Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-02-12
Exciting Scene in Congress.

latter struck Grow twice, and Grow
knocked him down. The parties were
then separated.
One O'cLocs i. IL Mr. Davis of
Mississippi unacceptibly proposed by way
of variety that the House have a few
speeches. Mr.. Grow objected.
The proceedings were exceedingly dull,
about one-tenth of the members being Ell
ther asleep or nodding in their seats. A
few were smoking cigars, and others 60
ing and coming from the refreshment
rooms. Just at this point the House was
thrown into most violent excitement, and
fearful scene of confusion took place.
a member of Congress, who was a
witness, gives the following particulars.
Mr.. Grow objected to Mr.. Quitman's
making any remarks.
Mr.. keitt said, if you are going to OBJ
ject, return to your own side of the
House.
Mr. Grow responded, this is free hall
and every man has right to be where
he pleaSes.
Mr.. Keitt then came up to Mr.. Grow
and said-I want to know what you mean
by such an answer as that?
Mr.. Grow Replied mean Just what
say this is free hall, and a man has
a right to be where be pieases.
/ Mr.. Keitt taking Mr.. Grow by the
throat, said: Il will let you know that
you are damned black Republican pup
py."
Mr.. Grow knocked up his hand, say
ing: &" l shall occupy such place in this
hall as l 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 Mr. Keitt COM
ing at him again, Mr.. Grow knocked him
down.
The fight took place at 20 minutes to
2 o'clock. Further difficulties are ap-
pretended. The respective friends of
both parties rushed to the rescue. Va
rious members on each side engaged in
the fight, which took place in the area
fronting the Clerks desk. AIr. WASH
burne Of I'll. was conspicuous among the
Republicans, dealing heavy blows. The
speaker loudly and imperatiyelv demand
ed order, and called on the Sergeant-at-
Arms to interfere. That functionary
carrying lis mace of Office, together with
his assistants, hurried to the scene and
crowded into the thickest of the fight. in
which at least dozen members were en-.
gagged. Some moments elapsed before
this truly fearful contest was quieted.-
The members having reluctantly return.
ed to their seats, there was dead calm
in comparison with the scene just en-.
acted.
Mr.. Quitman proposed that they now
adjourn. and take the reference of the
Kansas Message on Monday at l o'clock
There was emphatic and general res
ponses from the Republican side, No
no, no." The confusion began to break
out afresh, when the Speaker said he
would direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to pu
under arrest those who disregarded the
order of the House.
Mr.. Campbell said that he foresav
that disagreeable feelings would result
here from the exciting questions con
nected with Kansas.
Mr.. Banks dale of Mississippi called
the gentleman to order.
Mr.. Campbell wished the gentleman
from Mississippi, Barksdale, to know
that he, Campbell, was his peer.
Three o'clock Il. M-The House i
still voting by yeas and nays to excus,
absentees.
MIR. Quitman wished to make pro
position with the view of ending this un
profitable contest.
Objections were made, but were after
wards Withdrawn.
Mr.. Qnitman's proposition read tina
all motions now pending, since the cal
for the previous question on the amend
ment Of MIR. Harris of Illinois, SHOULD
, be Withdrawn, and that a vote sbouk
} then be taken on sustaining the demand
for the previous question, and and if car
ried the House will adjourn till Monday
and that at one O'Clock on that day vot,
shall be taken on the main question.
Mr.. Phillips said as the proposition
was for a vote to be taken tonight, h
objected.
J The Speaker said he could not enter