The Kansas herald of freedom., 1858-02-27
Esom lie Eassoaaz Era.
4 Night session-seene In the Houss-Nafure
ef fhe Strrprie

that there should De no inquiry beyona
the Constitution itself-is it republican IN
form? As to the character of the Con-
yention that formed il, the manner in
which it was organized, its proceedings,
the mode in which the Constitution was
submitted, or the expression Of the popu-
lar will concerning it-these were sub
jects with which Congress had nothing to
do: the President and his supporters
wanted no investigation On the other
hand, the Republicans and the supporters
of Mr. Douglas insisted upon full pre-
liminary investigation, so as to ascertain
whether the constitution was or was not
fair expression of the win of the people
of the Territory.
Mr.. Hughes, of Indiana, who had the
floor on the question of reference, hear
ing that Dir. Harris, of Illinois, intended
TO move a reference of all the papers to
select committee, with instructions to in
vestigate and report, thought to anticipate
the movement, and keep the message
under the control of the Party, moving
simply a reference to select committee,
omitting instructions-and by usage, too,
be entitled to be appointed chairman.
Mr.. Harris, however, obtained the floor
subsequently,, and moved to amend the
resolution Of Mr. Hughes as follows
That the message of the President,
enclosing the Constitution formed at Le-
compton, in the Territory of Kansas, by
Convention of the delegates thereof and
the papers accompanying the same, be
referred to select committee of fifteen, to
be appointed by the Speaker, and that
said committee be instructed to inquire
into all the facts connected with the for
nation of said Constitution, and the laws
under which the same was originated, and
into all such facts and proceedings as have
| transpired, since the formation of said
Cons titution, having relation to the ques-
ton of the propriety of the admission of
said Territory into the Union under said
Constitution, and whether the same is
acceptable and satisfactory to majority
of the legal voters of Kansas; and that
said committee have power to send for
persons and papers,"
And on this he demanded the previous
question, thus excluding all idle debate.
Mr.. Stevens of Georgia seemed to think
this was taking. them by surprise, and
| forthwith the Administration Party, feel
ling its weakness, commenced war of par
hamentary expedients to stave off vote,
and compel an adjournment. The oppo-
sition, well disciplined in trials of endu-
rance, entered warmly into the struggle,
and on the first motion to adjourn, cast
112 votes against 95 given for it. The
tstruggle was continued without debate,
four or FIVE hours. the yeas and nays being
called times without number on all sorts
of idle questions, moved by Administra-
ton men; but the Opposition was inflexi-
BILE, betraying no indication of impatience
or yielding.
/ Midnight came, and still the voting
lwent on. Between one and two O'Clock,
an outbreak suddenly occurred, which fol
a few moments threatened general con.
| fict.
/ Mr.. Grow, of Pennsylvania, passing
down an aisle on the Administration side
of the House, hearing General Quitman
of Mississippi, announcing his desire tc
offer proposition, cried out, I object
Mr.. Keitt, of South Carolina, who wai
near him, said to him, Go to your owr
side of the House, and object.'' Mr.
Grow replied: " This is a free hall, and ]
shall object wherever / please" and he
passed on to the area before the Speaker!
, chair. Here he was met by Mr. Keitt
who had passed down another aisle, and
who asked him, ''what he meant by snct
an answer "Just what I said" re-
piled Mr.. Grow; this is free hall, ant
, shall object wherever please" "fl
let you know" said Mr.. Keitt, trying tt
, take Mr.. Grow by the throat. Mr.. Grow
struck his hand up, but Mr.. Keitt repeat
ed: "Pll let you know, you Black Repub
j lican puppy" "And l will let you know,
said Mr.. Grow, s'that no negro driver il
this hall shall crack his whip over me
All the words that had passed betwee
{ them were quietly spoken, SO as to attrae
no general attention. No soner had Ml
i Grow replied, than Mr.. Keitt spran
t towards him, and second time tried t
/ seize him by the throat; but this time Mi
: Grow knocked him down. In an instan
he was surrounded by Southerners, and a
, the same moment, C. g. Washburn, E.
/ Washburn, Mr. Potter of Wisconsin, an
other Republican members, apprehendin
, that Grow would be injured, rushed t
the rescue, and conflict ensued, in whic
! many hard knocks were given before
' was understood that it was the object {
several of the Southern men who inter
fered, to prevent, not invite, such a con
troyersy and the Sergeant arms az
p pearing among them, sustained by tn
& efforts of the Speaker and the member
generally, order was soon restored. Th
conflict continued only two. minutes, an
4 the House proceeded with the reguls
. Eorder of business, with as much goo
: humor as if nothing had happened. Th
Opposition being more determined tia
lever to bring the House to action, tt
a Iyeas and nays were called about doze
!. times, and the Administration membe
= began to grow weary At last, Mr.. Qui
: man proposed that the House adJoui
over till Monday next, when the suble'
under consideration should be resumes
+ and the vote on the pending propositio
ic be taken without delay, debate. or dill
ar tory motion This being agreeable to Il
a Republicans, and being understood to
a. agreed to by the Administration men
lg bers, was promptly accepted by the o.
he position, and at 61s O'Clock, Saturds
u, morning, after continuous sessionof Is
& hours, the House adjourned till Monda
~ So much for the first struggle in Il
Of House between the Administration al
ds Opposition forces. Il was a prelimina
rs question, not test of the exact rslati'
or strength of parties-butit it served to dra
Ii the lines, and show that the Administr
e, ton has less ground for confidence than
to pretends to have. !
ag The result of the first struggle in 4
ut House between the Lecompton men a
SIS their opponents, was the defeat of t
+ former The amendment of Mr. Har
p was finally adopted. Monday, by thr
1n majority. This is great step gained.
- Terrible Suffering.
I'll ky,oI., varzs,-< Of HE x,,arsfs nf1l