The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-04-17
EXCITING SCENES I'm CONGRESS.

u ON''ON'~-N
and Republicans.
It has been stated that on Thursday, 9Th, very
exciting scene occurred in Congress, which nearly
resulted in a collision between the Democratic ana
Republican members of the House. The cause OF
the disturbance was most insulting and SANDER
Gus speech from Mr. LovejOy, (Rep,) OF Illinois,
which was evidently intended to produce the effect
it did. A report of the proceedings gives the fol-
lowing account of the scene:
As Mr. Lovejoy approached the climax of his
rhetoric, he kept advancing from the extreme side
of the Republican benches-outside of which he
had taken his stand-until he was nearly In front
of the Speakers chair. Here he stood as he utter
ed his concluding sentences in loud and denuncla-
tory tone, and if he particularly addressing
himself to Democratic members. His action was
very vehement, and he frequently raised his Glen
ched hands above his head and, in the manner OF
preachers brought them down again with great
force keeping his eyes all the time directed towards
the Democratic benches
Mr. Pryor-advancing from the right-left his
seat and came to within few feet of Mr. Lovejoy.
This move brought all the Democratic members in
an instant to their feet, while, on the other side
large body of Republican members also rose and
drew to the front, the appearance of very threat
ening in the extreme
MT Pryor, dem, of Va.-Mr Chairman, rise
to point of order. The gentleman from Illinois
has no right to leave his seat to come over to
threaten rs 1t is bad enough that he should use
insulting and ruanly language to US from his seat
without coming here to shake his fists in our face.
IGreat confusion.)
Mr. Barksdale, (Dem,) of Miss-Let him go
back to his seat.
A chorus of voices from both sides, $50 to your
seats
Mr. Pryor-The point of order make is
The Chairman-I cannot hear what any gentle
man has to say until order is restored.
Mr. Cox, Dem, Of Ohio-I rise to point Of
order. Let him speak from his chair, and not
cOme over here.
Mr. Pryor-That is my point of order. Let
him talk over there but he shall not come to this
side to shake his fists in a menacing and rufiany
manner at us.
The Chairman-I request gentlemen to take
their seats and come to order.
Great confusion in trent Of the desk-a dozen
members from the Democratic side ncuacinS MIR
LovejOy, who was supported by his friends from
the Republican side.
Mr. Cox-Let him 90 back to his seat and re-
Mr. Barksdale Shaking a heavy gold-headed
cane at Lovejoy) said-You lying scoundre!, come
over here if you dare.
Great confusion and a collision imminent.
The Charman-I beg respectfully to request
that gentlemen will take their seats
No attention Was paid to the request by the ex-
cited circle that stood in front of the desk.
The Chairman-I request members to assist me
in preserving order.
Dir Adrian "a L. dem of n J-Pcrhaps the
best way to avert this difficulty would be for the
gentleman to speak from his seat. We all know
him to be man of courage, and that he caraut be
intimdated.
Mr. Prycr-Nobody wants to intimidate him. l
give him credit for courage.
Dir LOvejoy-Nohody intimidate me.
Great noise and confusion, several members ad-
dressing Mr. Lovejoy IN any but complimentary
way.
Mr. Adrian know that no one desires to in
timidate him, and it is therefore better that the
gentleman should 60 and speak from his seat.
Mr. John Cochrane, (Dcm ) of y. u, (making
himself heard over the tumult) u move that the
Committee rise if this disturbance do not cease,
The Chairman-Will gentlemen take their
seats?
No acquiescence gentlemen's tongues fingers
and heads all going together, and all threatening
the gentleman in the centre. While the noisy
spirits were thus working themselves into fury,
or were taking this way to get rid of what
within, one gentleman from Kentucky, whose
tongue subsequently came into action, noticed
to be very intent pairing his nails with the blade
of rather formidable knife. The occupation was
suspicious, and the sinister look of the operator
was more so. In the midst ofthe noise and uproar
it was impossible to catch the remarks of every
member.
Mr. Pryor. repeat he does not belong to this
side of the House, and he should speak from the
side to which he belongs.
Mr. Singleton, (Dem.,) of Missile came over
shaking his fists at us, but he must not do it.
Mr. Burnett, (Dem.,) of Ky.-Mr Chairman,
there is rule of the House which requires men,
bers to@peak from their seats. The gentleman
from Illinois not in his seat when he commence
ed speaking The gentleman from Illinois cannot
and shall not cross this aisle in a menacing mln-
ner to threaten our side Of the House, tell him
that, let the consequences be what they may; he
must speak from his seat, and he shall and must
do it.
Several Voices Gall the Sergeant-at-Arm
Mr. Grow, (Rep.,) of Fa.-Let the Committee
rise.
The ChairuIun.-Wnl gentlemen take their
seats?
No compliance. Confusion raging in front
of the desk
Mr. Cox.-Why does not the Chairman insist
on the gentleman from illinois taking his seat?
The Chairman here called upon the Sergeant
at-Arms to execute his office and restore order
Mr. Burnctt.-You may call upon your Ser
geant-at-Arms but shall not do it,
The deputy Sergeant Arms here approached
with his mace, which he carried in a very humble
manner, and with a very undecided and downcast
look. As he walked 20 the ring he was told very
emphatcally that he had no authority to enfore
order. And still the clamor and uproar were kept
up, and from out the centre of the ring strobe
NJ Rello h.,