Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-05-08
The National Bear Garden.
FoRTIETH CoNGREss-(second Session }


HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, May >.
Mr. Donnelly, Of Minnesota, obtained leave 10
make personal explanation. He made state
ment relative to his presenting bill some time
since, in Congress, to aid the railroads in his
State, to the introduction Of which Mr.. Wash
burne objected. Subsequently Mr.. Washhurn
wrote a letter To u constituent Of DJnnelly's,
making certain charges against Donnelly pre-
vious political record and his action in this Con-
rress Mr.. Donnelly, after causing the letter TO
be read, said it contained twenty-three false
hoods. and continued in chaacteriHng Mr..
Washburne's course, charging him with being
an Office beggar, as coming with bad grace
from a gentleman Of his family name. The fam
ily Of Washburne are chronic Office beggars, and
are as miserable and uncomfortable out Of office
as stump-tailed bull in hy-time. Every male
born into the Washburne family is born with VI.
C. markell on his broadcast part. After further
comments Mr.. Donnelly said he had Analysed the
foul stomach Of the gentleman from Illinois, and
if it is possible for him by hi, perstaltc action
to bring up anything more loathsome and more
disgusting than he has yomited over Tie in That
letter, in Gods name let it come.
Mr. Donnelly occupied his hour in similar
strain and was allowed to proceed by consent Of
| the House, Mr.. Washburne joining in urging
that he have permission to proceed.
Mr. Donnelly concluded by saying that Mr..
Washburne lowered the honor Of Congress. If,
said he, there be in our midst one low, sorlid,
vulgar soul one barren Of mediocre intelligence:
one heart callous to every kindly sentiment and
to every generous emotion one tongue leprous
with SANDER; one mouth which Is Ike unto a den
Of foul beasts. giving forth deadly odor- il there
be one character blotched and spotted, yet raves
and rants and blackguards like 4 prostitute if
there be here one bold, empty, believing lcna-
gogue, it is the gentleman from Illinois
The Speaker, with severity, stated 10 Donuelly
that his remarks were not honorable TO the House
of Representatives, and although the House tol-
Grated them, the Chair could not consent they
should 20 on the record except with his protest.
Mr. Donnelly begged the pardon Of the House,
but said the House would acknowledge that no
member had met with SO vile an assault as he.
Mr. Washburne, of Illinois, said During ny
entire time Of service in this House. have ne er
asked leave to make personal explanation, and
| never expect to. The member from Minnesota
has had the letter. which | wrote 10 a gentleman
in the State, read to the House, and it has gone
upon the record. Every assertion made in that
letter IS true, and whoever says it Is not true
states what Is false desire only to say this ::
II !, under any operation Of circumstances, were
ever called upon to make personal explanation
in reply to a member, it would not be to a mern-
Der who had changed his name it would not be
to 4 member whose whole record in this House is
covered with yenalty, corruption and crime.
The Speaker reminded Mr.. Washburn that his
remarks were unparliamentary.
Mr.. Washburne was sorry the Chair supposed
him out Of order, and continued Il repeat, if l
were called upon to make personal explanation,
| should make it with a member who is not Gov
cred with crime and ignominy, and whose record
is not stained with every fraud whiskey and other
frauds with a man who has proved false alike
to his friends, his country, his constituents his
politics, his religion and his God
Adjourned.