Speaker-Then the gentleman is out of
will proceed to call the roll
Bridges-I protest. have my rights here
and intend 10 maintain them. am presi-
ding officer OF this House and intend to main
tain my rights.
Speaker-Order.
Bridges--I call you to order, sir.
Logan, OF Jackson,-Mr Speaker, move
that the lgeant-at. Arms pro tenn. be in
structed to take Mr.. Bridges out of the
House if he persists in his course.
Bridges-I call you to order, sir.
Mr.. Logan's motion being seconded, and
the question being put and carried, the
Speaker directed the Sergeant-at Arms to
show Mr.. Bridges the door.
Mr. Greathouse, Sergeant. OF Arms, walk
ed up to Mr.. Bridges and politely informed
him that he was directed to show him out
Mr. Bridges told him TO keep his hands of
or he would get hurt. Mr.. Greathouse tool
him by the collar, when Mr.. Bridges struck
him, and then CONNIE need the scene. The,
clinched, while many of the members made
up to the scene Of action, to assist the Ser
geant in the discharge of his duties.
i After considerable wrestling, knocking
over chairs, desks, inkstands, men, ant
things generally, MFR. Bridges was got out
with his coat "shockingly torn" Five o.
six assistant Sergeant at. Arms were theT
appointed to keep order, and the House pro
ceeded to business. After the members hat
been sworn in, the House adjourned I'D
journed until three O'clock this afternoon.