The Kanzas news., 1858-02-20


message and the commencement of the great
struggle, proceedings in Congress have been
enliyened By an attempt to. re-enaet Bully
Brooks tactics on the person of Mr. Grow,
of Penn. by that departed rufian's boon
companion, KeiH, of South Carolina. It..
however, signalIy failed of its purpose. and
met prompt and speedy punishment
From our exchanges we CLEAN the following
account Of the affray:
After the delivery of the Swindlers' De-
fence, as the last effusion of ':Jeems'' has
been termed, the struggle commenced in
earnest in both branches of Congress. In
the Senate it continued till the 9th instant,
when it was finally referred to the Com
mittee on Territories. of which Senator
Douglas is Chairman, by majority of six.
Henry Wilson moved to refer it to a select
committee, empowered to investigate, etc.
This was lost. Senator's Wilson, Seward
and Fessenden were more particularly act
i've on the Republican wing. and each of
them made telling speeches.
In the House, Mr.. Harris, of H., anti
Lecompton Democrat, succeeded on the 4th
instant in getting motion for reference to
a select committee of thirteen, with full
powers to investigate, etc., and bring it
properly before that body. Then came '.the
tug of war" On the afternoon and night
of the 9th, the Administration men used all
their endeavors, by motion and counter
motion, to staye off the real issue. The
singular spectacle was presented of Demo
Gratis in an acknowledged Democratic body
using the tactics of factious minority in
attempting to stave off the reference of their
own Presidents message. The ayes and
noes were called on every motion, no matter
how trivial; and under the ruling of the
Speaker that a motion to adjourn was al
ways in order when motion had been made
just previous, it would have seemed as if
the question could be STAYED off intermina-
bly, but for the occurrence of the fraeas.
About 2 A. NJ, on the 9th instant, Quit
man, of Miss, asked leave of the House to
introduce a compromise. A great many
anti ti-Lecomptonites objected, among others
Grow Keitt came up to Grow, who was
walking on the Democratic side of the House,
and insolently said eff you are going to
speak on this subject, return to your own
side OF the house.. Mr.. Grow responded
by saying that this is free hall, and every
man has right to be where he pleases.
Mr.. Keitt said he wanted to know what he
meant by such an answer as that Mr..
Grow replied that he meant just what he
said, that this was free hall, and man
has right to be where he pleases. Mr.
Keitt. taking Grow by the throat, said: 81
will show you; you know that you are
damned Black Republican puppy" Mr..
Grow knocked his hand up, and saying: "I
shall occupy such place in this hall as I
please. and no nigger-driyer can crack his
whip over me-" Mr.. Keitt then again
grabbed Grow by the throat. and Grow
knocked his hand away. Mr.. Keitt came at
him again, when Grow knocked him down
Keitt lay on the carpet few seconds, and
then sneaked out of the hall. a scene of
wild confusion ensued several Southern
men rushed forward, some for the purpose
of mingling in the affray, and others to re-
store order. The Republicans, seeing Mr..
G. surrounded. as they supposed by foes,
dashed forward to his rescue. Foremost
were seen the forms of Judge Potter, of
Wis, and Wasbburne, of ILL.,, both of whom
dealt heavy Republican blows. Order was
finally restored, with no damage done other
than some black eyes and scratches All
accord to the Republicans, and particularly
to Mr.. Grow, gallant spirit.
For our part We are glad that the oigar-
chists have been taught that they cannot
any longer bully or insult Northern man
with impunity. The lash has too long been
beard in the Congressional hall, and the les
son which the Republicans have thus taught
their opponents viii doubtless have the de-
sired effect IN restraining these s.civiEzed
ballies'' into something like deceney.
After the restoration of order the ballot
ing proceeded. and at daylight Mr. Quitman
finally secured an adjournment till Monday,
the 9th instant. On that day the result was
q partial triumph Of the anti-Lecompton
men. A motion to refer TO the Committee
on Territories vas lost. and the vote finally
taken on Mr. Harris melton to refer to a
select committee of thirteen prevailed by Al
close vote of iO7 to If. This reference
wiz delay the passage of the SHindle for
some time if i does no more.
The Speaker, on Tuesday, announced the
committee to consist of Aessrs. Harris, of
Ill, Stepheas, Of Ga. Merrill and Letcher,
az Va a.,ik.-,an nf Nj. A.a..--.. 81