The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-04-14
BALTIMORE.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL IA, 1853.

1t is gratifying to observe, that in spite OF the
degeneracy of the age,'' the manly sports of our
forefathers not altogether forgotten, and that
the knife and revolver have not wholly superseded
the use Of those simple weapons with which nature
has provided the humblest citizen in common with
q honorable senators and representatives. 1t is
no less ediying to behold, that in the cultivation
of the healthful and invigorating practice of the
noble art of selfdefence,' Congress sets an ex-
ample every way worthy of the imitation of lesser
bodies and highly instructive to all the world
1t is one which is in the highest degree adapted to
inspire reverence for law at home and to make
our national character respected and honored
abroad. We have no hesitation in affirming that
the American House of Representatives can boast
among its members as many scientific bruisers
as any other legislative body in the world. The
present session has developed an immense amount
OF latent talent in this respect to say nothing of
muscle" and proved incontestably, that what
ever may be their standing, as legislators, or as
statesmen, there are honorable members who are
fully as dexterous in the use of their maui
leys,' and as profoundly adept in the art and
mystery of - hard-hitting," as any protested pu-
giist that ever SHE'D his castor the prizerng
or commended for the Championship of England
An illustration of the proficiency attained by one
distinguished representative in the use of his
d" fves' was furnished on Monday last. immedi-
atey after the adjournment of the House, which
had taken place at a somewhat earlier hour than
usual, in order to afford members an opportunity
to attend the funeral of Mr. Benton. An honora-
hla ,tot,,-o
lima, improved the leisure thus afforded by in
dulging in little bye-play, without Gloves
on the floor of the House, with an individual
named Helper. The "mill' appears to have
lasted only minute or two, and to have been
stopped by the interposition of outsiders. whose
impertnent inter erence with the 'sport," can not
be too highly reprehended. The published ac-
counts fail altogether to give the particulars of
the affair, with that minuteness, which is so de-
srable in such cases, and which is naturally ex-
pected by the public. We are therefore unable
TO state how many rounds were fought or
who drew first blood or to offer any criticism
upon I" the play" of the combatants. The
incident itself, however, is one gratifying to
note, and the permanent conservation of the
''open space in front of the clerks desk' to the
purposes Of ''sparring exhibitions between honor
BILE members and Others cannot fail to elevate the
pursuit of "Boxana' to place among the sports
of the country which it has hitherto failed to at
tain. Another committee should be forthwith
added to the list of Standing Committees of the
House, who should be charged with the especial
duty of arranging the terms of all future prize
battles which may take place in the National
apta
occasion. \ body of rules of the Ring might
be advanageousy prepared by the same Commit
tee, and published ''by authority of the House."
1t would serve as a useful guide in the nstruc-
ton Of our republican youth, and its perusal, ac-
companled by the study of approved Congressional
Irecedents, might be judiciously added to the list
of rudimental branches which we suggested YES
terday as proper to be pursued by the future pupils
of the McDonogh Institution.
There is one feature about the fight of Monday
which though novel, is yet highly commendable.
and which ought to be far as possible preserved
on all similar occasions hereafter. With the true
instincts of preatr cheyolier and in imitation of
those mirrors of chvalry of ancient time. who at
JouSt and tourney, found their chief incentive to
deeds of knightly proves in the presence and
smiles of beauty, the Honorable North Carolinian
gave this exhibition of his skill at a time when "a
number of ladies the floor" The latter
were frightened witnesses of the scene saws the
reporter-but from this we infer only that they
were strangers in Washington, and therefore
unused to such striking illustrations of the rules of
order and dccorum which govern the proceedings
of the House of Representatives. A few more visits
to the galleries of the House is all that is requisite
to tamiliarize them with the ways of that honora-
bic body; and will greatly diminish the surprise
and alarm which, at first sight such performances
are well calculated to inspire in feminine and rustic
minds. For our own part, we confess that we have
grown quite used to this sort of thing and in read
ing the Congressional debates, generally look for
some such occurrences In fact we seriously med-
tate publishing hereafter the proceedings of the
House under the head of Sporting Intelligence"
and those of the City Councils under the head of
''Wit and Humor' The journals of Congress
will undoubtedly supply the materials for an
American 'Fistiana'' while the brilliant savings
of certain facetious Councmen will stock tolera-
bly, capacious 'Joker's Budget
There is q bill now pcndino before the House of