Litchfield enquirer., 1858-02-11
The discussion of the House was delayed by

the case of J. U. Wllllamsons summoned te the I Bar of the House to answer to the charge of Con- tempt in refusing to appear as a witness before the Bribery Investigation Committee. This be- 1 ing disposed of by the appearing of the prie- oner to purge himself of the contempt, the fight 1 in the honse began, Friday inc 5.h, on motion of Harris. of Illinois Doug to refer i the Constitution to select committee, with in- I strucions to investigate, &c. The pro-sIavery party prefefring that the subject should go into the hands of the packed committee on territories headed by Stephens of Georgia. | The struggle presents the anomalous sbeetacle. of an Administration party in an Administration house. on ilte presentation ot the first distinctive | administration measure compelled to resort 10 every petty and unworthy parliamentary trick. to to proven, itself from utter defeat. Frivolous mo- tiors and questions of order were piled each upon the other. in the hope Of wearying ou, the patience ot the opposition. The following is a specimen of the proceedings which occupied the session of nineteen hcurs The House at halEpast five, again refused to adjourn by majority of II Some of the mem 1 brrs paired of for diEnrr'
 MT. Campbell again asked whether It would be | in order for him to move that all other questions he withdrawn, and that the House come to direct vote on the propositions 10 refer the n'cssage.
 The Speaker thought it would hardly be in or- l der --- | Another motion to adjourn negatiyed. -
 Mir. Warren of Arkansas moved that the House go into Committee of the Whole on the state ot the Union Laughter. l Many gentlemen on the Democratic side asked to be excused from voting. while some would not 1 vote at all
 | Mir. Letter of Ohio wished 10 know whether it would be in order to excuse them all in lump !! Laughter.
 Ike Speaker replied negatively. MT Seward of Georgia wanted to make a-few remarks. Cries of Go on. go on hear him : bu, objections Were in.erspersed. Mir, Warren said that after Mir Letters sugges- tions. Democrats would be justified in not voting.
 The House continued dsorderIy, not one half of it's members being in their seats. gentle man in the crowd wished to know whether he could move that daguerreotypist be sen. for to take view of he scene?
 The Speaker said it would not he exactly in or der d, this time. Merrinient.
 A Voice.. How in the Devils name can they take pictures by gas light!' Ha, ha. ha, all over | the house. 4s
 Various questions, principally relating to ad+ jourhment, were then determined negatively by yeas and nays. Several clerks broke down ih calling the roll so often, and inexperienced sub ordinates were dispatched to their relief. Mem- bers were continually guing ou. and coming in from lunch and some were eating at !heir seats
 "Come,', said one. let's adjourn. Whats the use in continuing this farce !'' Another re- piled. I'll bring my bed, and stay till Monday be- fore give way to the Lecompton!tes." A Voice -" Good for you.''
 hold out. Mir. Florence wanted so- kaow if the morning hour had expired. Laughter] The yeas md nays were continually taken, principal ly on motions to adjourn. MT. Mills of s. C.. ) were taken to settle the question. Mir. Philips moved a reconsideration of the vote, and to lay that motion on the table. To determine whether the question should be taken by yeas and nays. tellers were ordered to take vote and 37 voted in the affirmative.
 About 3 o'clock Saturday morning. fight oc- cured on the floor of the House. The House was very quiet, and M Quinan of Miss having risen to make proposition, MT. Grow of Pa. was passing down to aisle of the Democratic side of by Mr. Davis of Miss. came up to him. MT. Grew objected to Mr. Qui,man's making any re'narks., Mr. kei,t said, if you are going to object go over" to your own side of the House Mir. Grow re. piled this is d free land and every man has right to be here he pieases.
 Mr. Keit then came up 10 MT, Grow, and said he wanted to know what he meant by snch an answer that. <
 Mir. Grow said he meant just what he said that this was d free land, and had right to be where he pleases.
 MT. K+l,t took Mir, Grow by the throat. and S'IIs VI VIII tt y"u t""' Jou "'o " "".--'~" Black Republican puppy v" a
 Mir. Grow knocked h,s hand off, and said, Fl shall occupy sucl, place in this Hall as l please. aud uo nlggcr-drlver cancrack hls whip over me-
 Mir Keitt then seized MT. Grow by the throat aealn and Mr. Grow knocked him down.
 Several Southern members attacked Mr. Grow who defended himself bravey
 Tin, Republicans ru shed in ', body to hts ssssts ance, and general fl !ht -nsued in tile middle Sof the Southern side of tae House it lasted at,ont two minutes, and Was terminated by the Sergeant at arms. who thrust himself among the combat. ants will, his mace aud aided by lhe cooler mel,- hers restored oeder. The House, if sensible et the grave and d,sgracefni nature ot the event, be- ca,up immediately quiet. .di. at len Eth uassed. If