Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-03-17
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
FRIDAY, MARCH II, 1871.

FRIDAY, MARCH II, 1871.
GEN BUrLER-MR. SPEAKER BLAINE, &c.
Yesterday was, what is called, day OF eS-
element in the House Of Representatives.
Mr. Butler had placed on the desks of the mem
bers, letter declining to serve ON the committee
of Thirteen, appointed by the Speaker to inves-
tigatc alleged "Southern Outrages, and giving
his reasons MISUNDERSTANDING that the COM
mittee twas forced upon the House that
it can do no good-that it was the work Ola
coordination" that it was trick, DC. &c.
when the House met, discussion on the SUBJ
iect commenced between Butter and Dawes.
The Speaker then came from the. chair and
took his seat on the floor, and then followed
the war of words" In the course Oft, the
following occurred:
Mr. Blaine-The gentleman from Massachu
sets says in his letter: Having been appocln-
ted against my wishes, expressed both publicly
and privately, by the Speaker, as chairman OF
committee to investigate the state OF affairs IN
the South ordered to-day by Democratic
votes against the most earnest protest OF more
than t1oo- thirds majority of the Republicans OF
the House
MIR. BUTTERFLIES, sir.
Mr.. Blaine-This statement is SO bold and
groundless that do not know what reply to make
to it. 1t is made in the face of the fact thaton the
rollcall ffty-eight Republicans voted for the
resolution, and forty nine, besides the gentle
man from Massachusetts,, against 1t. deny
that the gentleman has the right to speak tor
any member who voted for it, unless it may be
the gentleman from I ennessee MIR. Maynardl
who voted for it for the purpose probably OF
moving reconsderation-a very common and
very justi6able and proper course, whenever
any gentleman chooses to adopt it: But If
there be any one of the 6fty-eight gentlemen
who voted for the resolution under coercion |
would like the gentleman from Massachusetts,
TO designate him.
Mr.. Butler-I am not here to detail private
conversation.
Mr. Blaine-Oh, no But you will distri-
butte throughout the entire country unfounded
calumnieS purporting tC rest upon assertions
made in private conversation which, when call
cd for, cannot be verified.
Mr. Butler-Pardon me. sir: [ said there
was a caucus
Mr.. Blaine-I hope God vi" pardon YOU
but you ought not to ask me do 1t. Laugh
ter.
Mr.. Butler-I will ask God, and not you.
MIR. Blaine-I AIN glad the gentleman w..
Mr.. Butler-I have no tavori to ask OF the
Devil
Subsequently, -
Mr.. Butler-Had the Speaker been half as
anxious to protect the people of the South as
he was to aid in the land script projects OF the
last session, his bill would not have been put
aside.
Mr.. Blaine asked him to specify the land
grant projects.
Mr.. Butler-'Not lone but ncaryall of them.
Mr. .Blaine-''1t is d; gross and Infamous
calumny"
This is only specimen of this discussion
which lasted for some time.
What with the ''rumpus about Mr.. Sum
her in the Senate, and this disturbance in the
House about Mr.. Butler, there is certainly not
only lively tine at present, but what
promises to be an exceedingly lively time IN
the future The scene in the House yestcr-
day was an extraordinary one. One account OF
it says
Nv Blaine though giving evidence. of great
nervous excitement, proceeded, at first in 4
very quiet manner and distinct voice to ar
raign Butler as disturber of the peace, a
marplot, an impudent, insolent member, and
for his compliment ignorance rs he termed
it. He charged General Butler with DELHI
eratc Justification of the facts, and proceeded
to show that yesterday he had exhibited to
Butler, before the passage OF the resolution,
Il copy of the same, and received from Butler
suggestions Of alterations that should be made;
and yet Butler in the face of this fact had de-
ibt7ately penned and printed the charge that
the resolution was carried by trickery and I'M
expectedly sprung upon the House.
AS Mr. Blaine proceeded he grew pcrcepti-
bly, more nervous and excited in manner, and
gradually passed down the aisle as mis- feelings
became wrought up to 4 tension, with finger
uphftcd, and thrcateningly shaking it at But
Ter, looking him square in the face and ap-
preaching within ten feet of Buffers desk, let
10 charge upon charge against the Massachu
sets member, imputing to him, in language
just within the bounds Of Parliamentary usage,
selfshness, impotence and corrupt purpose.
Butler sat uneasily in his chair now thrum-
ming upon his desk, nerTously tearing paper
into small pieces, and occasionally jumping to
his feet interrupting Mr.. Blaine by attempts
to be heard in explanation. When MIR. Blaine
made what were deemed telling points upon
his adversary, now and then there were mani
festation Of applause, and in two instances
there were shouts of appreciation i.om Re-
publicans as we'll as Democrats. When MIR.
Blaine concluded he seated himself at the desk
of MIR. Shcabarger, where he remained until
Gen. Butler, who followed him, had concluded
his reply.
Mr.. Butler arose with greater anger and
resentment depicted IN his face than he is ac
customed to manifest, and threw out walls of
his wrath upon the Speaker imputing to the
Speaker as he proceeded personal interest in
bringing about the resolution of Yesterday, in
dicating that Mr. Blaine was seeking the Pres
ident:l nomination.
Tba Of
Radical members of the Senat, yesterday
agreed to introduce into the Senate to-day
resolution for the apnointment Of 4 Joint COM