Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1871-04-13
NO. 80.
FROM WASHINGTON.
The Tilt Between Davis and BEN
Butler:

BulEGE.
The New York Herald has the follow
ing report of the tilt between Garret Davis.
and Ben Butler on the % ut, Butler had
taken Senator Thurman's seat in the Sem
ate, whom he wished to see on business
and which was close to that occupied By
Davis. The Herald says:
Davis was very much worked up in de-
nouncing the iniquity of the radical party.
and Butler must have been sitting close to
him for some time before he saw him. A
he reached the close of his speech he bS
came more and more excited. Finally
while speaking of the stories about the Ku-
Klux in the South, he asserted that they
were got up for political capital and were
set afoot by Internal political scoundrels.
As he uttered this last sentence he turned
and shook his fist in the direction Of But
ler, evidently with the intention of giving
that gentleman to understand that in speak
ing of internal political scoundrels he meant
to include him. Butler did not think the
cap fitted him and SO he did not put it on ;
in other words, he paid no attention to the
remark of Davis. When Davis sat down
he turned his gaze full on Butler. and
that gentleman, rs if fascinated by the
Senator from Kentucky, continued to look
at him in an damiring way. For some
seconds Davis and Butler sat looking Mt
each other like two game chickens just be-
fore they try the sharpness of each others
spurs. 1t was something like the scene
in the openingac act of " Romeo and Juliet"
between Abram and Bathasar, the attaches
of the respective houses of Montague and
Capulet. Davis assumed the role of Abram
and Butler that of Balthasar. Davis said
to himself. mentally at first. . Do you
bite your thumb ut us, sir?" while But
ler replied, 81 do bite my thumb sir"
The gaze of Butler finally become into
lerable to Davis, and that gentleman broke
forth as follows:-
You Cd id old scoundel. do you
come here to glare at me and oyerawe me
and browbeat me?
Butler replied, with unparalleled oool-
ness, still gazing at Davis -
Il have not addressed you, sir. and I
don't care d-n for you, sir I"
"You ID scoundrel, you," was the
response of Davis, at the same time ad-
yancing towards Butler, as if he meant to
strike him. Butler sat in his seat, still
looking Davis full in the face. -l
Your id old fool" said Butler,
land your age protects you"
The condition of affairs was now becom-
ing dangerous. The conversation between
Butler and Davis had TINS Ear been in q
low tone of voice, or at least not 50 loud
as to be heard through the chamber, but
the actions of the beligerents were obser-
we'd by several Senator'S. Thurman saw it
and was about proceeding to claim his
seat with view to get Butler away. but
Senator Wilson, who is the great peace
maker of the Republican party. ran over
from the republican side. and stepping
between Butler and Davis, said. "For
Gods sake gentleman don't do anything
here that you will both regret. ..
Davis was now worked up to q white
heat of rage and was gcsticulating in q
violent manner towards Butler. The bold
Ben sat still in his seat. gazing upon the
excited Garrett. At last Wilson put his
hand on Buffers shoulder and asked him
what was going on in the House to-day.
whereupon Butler got up and walked over
to the republican side of the chamber.
Several DEM cratic Senator's set about TO
pacify Garrett, but they found it .
difficult job. He said Butler could have
satisfaction anywhere outside of the Sem
ate chamber. 1t is thought Davis will
challenge Butler, according to the regular
old Kentucky style. Butler treats the
whole thing as a good joke, and says it is
one of the most ludicrous things that has
ever happened to him. The affair creates
much comment here tonight.