Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-04-08
FROM WASHINGTON.

MARCH II, 1905.
There was a scene of rare excitement In the
House of Representatives yesterday, during the
debate on the Kansas Bill in the Committee OF the
Whole. The Hon. William Smith, of Virginia,
better known as Extra Billy, was addressing the
Committee, when be stated that he had certain
revelations to make respecting the OF
the Illinois delegation, which would suthclently
explain the singular position Of the Hon. stephen
Arnold Douglas, on the Lecompton Constitution.
These revelations he should preserve for q future
occasion. as time would not permit him now to
explain. The greatest excitement prevailed over
the Hall. and the Hon. s. S. Marshall, of Illinois,
rose and remarked that the gentleman from Vlr-
einia should prefer his charges and not make IN
Situations. MIR. Smith replied that he charged it
upon them positively and insinuated nothing; II
the House would give him the time (only two min
utes of his hour remalning) he would then state
the charge. Cries of $50 ou-go on" were heard
all over the House, and nearly every member was
upon his feet. The rapping of the Chairman's
gavel seemed not to be heard above the din OF con-
fusion and excitement. Mr.. Smith at last said
that what he knew came from an honorable gentle
man. and as it had been told to several as we'll as
himself. he presumed there was no secrecy IN the
matter. .tLet US have t''-"out with it," were
the ordinations from a hundred mouths. 81 was
informed by the Hon. William A. Richardson, ex-
member of Congress, from Illinois" said Smith,
sthat when the Democratic members from that
State met in this city, in December last, n caucus
was held to determine what course the Hon. Ste
phen Arnold Douglas should take on the Kansas
question, in order to secure his reelection TO the
United States Senate, and that these gentlemen
then and there determined the political position
of Mr.. Douglas, with a sole view to his re election.
"Tbis" said Mr.. Smith, Furnished the key to the
-,- ID ,pforfnpofo nn,1rsp Of n0llnV
nnrsued by that Senator" Mr.. Marshall Of Hi
nois. again rose and stating that he was one Of
the Illinois delegation, and so far as his knowi.
edge extended, there was not the least shadow nf
q foundation for the statement just made by the
gentleman from Virginia, nor did he believe that
any such caucus or convention of the lllinoS dein"-
Gratis had been held. Mr.. Cox ct OHIO, here spr"ng
to his feet, and directed some excited remarks IL
Mr.. Smith, but the cries of Order. Or'ier," and
the loud rapping Of the Speaker gsvel, prevented
my hearing their purport. MIR. SmiTh, IN turn.
begged OF the COMMITTEES to let MIR Cox proceed
and to give them only n few minutes OF free hght
between themselves. Old Extra seemed "eager
for the fray"-ani he would have used up the
little Buckeye in less time than your correspond
ent has been relating the facts which tranSpired.
Their a,e few men in Cougress MIR. Smiths equal,
in debate. He is sure to have the facts OIL his
side. aud then with the ingenuity Of m astute law
ver-with an command OF Language,
his adversary is fortunate il he leave the contest
with whole bones. The Chairman. however. deter
mined to preserve order. and positively refused to
proceed with business until gentleman resumed
their seats and preserved order. He even threat
eued to leave the chair and report the disorderIy
members to the Speaker of the House for action.
This soon silenced members, and order being a
gain restored, q member from New York proceed
ed to address the Committee.
Charleston Standard.