Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-02-12
From Washington.
Correspondence IF the Charleston Standard.

tbHftfHf'Nefeec
WASHINGTON, February 6, 1853.
The House of Representatives was the
scene of a most disgraceful row last evening,
in which many members took part either as
combatants or peacemakers. Many versions
of the affairs are atioat, but believe the fol-
lowing will be found to be correct: Mr.. Har-
ris. of Illinois. had offered a resolution propO-
sing to submit the Presidents Kansas mes
sage, together with the Lecompton Constitu-
ton to "A select committee, with power to send
for persons and papers, and to examine into
the alleged frauds in Kansas. The adoption
of this resolution was def at Of Mr.. Buchan-
ans policy, and also defeat of the Lecomp-
ton Constitutional least at this time. Thus
the whole issue was presented, and an attempt
made TO force vote under the previous
question" without giving any opportunity for
discussion. The friends of the resolution
wished to force it through before the Presi-
dent had time to bring to bear any executive
influence upon the members of Congress, and
il was determined by them to force vote be-
fore adjournment. The Administration party
ON the other hand resorted to all manner of
tactics to stave off the vote, and in this sue
ceeded until about two O'Clock, when Gen
Quitman, of Mississippi, proposed the follow
ing resolution:
.'ResolUed, That the House do now adjourn
over TO Monday next, when the subject under
consideration shall be resumed, and the vote
upon the pending proposition shall be taken
without further delay, debate or dilatory mo-
tom
The Speaker said the resolution could only
be entertained by unanimous consent, and
he heard no objection, Mr.. Quitman could pro-
coed. AZ this time Grow, Black Republican,
of Pa, had passed over TO the Southern side
OF the House. and was standing among the
Democrats near the seat of Mr.. keitt, OF
4 trtif
about proceeding with his resolution, Mr..
Grow cried out, Il object Mr.. keitt remark
ed-"Sir, you had better go on your own side
of the Hall aud object there" Mr.. Grow re-
piled, The House is free and | shall object
where please Mr.. keitt rejoined. when
Mr. Grow said something about the lash Of
HE nigger-driver and seized Mr.. keitt, the
latter Immediately striking and eiinehing in
return Mr.. Grow received Que or Two licks
when Mr.. Keitt was separated from him and
carried to the AREA in front Of the Speakers
Chair by Mr.. Wright, one of the Assistant
Doorkeepers- Mr. Barksdale Of Mississippi,
had been active in separating the eonnbaiants,
but Just as he succeeded he was set upon by
Mr.. Mashburn Of Illinois who struck him two
or three blows with his list. Mr.. Bafkstiale
| turned upon his assailaRt and In few minutes
would have thrashed him severely, bat was
prevented from doing more than blackening his
| irontispcee by a few well directed blows. The
| tight now became general, both sides rushing
| "a the melee and coming into collision in front
| OF the Speakers stand. Blows were given
aud received promiscuously for about two
| minutts, when the Sergeant-at-Arms aud his
| deputies, aided by the GOODNESS aud nTsnnesz
OF Mr.. Speaker On, succeeding Ia restoring
order.
| No particular damage was done, and Il was
| fortunate, perhaps that no one happened 10 be
| armed. business again proeeedsd, aid At 8
o'clock this morning the resolution OF Gene-
n.i ouitman MAS unanimously adopted. such,
| ain satisfied Is q fair aud disIaseIonafe sc-
count Of the ..iiEst fight Of the season, = aad
the new Hall may now be considered regular.
~ Ia service. isASuoE-