The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-02-09
A LIVELY SCENE.


A SMALL IMITATION OF CoNGREss-sohE
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATORS GET EXCITED
"A MEMBER RESISTING ARREST.
The New York Sun of the I'd inst. con-
tains the following account of a parlia-
mentary fracas at Harrisburg: In the
Pennsylvania House OF Representatives to-
night controversy took place
relative to the seat of Mr.. Rosen-
miller, republican, of Lancaster. On the
first day of the session petition had been
presented disputing bis eligibility. 1t was
temporarily laiG ASIDE. Mr.. Tslley, demo-
crat this evening moved to refer the petition
to its appropriate committee. Mr.. Leigh,
republican, raised the point of order that
the petition had never been legitimately
before the House, because members
had not been sworn in Office when
1t was first presented. The speaker de-
cided otherwise, and Mr.. Leigh appealed
Messrs. Wolfe, Hughn and Morgan, OF Law
renee, Campbell and other republicans, sus-
tanned the view that the petition had never
been received by properly organized and
qualified house, the new constitution
requiring members to be sworn be-
fore performing any duties; while
Speaker Patterson, Messrs. Talley,
Maunce, Gunster, Irwin, Piper Fincher, and
other democrats, contended that the docu-
ment was now on the records of the House
and could be properly considered. Mr.
Wolfe (republican) now raised the point of
order that it took two-tbirds, instead OF a
majority vote, to sustain the decision of the
speaker. The speaker pro tenn. de-
not well taken. Mr.. Wolfe, however,
insisted on arguing his point. Speaker
Patterson, who had been temporarily upon
the floor, resumed the chair, and he also de-
clsred Wolfe's point not TO be we'll taken,
and called that gentleman to order Wolfe
mai Gista m holding floor Al
ensued. Mr.. Talley was understood as NOV
ing to adjourn. This motion was apparently
recognized by the speaker, who was about
to put the question, when
WOLFE LOUDLY INSISTED
that his point of order must be considered.
The speaker refused, and Wolfe insisted
The speaker ordered him to take his seat.
Wolfe refused, and stood forward demand
heard. The speaker warned him that I'M
less be took his seat he would be placed in
custody OF The sergeant-at-arms. This had
no effect. The speaker then directed
the sergeant-at-arms to take the
gentleman in custody. There were
cries OF mo you wontr and the
confusion became intensified. Republican
members hurried to the front of the House
where Wolfe was speaking and gathered
The sergeant-at arms advanced to seize him,
and some of the democratic members hur-
ried to support that officer. A collision APP
peared inevitable, not only between Wolfe
and the officer, but between the two
political sides of the House. The scene
was indescribabIe, and has had no
parallel in the Pennsylvania legislature for
forty years, If ever before. Ali attempts at
order were utterly abandoned. There were
shouts of ''Send for Sheridan!" and "Tbis is
disgracefulW AT this moment large pro-
portion of the members had vacated their
seats, and were in confused mass upon the
center of the floor, surrounding Wolfe and
the sergeant-at-srms, who were swaying to
and fro, not absolutely struggling, but ex-
citedly in motion, Wolfe apparently pro-
testing and the sergeant-at-aIms insist
ing, and both, with their respective adher-
ents, moving toward the speakers stand.
Apparently seeing no chance of restoring
order, the speaker put the question, "shall
the House a6journ2" aud there being some
responses in the affirmative, be let fall the
gsvel and declared the body adjourned. The
excitement, however, continued for some
time afterward, the members finally retiring
from the hall in groups, discussing scene
which was absolutely shameful.