The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1859-01-13

Yesterday afternoon, about 3 o'clock. the
Palmer House became the scene of dis
turbance that is likely to be quite extensively
noticed, and which we, therefore, desire 10
relate accurately. The parties were John
L. Robinson, United States Marshal. and
Sias Colgrove, Representative from Ran
dolph county. The circumstances, as we
learn from eye witnesses, about as fol
lows: Some time after dinner Mr. Col
grove went down to the Palmer House to
see Mr.. Bennett, of Union county While
conversing with that gentleman in the hall,
at the foot of the stairs, John L. Robinson
passed two or three times. with his cane in
his hand, and when Mr.. Bennett went away,
he came up and in rude tone accosted Mr.
Colgrove, asking HIM If he had Dot made
some remarks in the House in regard to his
(Robinson's) use OF the [ nited States funds?
Mr.. Colgrove answered yes" and Robin
son then began an angry conversation.
which grew high and hot on both sides
Mr. Robinson used abusive epithets such as
id son of b-b," quite literally. Mr..
Colgrove retorted but made no demonstra-
ton of violence At last, in great rage
Robinson raised his cane with both hands.
and struck with all his force at Colgrove's
head which was bare, as he had not re-
placed his hat after talking with Mr. Bennett
Colgrove anticipating attack, stood very
close 10 Robinson, so as to prevent the full
force of the blow striking him But the
cane was broken to splinters Colgrove in
siantly seized Robinson by the throat with
one hand, and grasped his fee with the
other. and thrust him back against the wall
Two spectators at once intelposed. aud
drew Colgrove off. TIE disturbance Of
course. drew out number of persons from
the bar room. who also iIterpoSed But
Robinson broke from those who held him
and rushing at Colgrove second time
stuck him in the breast or face, with bis fist
a violent blow. Colgrcve again seized him
by the throat. showed him across the hall
into one Of the sitting rooms, and across the
sitting room against a folding door, which
opened with shock. aud Robinson fell =
CoIgrove. during this time, and while lie
held Robinson down, put in some very dam
aging blows on the latter's face, making it
as several spectators remarked, 'tihe blood
lest sight they ever saw Several persons
became alarmed and exclaimed that Rob
inson would be killed. and again some of
the crowd drew Colgrove off and forced
him away. This time Rot inson was past
fighting. He WIS taken up, and washed
and put to bed where he remained at the
latest advices.
1t was a shameful affair. but Mr. Col
grove must be acquitted Of all responsibility
Tor It's shameiulness. Robinson began the
quasrel-on Sunday, and he a Peace officer
- and after he had made the quarrel fight
ing lot he began the fight by an attack that
might. but for Colgr0ye's GOODNESS, have
proved fatal, When separated he again be-
gan the fight. throughout at every stage,
lie was the aggressor, and Mr.. C,lsrove was
compelled 20 do as he did. or lie beaten
without resistance, thing that no man en-
dure~ on Sunday any other day. if he can
help II. Robinson, from all we eau learn,
was terribly punished for his conduct. Col
grove is uninjured.
TRiED- John L. Robinson Yesterday
morning appeared before the Mayor. by G.
l.. Durham, his Attorney, and was fined
s25 and costs, in all amounting to $50, %
for an assault upon Hon. Silas Colgrove at
the Palmer House on Sunday. The fine
was stayed" hy Mr.. Carmachael, of the
Palmer House-Ind. J0tr.