The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-02-01
A Day in The House.

A Day in The House.
[From Vanity Fair, the Punch of America
CONDENSED FROM THE DAILY PAPERS.
WASHINGTON Jan. IL, 1860.
Mr.. Sherman, of Ohio, who has thus
far refrained from speaking with special
view to ultimately becoming Speaker,
said that Mr.. Houston, of Alabama, had
been indnlging in pleasantries at his ex-
pense. Mr.. Houston had called him O
burning, withering curse and shame, and
otherwise jocularly expressed himself. He
desired to know if the gentleman from
Alabama had intended to stigmatize him
as a personal withering curse and shame,
or merely as political one.
Mr.. Houston. of Ala, replied that no
one but raving and inexpressible idiot
could suppose, as the gentleman from
Ohio had done. that any personal appli-
cation was intended. He simply consid-
cred Mr. Sherman o reasonable and in
famous character, besides being stingy
and not at all manly. That was all.
Mr.. Sherman said every one ought to
be satisfied with so noble disclaimer
He had never concealed his opinions, and
he would say to Mr.. Houston frankly,
and with the sincerest regard, whenever
occasion ou're another"
Mr.. Houston then observed that in
political sense 40 one could deny that
Mr.. Sherman was fimsy and dishonorable,
and also sulied in various ways to con-
siderable extent. to say nothing of his
being foolish and iucendiary from early
infancy.
Mr.. Sherman agreed in the main with
the honorable gentleman's sentiments, but
suggested that it would be a personal con-
veuience to him to have the resolution of.
fered by Mr. Clark, of Missouri, now be-
fore the House, declaring him to be an of.
fsnsive and ignoble object, withdrawn,
because it interfered with his appetite,
and gave him unpleasant visions at night.
Mr.. Hooston said that for. his part he
was man of resolution, and be objected
to the withdrawal.
Mr.. Sherman cordially reciprocated the
honorable gentieman's friendship.
Mr.. Clark, OF Missouri. rose and an
uounced physical inability to sit still in
his seat, so he would stand by his .resolu.
ton. Without calling in question the ir.
tegrity of Mr.. Sherman, he would say that
gentleman was not 6t. politically. to iron
shirts in third class laundry. AS he
himself represented virtuous community
he could only say, what are you going to
do about il?
Mr.. Harris, of Maryland, coincided with
everybody that had thus far taken part in
the debate.
Mr.. Clark of New York, begged to call
the attention of the House to work en-
titled, "The Impending Crisis" written
by one Helper, in relation to which he
would offer some feeble remarks.
Mr.. Haskin, of New York. said the
feebler the better.
| Mr. Clark said it was none of Mr. Has
kin's business, and that lie would then and
there fight for the beer.
Mr.. Haskn remarked that hisscolleague
was very good circus rider, but that be
certainly could not keep hotel, as be
was ready to testify before the Supreme
Court, or the bar of any housein Wash
ington. sNS
Some evil disposed person here cried
Order" This was the signal for instan.
taneous uproar. The cry was echoed OF
all sides, with the natural and usual con
sequences. The Clerk grew pale witt
envy as the shouts of the honorable gen
tlemen overpowered the noise Of his gravel
Mr.. Haskin threw his revolver on the
floor, and invited somebody's mob. Ther
ensued rare pegging and stopping, unex.
ceptionable clinching, feinting and plant
ing of one twos on pimple and in wind
The Sergeant at Arms having at length
detected foul blow on the part of ON in
experienced new member, interposed, and
said that if the disturbance continued be
should be compelled to exclude the re.
porters.
Mr. Keitt, of South Carolina, said il
people entertained enmity towards one
another, the true plan was to do as be did
and never let it be known.
Mr.. Davidson of Louisiana. despatched
amessenger for his broadsword and double
barreled shot gun.
Mr.. Winslow, of North Carolina. sug.
gested that ihe House proceed to bust.
ness:
Mr.. Clark, of Missouri said Neverl-
(Applause.)
Mr.. Clemens hoped that Mr.. Haskiu
would be held politically responsible for
throwing his. pistol upon the floor.
| Mr.. Haskin explained that he had new
er before used pistol, except in an hon.
orable way, and he trusted that this sim
gle failure to put it to the legitimate use
would not be visited too harsEly upon
him.
Mr.. Clark begged to say that he had
accidentally been discou:teous. He wish
ed to add, that in using the language be
| did to his colleague, be meant he would