Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-02-17
The Scene in the House.


House of Representatives are given by tn
newspaper correspondents who witnessed tn
transaction not however, greatly differing fror
the first details The following from the cor
respondent of the N Y. Courier is the most mi
mute narrative of this memorable "will' that W
have met:
Mr.. Grow, of Pennsylvania, was returning Il
the Republican side from the seat of his colleague
Mr.. Hickman, which is at the east end of th
Hall. He was obliged to pass through tn,
lines of seats occupied by the Democrats. Be
fore Mr. Grow had emerged from the vicinity 0
group of members Gen. Quitman rose 10 speak
The previous question being pending, Mr.. Grow
called him to order. Mr.. Kett called from hi
sest, "Go to your own side OF the Hall, wha
business have you hereG" Mr.. Grow replied
'the Hall is free, and Il 60 where / pease."-
Keitt Immediately left his seat descended few
steps before the area of the Speakers chai
turned into the aisle leading to the spot where
Mr.. Grow stood and came up to the latter
| Keitt said in menacing manner, "What do yor
mean by that answerf"
Mr. Grow.-"I meant what said"
Mr.. Keitt.-"You are a Black Republican
puppy"
plantation to crack your niger driving whip o
yer me.
Mr.. Keitt.-'I will show you"
Keitt thereupon attempted TO seize Mr.. Grow
by the throat, but Mr. Grow with his left arm
threw Mr. Keitt's hand up. Hereupon Mr.. Da
Wis. of Mississippi, whose only desire was to
preserve peace, as he alleges, and as Mr.. Grow
and his friends, believe, interposed, and request
ed Keitt not to make any further disturbance -
He took hold ofKeitt, so as to restrain him, bni
that person instantly threw himself upon Mr.
Grow and caught him firmly by the throat
Quicker than thought Mr.. Grow released him.
self from tile grasp. and by severe and well
directed blow knocked him down upon the floor.
Keitt lay without any attempt to rise. In re
covering himself, Mr. Grow brought his head
violently against the cheek of Mr.. Davis, infict'
ing a confusion. Keitt disappeared, how or
when nobody knows.
Mr.. Barksdale, of Mississippi, seeing his col
league, Mr.. Davis, engaged, also interposed as a
peace -naker-but no one on our side OF the
House could possibly know anything Of their in.
tentions but it appeared that Mr. Grow was in
volved in An unequal combat with three of the
enemy. A rush of course was made from the
Republican side to the assistance OF Grow. Mr.
Potter, of Wisconsin, distinguished himself in
the confusion, striking at every one whom he
supposed implicated in the assault. Of course,
as the melee was sudden and general no men,
bsr could understand the intentions OF any 9th
er. In fact, the presumption from the begin
ming WAS that the attack upon Mr.. Grow WAS
prsInedtated. Mr.. Barksdale was colaring
Mr.. Washburne, of Illinois; seeing this, Mr.. y.
@. Washburne, OF Wisconsin, bore up to the re-
lief of his brother. Mr.. Lamar, OF Georgia,
ranged up by the side OF MIR. Barksdals, and Mr..
Potter opened in artistic style on the whole,
mstaking Mr.. Washburne of Illinois for the en-
envy. Mr.. Potter saluted him roughly on COM
ing into action but, correcting himsalf, charg-
ed upon Mr.. Barksdale's wig with one hand and
his countenance with .he other. Mr. Bsrksdnls
received two severe blows, but whether from
Mr.. Potter or O. Q. Washburne cannot be de-
termined. Mr. Potter was thrown off his bal.
ance by Mr.. Barksdale's wig coming off and
remaining in hands, and his blows probably fail
ed of their object. Mr.. Potter was slightly
marked uuder the left eye; Mr.. y. Q. Wash.
burne had his thumb sprained, and Mr.. WASH
burne of Illinois had his throat compressed
Mr.. Lamar, it is stated, drew his penknife, but
with what purpose cannot be known. When
Mr.. Davis of Mississippi felt himself struck in
the face he drew weapon in self defence, but
quickly replaced IT,
Mr.. Mott, of Ohio, q Quaker member, much
respected, and Rev. Owen Lovejoy, of Illinois.
were thicky engaged, showing, holding, choking
and crowding friends and enemies 10y turns-as
psace makers. Mr. Montgomery, of Pennsylva-
MIA, anti -Lecompton Democrat, started for the
field, but Mr.. Bocock, OF Virginia, attempted to
hold him. few sharp words passed, and Mr..
Montgomery was in q moment by the side of
his friend. Many more were engaged in the
scene than have introduced into this picture
but wouli only confuse the sketch.
The Speaker behaved well, humping with
his hammer, aud calling to order with pertina-
cuus zeal for the good name of the House. Mr..
Glnssbrenner, Sergeanta at arms, seized the mace
with the silver eagle and appealed to the vene-
ration of the members for that emblem of nation
al pride. Mr.. Wright, of N. j., Assistant Ser
veant, an officer OF Colossal proportions, second
ed his chief with great effect. 1t was infinitely
to witness the miscellaneous poundings
and passes which diversified the progress of the
fighI.
After its termination there was good naur-
ed explanation between Messrs. Grow, Potter
and the Washburnes ON the one side, and Messrs
Davis, Barksdale and Lamar on the other, in
which each aud all protessed regret for the mis-.
which had led to the individual
collisions between them.