Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-01-29
CONGRESSIONAL.

A Duel or WonDs In the House on Thurs
day last, the new Reconstruction bill being under
discussion, the following passage at arms took
place between Mr.. Eldridge, Democrat of ILL.,,
and Mr. Bingham Of Ohio;--
Mr.. Eldridge asked Mr.. Bingham what pre-
existing government did he propose to guarantee
by this bill,
MIR Bineham-I intend that form Of Govern
ment to be guaranteed which is contemplated by
the words "a republican form of government"
and inasmuch as majority in every one Of the
ten States lately in rebellion battered down by
treason ----
Mr. Edridge (impatienty cutting of the SEN
tence) oh don't give us any Of your rhetoric
now. Laughter Give us your answer.
Mr. Bingham-Neyer mind, if you want an
answer YOU will have it,
Mr. Edridge-l do not want any Of your
rhetoric, do not know how to deal with it.
Laughter.
Mr. Bingbam--That is fact, sir you may call
it rhetoric, but it is fact.
Mr.. Eldrdgc-Well then, let us have it
Mr.. Bingham-They battered down their gov
euments by treason.
Mr.. Eldridge (without allowing the sentence to
be cosed) Well, Mr. Speaker, | must resume
the floor The gentleman will not answer my
question.
Mr. Bingbam-I am going to answer it.
Mr.. Eldrdge-l cannot wait for an answer,
but the gentleman shall not escape me. If he
will answer the question he shall have the oppor-
tunity; but do not want rhetoric--we have had
enough of that.
/ Mr. Bngham--But is not that fact
Mr., Eldrdgc--It is fact that the gentleman
deals with nothing else than rhetoric Laugh
ter
Mr. Bingham Ga little runed)-Is it fact, sir,
that treason battered down the government Of
South EaroliuaY
Mr. Eldridge-Well supposing it did2
Mr. Bingham Having thus battered down
Mr.. Eldridge-Well, none OF your rhetoric, sir
answer my question.
MIR Bugham-l do answer it, siri and l an
swer it in the words Of James Madison, the max
er of your Constitution
Mr. Eldrdge--l resume the floor. Laughter ]
The gentleman cannot answer my question. lie
dare not answer IT,
Mr. Bugham-l dare do it, sir, if you dare let
me. Laughter
Mr. Eldridge-I will give the gentleman an
opportunity to answer it now in one minute.
Mr. Binpham-Onc minute is rather short.
Mr.. Eldridg6-lt is rather short, but want tc
get rid Of the rhetoric. Laughter.
Mr., Bingham Shakespeare gave fellow forty
minutes to girdle the earth, Laughter.
Mr. Eldrdge-Yes but | do not want you tc
90 all round the world in giving an answer
Laughter.
Mr. Bmgbam-The man who was called tn,
father of the Constitution, james Madison, ha,
answered the gentleman's question. lie knew a,
much as both Of us and he declared, touching
, that very clause of the Constitution, that wher
the majority of State batter down its govern
ment by treason, it is the right and the duty o
the Federal government to enable the minority t.
81 rebuild it, That is my answer. Applause in th,
galleries checked by the Speaker
Mr.. Edridge that is not fact. Mr. Madison
never uttered such q sentiment.
Mr. Bingham beg leave to say that he did
e and will prove it Tomorrow
Mr.. Edridge Lsneeringy Tomorrow;
q Mr.. bingham firing up]-Yes, sir, tomorrow
e and | challenge the gentleman
/ Mr.. Eldridge oh, ! care nothing about tn,
4 gentleman's challenge, but will he answer me ?
Mr.. Bnghum-l know all that the gentleman
g knows on that question, and what | know mysel
besides. General laughter,
Mr. Eldridge-The gentleman never lost al
occasion to put before Congress and the country
what he knew, and great many things, think
, that he does not know. Laughter.
This was the last hostile shot, and the bellige
4 rents hauled off.