American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-02-12
ROW IN CONGRESS.


ling Times furnishes the following out
line of scene that was enacted in the
House of Representatives, in the night
Of the 9th inst:
just before 2 a. m. the House was
thrown into violent excitement, and a
scene of fearful confusion. 1t appears
that while Mr.. Grow, of Pa. was walk
ing down the aisle on the Democratic
side OF the Hall, Mr.. Ksitt of S. c.,
and friend, approached him, and a
slight squabble ensued. Keitt struck
Grow, when the parties were separated
by their friends. They exchanged
words in an evidently excited and me-
naclng manner. Keitt again dealt
blow at Grow, the latter knocking him
down. Crowds of their friends rushed
to the rescue Of the various members
on each side who engaged in fight in
the area in front of tho Clerks desk.
Washburn, of Illinois, was conspicuous
among the Republicans, dealing heavy
blows ; and speaking loudly, called for
order and the Sergeant at Arms to in
tertere. That officer, carrying his mace
OF Office, together with his assistant,
hurried to the scene and crowded into
the th'ckest of the fight, in which at
least dozen members were engaged.
Some minutes elapsed before tho truly
fearful contest was quoted. The mem.
bcrs having reluctantly retired to their
seats, there was dead calm in COM
parlson with the scene just enacted.
Mr.. Quitman moved that they now
adjourn, and take up the question on
the reference of the message on Mon
day at l o'clock, p. m. Emphatic gen
cral responses from the Republican side
OF No! Mo-! The confusion began to
break out afresh, when the Speaker
said he would direct the Sergeant at
Arms to place under arrest all those
who disgraccd the order of the House.
Mr.. Campbell Of Ohio said, he fore
saw that disagreeable feelings would
result from the exciting question con-
nected with Kansas, and was called to
order by Mr.. Barksdalc.
Mr.. Campbell said he wished the
gentleman from Mississippi to know
that he was his peer.
~ member of Congress who was wit
ness to the difficulty between Mcssrs.
Grow and Keitt, gives the following
particulars:
Grow objected to Quitman making
any remarks.
kcitt said: If you are going to OBJ
Ject, return to your own side Of the
House.
Grow responded: "This is n free
Hall, and any man has a right to be
where he pleases."
keitt came up 20 Grow, and said he
wanted to know what he meant by such
an answer as that.
Grow said that he meant Just what
he that this is free Hall, and
man has right to be where he plea.
Ses.
Kcitt, taking Grow by the throat,
SAID, - will show you-you are a
Id Black Republican puppy"
Grow knocked his hands up, saying,
- shall occupy any place in the Hall
as please, and no nigger-driver shall
crack his whip over nc"
kcitt then grabbed Grow by the
throat, and Grow knocked his hands
away, when Keitt came at him.
Grow then knocked him down.
The fight took place at 20 minutes
to o'clock in the morning.
LATER.-IIaving had ample time to
cool Oft, and get duly sober, the above
belligcrents apologized to the House
on Monday. Mr.. Keitt said, cit was
due to fair dealing that he should as
sumo to himself all the responsibility
for violation of the order, dignity and
decorum of the House. lie was the
aggressor," &c. Mr.. Grow also made
an apology at length, and business was
resumed as usual.
Bs9~ The Presidents Kansas mes.
sage has been referred to the commit.
tee on Territories.
The President will carry his point,
and have Kansas admitted with the
Lccompton Constitution. Totes Hayc
Metr price.
FOREIGN NEWS.