New-York daily tribune., 1858-02-08
AFTER-BREAKFAST VIEWS OF THE
STRUGGLE.
Yrom Our Own Correspondent.
VI ..,ux-lmn.- Gat,,rlou

Yron Our Own COnespondept.
WASHINGTON, Saturday, Feb 6, 1S55.
The triumph Of the Opposition, after their long
struggle of nineteen hours in the House, is very
gratifying, not only for it, immediate result upon
She fate Of the Lecomptioa Constitution, but for
the assurance il gives Of parliamentary pluck and
skill on that side of the House which has not here.
tofore been emnently distinguished for those
qualities.
The personal conflict on the floor of the House is
the theme to-day Of universal discussion aud unlver'
sal regret. 1t was disgraceful to the country, to
Congress and to bim who was the cause of 1t; and
yet good deal can be fairly said in pahation OF IT,
IL was hasty unpremeditated affair, mere ebuli-
ton of quick temper on the part of an irritable,
excitable man, who undoubtedly deeply repented OF
his own weakness az soon as he had time aud Oppor.
tunity for reflection. Mr.. Kett, / am told, admits
that he acted fooshly, and expresses much pegret
that he should have allowed his passion TO get the
better Ofhls judgment
The occurrence will probably cal forth un-
measured abuse Of the House of Representative,
as dsorderly turbulent body, bear-garden, 3
cockpit &c. And yet nothing can be more un-
iust There is no assembly in the world of the size
of the United States House of Representatives
which is more orderly, or more courteous, or when
is habtually more Observent of parliamentary pro.
pretes The disturbance this morning, OF which sent
you an account by telegraph, arose in great part
from natural and excusabe misspprehensiOn. The
primal cause was the insolence OF Mr.. Keitt, who
not only nsuted Mr.. Grow with blackguard lam
guape but offered him personal violence by seizing
him by the throat. Mr.. Grow promptly knocked
him down by a scientific blow beneath the ear,
which sent him sprswling PROSTATE upon the floor
Of the House. Mr.. keitts excitabie Southern
friends in the midst Of whom Mr. Grow happened
10 be when this took place, rushed 10 the scene Of
hal, fhara fn Nv
Grow, and others 70 restore order. Among these
last was Mr. Davis of Mississippi of whose motive
for interfering in the fight was not aware at the
time | sent nv telegram. have since learned tha
he actively exerted himself To preserve peace. Mr.
Grow, who stood his ground firmly, was thus in
stanty surrounded by ring OF Southern members,
all apparently and some really attacking him. Con.
spcuous among them were Messrs. Davis, Barks
dale and Lamar. Supposng that the whole group
were attacking Mr.. Grow, Mr.. Potter Of Wisconsin
dashed in among them, dealing heavy blows on all
sides. and receiving some very severe ones IN bis
face and on various parts OF his person Nashourne
of Illinois at the same moment spranc over
chairs and desks to Mr.. Grows assistance, followed
by his brother Of Wisconsin, BY IapPsn oil y. H.,
and other Republicans. The Southern members
thus furiously assailed of course defended lhehl-
selves, and some who entered the arensa as peacema-
kers leit II as combstants. The battle was severe
while II lasted and revealed very unexpected
readiness for fight among the Northern men.
The affair, however, does not seem to have leit
an! Ill blood on either side. and il is not probable
mar anything will result from it. Mr.. Davis, and
!he o'ner southern members who were engaged III
'ne heht came over and cOnversed with their Opp0-
hehts III very frank and courteous manner during
me rest OF the night session; and certainly if the
southern members are content with their share Of
the transaction the Northern members have no rea-
son TO be ashamed of theirs.
As seen from the Reporters Gallery. it pre-
sented dioil enough spectacle. There we're some
into each sther like SO many Tpperary sayooesT
mOst Of them incapable, from want Of winS and
muscle, Of dong each other any serious hurt.
Mr.. Barksdale Vi Mississippi, who was smoug tIe