The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-04-15


lFron the Washington Union, April 10
Our readers may remember that on the 9Th instant
Senator Bggs, of North Carolina, called the atten-
ton of the Senate to some extracts from book en-
titled THE Impending Crisis of the South" quoted
in the published speech OF Senator Wilson. The
Senator went on to show that the author Of this
book was "a dishonest, degraded, and disgraced
man, and although-much TO be Regretted native
of North Carolina yet he ia apostate son. ruined
in fortune and character and catering to diseased
appetite at the North to obtain miserable living by
ISLANDERS upon the land of his birth. deeply re-
gret Continued Gov. Biggs) that the Senator from
Massachusetts, has, by reference, so dignided the
creature 10 render necessary this exposure. Such
is Mr.. Helper Of North Carolina, author of the I'm
pending Crisis of the South, alias Mr. Heller, once
OF North Carolina but who has left the land of his
birth for the good Of the State"
IL is supposed that Mr.. Heller, alias Helper, was
at once sent for, and this morning he was vaporing
about the departments making threats OF what he
would do could he discover Mr.. Biggs informant.
After the adjournment of Congress he made his ap.
pearance in the hall of the House of Representatives
with other individuals .sho probably his con-
iederatea) and going behind the chair Of Hon. Bur
ton Craige commenced an impertnent questioning.
II is asserted by those by that Mr. Ciaige denied
having furnished the information, and referred him to
Senator Biggs, whereBpon Helfer, alias Helper be-
came abusive, and alteration ensued. The fO.-
lowing account of what traDspired was furnished
by the Hon. Augustus II. Wright, of Georgia, an eye
witDess:-
Approaching the Speakers desk in front, Mr..
SltS Immediately 10 the lett the aisle,
the front tier of My next to Mr. Craiges
on the same row just to his left. The death Of
Thomas II. Benton ex-senator from Missouri, had
been announced a few moments before, and the
House adjourned TO permit attendance of members
at his funeral Mr. Craige was still in his seat. I
was still in mine, reading the editorial scraps in the
mornings Globe.
My attention was attracted by a tall, dark skinned
man, with rather a sinister, savage look, asking Mr.
Crajge, very abruptly, if he had made a certain
statement did not understand distinctly what.
The conversation proceeded, mildly upon the part
of Mr. Craige. A few seconds satisfied me that the
man either INTENDED 20 attack Mr.. Craige, compel
the member to strike him. This caused me TO scan
him instantly from head to foot, and TO compare him
physically with Mr.. Craige: was satisfied that the
latter could whip him. did not like the lurking
eye of the stranger, however, and was pretty
saw the mark of bowieknife or pistol under his
coat.
The idea Of assassination, like fash Of lightning
impressed itself upon my mind | determined to
take part in the rencoDtre il necessary prevent IT,
should have gone for the sergeant-atarms, but
afraid to leave a collision evidently approach
ing. ! rose from my seat silently and went round
Mr.. Craiges seat and took my seat just at the side
OF the intruder, intending to seize his arm ii he at
tempted to draw weapon
Casting my eye around, saw two or three men,
not members, and strangers TO me, in members seats
close by, watching the progress Of the difficulty.
They may have been there accidentally. My opinion
was and is, they were there by design felt cri-
sis approaching of great danger to the member
from North Carolina, perhaps TO myself | would
have gone of the sergeant again thinking of il, but
the difficulty manifestly preciptating. and /
thought il would not DO TO leave him. The intruder
used some offensive epithet about "slayeholders;' /
cannot remember it, Mr.. Craigc said. much ey-
cited Leave here, sir; will not be iDsuIted in this
place by any such puppy or words OF some such
import. The man retorted with mcnacng attitude,
"You are slaveholding coward" or words TO that
effect Mr.. Craigc struck him. and was struck about
the same time in return. the stranger lighting with
his Gsts, contrary to my expectations. Fighting,
they moved toward the Speakers desk. followed,
watching closely for the weapon intending to seize
him II he attempted 20 draw one. ] was morally
certain Mr. Cragc unarIned, though ! did not
know the fact.
The man fought with more energy than ] antic
pated but Mr. Craige evidently getting the advan
tage OF him, when he let go of Mr. Crage; thought
then, still think, 10 get his weapon. ! sprang for
ward To seize him, but some other gentlern an was
ahead of me, and they were instantly separated.
followed the intruder 20 the guard room and saw
him dsarmed Of a bowie knife and revolver. The
whole scene lasted but a few moments. | thought
then and still think the object of the intruder was
10 bring an assault and then assassinae. So far
a. what occurred in the House Of Representatives,
IL was one Of the most daterminedly wicked and I'M
provoked assaults ever witnessed.
Heller. alias Helper, was Immediately taken in
custody by one Of the assistant doorkeepers. who
delivered him over To the Scrgeant-at-Arns. lie
was found 10 have ON his person Colts revolver
and bowie knife.
Justice Arnold held a preliminary examination, at
which the prisoner released on bail until four
O'clock Senator Hale becoming security for his ap-
pearance in the sum OF $500. The Hon Mr. Craice
WAS notified 20 appear bat declined prosecuting or
taking any notice Of his assailant, and he was re.
leased on giving security 10 keep the peace, Mont
gomery Blair, ESQ, becoming bis bail.