The Washington union., 1858-02-17
A CORRECT STATEMENT.


A CORRECT STATEMENT
The many false and exaggerated statements that
have been published relative to the recent personal
collision in the House of Representatives seem to
call for correct version of the leading facts Of the
affair. The subjoincd statement, which we have col
lected from the representations Of those members
of the House who were in position to observe all
the circumstances is believed to embrace a correct
account
Some time about two o'clock on Saturday morning
during the night session ON the reference of the
Kansas message, Gen. Qutman proposed resolu
ton to withdraw the diatory motions and to adjourn
to Monday, with the understanding that on that day
at one o. clock vote should be taken the main
question. While he addressing the Chair
Mr. Grow, who was ON the democratic side Of
the House, and near Mr.. Keitt's seat, objected
to the reception Of the resolution. Mr. Keitt
told him, if he wished to object, to go to his
own side of the House His reply being
sidcred by Mr. Keit offensive the latter seized him
by the collar hut Immediately relinquished his hold
and was about resuming his seat when an offensive
remark of Mr. Grow induced Mr.. keitt to seize him
by the throat. struggle ensued, when Mr. Davis, of
Mississippi, interfered to separate the parties and
pressing Mr. Kett back; the foot of the latter be-
came entangled in chair and he partially fell Athis
time Mr. Grow struck at him, but is supposed not to
have reached him. Several persons rushed to
the scene of conflict, some with the view OF sepa
rating the combatants and restoring order, and
others perhaps to protect their friends-Mr. Barks
dale of Mississippi, (who happened to be sitting
near the point where the difficulty occurred,) among
the first, undoubtedly, his conduct in the com
mencemcnt shows, with the intention Of separating
the parties In making these efforts he received
from some person blow and finding himself at
tackled he turned upon his assailans and dealt back
some hard blows Ina few moments the Sergeant-at
Arms and large number Of members interfered, sep
arated the combatants, and order was restored.
TnE CmcAGo TINES deyotes whole column to dis
prove the right Of the people Of State to change
their constitution at pleasure. Having made strong
and long effort in this way, the Times tolls us that
it had no idea of discussing the subject. We can
readily understand that our contemporary not
prepared to examine the question. The Times can
see no difference between the constitution Of the
United States and State constitutions. Until il is
able to discern this distinction, we positively
certain cotemporary will gain far credit by
silence than by speaking. Upon one point we hope
to be able to yield to the Times some consolation
we mean, Of course the threatened anarchy which It
is feared may result from the doctrine that the peo-
pie make their own State constitutions and may alter
them at pleasure We have no such fears, and are
quite sure that need be apprehended The
Times adopts novel process by which toprove
that the constitution of the United States was not
the work of the States because, it says that nstru
ment declares that g We, the people" &C., or
dained and established it, little historical read.
ing to say nothing of the character of the federal
government, will convince contemporary, never
theess, that our compact of Union was tho work Of
the States as States Now, if the Times ia able to
show us that the legislatures of the States pow
ers distinct from the people thereof, we may adopt
and act upon its theory Of limited Legislative monar
chy in opposition to the rights of the people as the
original source Of all authority.
The proceedings in the House of Representatives
Yesterday on one of the Maryland election de-
nonsates that other questions besides that relating
to the admission Of Kansas can stir up that body.
The caustic speech of Mr.. Hatch of the Buffalo
gressional district know w-nothingism started az
excitement which seemed to produce no little futter
ing among the blackrepublcans. Tho proceedings
of the day made it evident that the latter viii stand
by the know-nothing rowdyism represented in Con-
gress by certain member from Baltimore, and that
they consider him one Of their friends, whom they
are bound to protect, under oil circumstances.
oSNous--The Albany Atlas and Argns OF SATURDAY
says
We are authorized 10 say that Mr.. stanton will ao
speak in the assembly chamber this evening
There to be fatality attending Mr. Stansons
efforts to enghtsn the people.
DE,ru or A Coon MAs.--Wc regret 10 announce the
death of VIM s. Dance, of Powhatan, who one Of
the very best in the community in which he lived
and who has filed the Office of clerk of that county for
about half century Mr. d., at the time OF has death
was very old man. and universally respected and