Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-03-23
Congress Thirty Years Ago.


Who, says the Nashville Banner, that
can cast his minds eye back score Of
years, does not remember William Cost
Johnson? He was the flower Of the
Maryland chivalry--the pride of the
Maryland Wings. Born of an old family
and of great wealth, he inherited with
his fortune and his name handsome
person, q princely spirit, brilliant in
tellect and defiant and aspiring temper.
He possessed the dash of Wise, the cour-
age of Baylie Peyton, the prudence Of
|MiIlard Fillmore In an assembly whore
the same party was represented by such
a trio, he stood the leader of them all
He was lavish, careless Of his morals,
and indolent. He adored society. I'M
married, rich, distinguished and agreea.
able, he was considered the best catch
in Congress by matchmaking mothers,
and the most rising statesman of the day
by politicians. He was, besides, dead
shot with rife or pistol, and dangerous
antagonist of the tiger" Poor fellow
He contrived his own defeat for Cover
nor of Maryland, after he had left the
House, and sunk, like Allen and Duncan,
Out VI SlEuit anu uicu ~ 'eoN
"Unwept, unhonored and unsung."
Ii was at the close of Van Buren's sc-
ministration, and the twenty-fourth Con-
gress The Wings had it all their own
way. Hard cider, Tippecanoe and
Tyler too, had carried everything. The
Presidential election was over. The De-
mocracy was tugging up hill, and Alex
ander Duncan had many hard battle to
fight with Bell, Fillmore, Cushing. Pey-
ton and Cost johnson His hardest,
however, was johnson.
1t was the last day of the session. We
forget the measure-for We are writing
at random and from memory, but 1t was
one of party consequence, and before the
vote was taken, Duncan got the floor.
He spoke without q pause for six hours,
and it became evident to the Wings that
his purpose was to speak out the session.
AS he gave signs of weakness, various
Democratic orators would rise, and, in
the way of interlocution, relieve him and
in this manner, the whole day passed
without getting him down. Every effort
proved futile.
1t was growing dark. The lights were
already lit. Still Duncan Numbered
away against Harrison and Whiggery.
At this moment, Cost Johnson, who had
been out of his seat all day, entered the
Hall He was pretty soon advised how
matters stood. Never mind, said he,
"Tll fix him" and, crossing to the Dem
ocratic side, he took a seat near the vc-
ciferous speaker. Presently he rose to
a point of order" The Chairman said,
Reduce your point of order to writing.
johnson turned full upon Duncan and
replied, have it, sir, in my hand 1t
was passed over to the Clerk, who read
lis it consistent with the rules of the
House for the gentleman from Ohio to
denounce William Henry Harrison,
President elect, as coward and poltroon,
when it is familiar to the country that
the gentleman himself is the most inf, !.
nous coward and poltroon upon the floor
of Congress
"Who calls me coward and pol
troon y roared Duncan.
81" replied the tactician, William
Cost johnson, of Maryland, denounce
you, Alexander
Here the row became general. Dun
can was pressed by his friends back into
the lobby, and in the confusion some
Whig got the floor, and amid the rage Of
the Democrats the scheme in hand was
carried to completion.
Every one thought Duncan would
fight. But he did not. and nothing came
of it. Whether it was compromised, or
whether it was dropped for want Of ac-
ton, never was known. AT the time it
caused great sensation, and no one but
Duncan could have passed it by unno-
ticed, and have lived afterwards as q
party leader.