Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1858-02-13
The Figl,t in the House,


We have already heard several versions
of the Eight" which occurred in the House
of Representatives last night, but the follow
ing is the best authenticated account we
have been able to gather. It appears that
the House was continued in session until
about two O'Clock, by series Of parliament
ary stratagcms to avoid direct vote Oh the
resolutions relative to referring the Presi-
dents Message which accompanied the Lc-
compton Constitution. These strataeics con
sisted in raising motions to adjourn, to OK
cuse members from voting, to call the
House, DC.
Finally. Mr.. Quitman, OF Mississippi, at
tempted to introduce resolution, which will
be found in the report Of the proceedings in
another column Of course, UNANIMOUS con-
sent was necessary for its submission to the
House, and 70 objection being made the
Speaker proceeded to put the resolution to
a vote. At this stage Of the proceedings
Mr.. Grow, Of Pa , from position on the
opposite side Of the House from where his
seat is situated, and while passing down the
aisle, objected to the resolution. Mr.. Keitt,
of S. c., said to MIR. Grow, s'Go on YOUR
own side Of the House and object 2 Mr..
G. replied, s'I'll object where I please. -
and, report says, he added, without being
intimidated BY any Southern negro-driver !"
But few words passed before these gen.
tlemen were engaged in pitched battle, but
as to which Of them commenced it we cam
not say In the attempt of their friends
and the officers of the House to separate
them Mr. X. was pushed down, but both
the belligercnts were carried from TIE scene
Of action in a very short time, and before
they had received any serious injuries. In
the meantime, however, large number Of
Mr.. Grows friends, headed, it is said, by
Mr. Potter, Of Wisconsin, poured into the
arena Immediately in front Of the Speakers
stand. Here they were met by nearly an
equal force Of the opposition, and here oc-
CURED
''Tnc shock Of the two contendng hostsp
A regular free fight" ragged few min
utes, but was finally broken up BY the
prompt intervention Of the officers f the
House and many Of the more thoushtfu
and conservative members. Nobody was
hurt to any extent worth noticing.
70 say the best of the affair, it wal dis
graceful; but it will no doubt be g;catly
magnided by letter writer's From what we
can learn, not more than ten or Wclvc
members were really engaged in it as bclli-
gerents, the others having crowded ID for
the purpose Of quclling the disturbance It's
principal result is deep modification t tic
most active participants.
After the termination Of the ARRAY the
session was conducted with quiet and order
until Adjournment.
Statement Of the New York Times, Black
Republican:
A member Of Congress, who was vi ness
to the difficulty in the House between MIR.
Grow AID Mr. kcitt, gives the foll{wing
particulars:
Dir. Grow objected to Mr.. Quitlra,'s
making any remarks. Mr.. kcitt sail, If
you are going to object, return to YOU own
side Of the House. lNr. Grow rcspd ldel,
'Ihis is free hall, and every man las
right to be where he pleascs.' Nj. koitt
then came up to Mr.. Grow and said II
want to know what you mean by SUI III an
answer as that Mr. Grow roplii, II
mean just what | say. This is u free Hall,
and nan has a right to be Wide he
pleases. Mr.. Kcitt (taking Mir Gjw BY
the throat, said, / will let you knat that
You are id Black no1rr,u.l,littyan paapv."
Mr. Grow knocked up lis hand, s.]I .ias, II
shall occupy such place in this h:ll as
please, and 20 niger driver shall crack his
whip over me" Mr.. kYitt thcn again grab
bed Nr. Grow by the throat, ana AIr Grow
knocked his land oil, and mr. Koi-t com
ing at him again, Mr.. Grow knocked him
down. The fight took place at twcut i min
utes to two o'clock - Hush. Star.