Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1858-02-12
Exciting Scene in Congress.
Fight between Keitt of South Carolina,
aad Grow of Pennsylvania.
GENERAL ROW AMONG TnEMEMBFRs

WASHINGTON. Feb 6.
The House was in session all night. \
Eight occurred between Messrs. Grow Of
Pennsylvania. and Keitt of South Carolina,
The h,tsc- struck Grow twice, and Grow
knocked him down.
One O'Clock, A. Mn, Davis Of Missis-
sippi unaceeptabiy proposed by way of varic-
ty that the House have a few speeches. Mr.,
Grow objected.
The proceedings were exceedingly duh.
about one-tcnth of the members being either
asleep or nodding in their seats A few
were smoking cigars, and others going and
coming from the refreshmcnt rooms just
ct this point the House was thrown into most
violent excitement, and fearful scene of
confusion took place.
A member OF Congress, who was witness
gives the following particulars -
Mr., Grow objected to Mr.. Quitman 5 max
Ing any remarks.
Mr.. Keitt said, if you are going to object,
return to your own side of the House.
Mr. Grow responded, this is free hall and
every man has right to be where he pleascs.
Mr.. Keitt then came up t. slr. Grow and
snid-I want to know what You mean by
such an answer as that -?
Mr.. Grow replicd---I mean just what
say: this is a free hall, and a man has a
right to be where he pleases.
Mr.. Kcitt taking Mr.. Grow by the thrktt,
said 81 will let you know that YOU are a
damned black Republican puppy"
Mr.. Grow knocked up his hand, saying
81 shall occupy such place in this hall as
please, and no niger driver shall crack his
whip over me.
Mr.. Keitt then again grabbed Mr.. Grow
by the throat and Mr. Grow knocked his
hand off, and Mir. Kcitt coming at him again
Mr.. Grow knocked him down.
The fight took place at 20 minutes to
o'clock. Further difficulties are aprrehend-
ed. The respective friends of both parties
rushed to the rescue. Various members on
each side engaged in the fight, which took
place in the area fronting the Clerks desk.
Mr.. Washburne of Illinois, was conspicuous
among the Republicans. dealing heavy blows,
The speaker loudly and imperatively de-
mlndcd order, and called on the Serseant-at-
Arms to interfere. That functionary, carry
ing his mace of Office. together with his as
sisttnts. hurried to the scene and crowded
into the thickest Of the fight. in which AZ
least i dozen members were engaged. Some
moments elapsed before this truly fearful con
test was quiet: d. The members having re
lactantly returned to their seats, there WAS a
dead calm in comparison with the scene just
enacted.
Mr. Qaitman proposed that they now al
ienrn. and take the reference Of the Kansas
Message on Monday at | O'Clock. There
was emphatic and general responses FROM the
Republican side, = No, no. no The eaa-
fusion began to break out atresh, when the
Speaker said he would direct the Sergeant
at-Arms to put under arrest those who disre-
gard the order of the House.
Mr.. Campbell said that he fDrcsaw that
disagrccablc feeling would result here from
the exciting questions connected with Kan
sas.
Mr.. Barksdale of Mississippi, called the
gentleman to order.
Mr.. Campbell wished the gentleman from
Mississippi, Barksdala, to know that he.
Campbell, was his peer.
Three o'cioek, A. M-The House is still
voting by yeas and nays to excuse absentecs
Mr.. Quitman wished to make proposition
with the view of ending this improbable
contest.
ollecti1nS were Elllc Ddt Wet diteI " ttIttS
Withdrawn
Mr. Qaitmdn's proposition read that all
motions now pending. since the call FOR the
previous question on the amendment Of Mr..
Harris of ILL.,, should b. with fawn and that
u vote should then b. taken on sustaining the
demand for the previous question. and If err
ried the House will adjourn till Monday, and
that at ono O'clock on that day vote shall
be taken on the main question.
Mr. Phillips said as the proposition was
for a.votc to be taken to night, he objected.
a. The Speaker slid he could not entertain the
proposition without unanimous consent, aud
this was denied.
-Four o'clock, A. M.-The IIouss has just
refused to adjourn. There is 10 immediate
prospect off vote being taken on any Of the
questions connected with the Kansas mes
sage From 1t, & ID O'Clock tho time WAS
wasted en trivial motions.
Mr.. Qnitman submitted res pluti, IN that
the House adjourn till Monday next, when
the subject under consideration, the Kansas
message. should he resumed and the pending
propositions should be taken without further
delay being occasioncd by debate or dilatory
motions.
Unanimous consent was given for the in
PRODUCTION of the resolutions, which was
agreed to, and tho Speaker announced the
H,usa adjourned till Monday, when thu sub
jet will come up us the special order.