The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-03-25
x.~,.,. or a Night session.

Abont q O'Clock in the afternoon Antho-
nc NJ uhode Island, went into the coat
room. and there found three OF the messen-
ver-boys busily engaged over small Dox
Containing q number OF little blocks, wbico
shcv we're moving around In an excited
manner. He administered severe re0uSe
20 the bows for wasting their time In such
frivolous manner. and, as q punishment,
ronfiscaied the box and contents. lie re-
tnrued 10 bis seat with the game In nis
uocket. intending TO keep IL there until he
cot home at night, when be could see what
fhcre was In the thing. But bis mind was
NOT easy, and be could not apply II 10 any
thing. Those numbers were constantly
fitting about 10 his head. and he was ali tDe
time workicg an imaginary puzzle. AT iast
he could stand 1t no longer, so he cautiously
took the box from his pocket, and, placing
some books on his desk, so as to shield IT as
much as possible, he put II there and wen'
at It. Now, Just ut bis left SITS Edmunds,
~ Vermont. and 10 was not long before the
latter,s Quick eye detected the unusual in
du,try OF the Senator from Rhode Island.
Leaning over, without attracting attention
or aronsing Anthony from bis deep study.
E6munds watched the game and listened
in silence to the "blaDk" calculations that
followed each failure to make the blocks
come ms desired. AT last in his interest be
forgot himself and tffered a suggestion.
Anthony looked up with sickly smile. bis
face covered with perspiration and dlsmay,
bur meeting the excited look of Edmunds
he turned again 10 bis task without uttering
the apology that rose to his lips. Reinforced
as be was he resumed his work, and for
'hifty minutes The two men studied and
moved in silence.
About this time Morrill,. OF Vermont,
who occupies O chair on Anthony's right,
came in and took his seat. Noticing that
something unusual was going on, he, too,
Joined the party. and ut once became lost
10 everything outside OF the box that con-
tanned the little blocks Of wood. Blaine
caught sight IL these tbree men with their
heads together, earnestly engaged IN what
had the appearance OF heated debate, and
fearing that they might be schemng 10 de-
liver the States Of Vermont and Rhode
Island TO Grant, joined the group and en-
circled the three in his usual afieciionate
manner with his arms. His relief at lind
ing them engaged in something outaide
III politics oyereSi3c bis surprise, and he
watched the moves Tor some time IN
evident amusement. Soon his brows began
10 contract, and he pushed his way towards
.sana then slide ii along to its proper longi-
tude. Then, by changing one or two Of
those on the lower hue you will have the
latitude also," and be started 10 execute his
order. "Just keep your hands of, VIII
Won, Blaine? Don't you see i am just get
ting itl" spoke up Anthony with such
warmth as TO attract the attention OF several
senators who were sitting near. They at
once approached and eagerly watched,
while Anthony. in breathless silence, made
four moves and sank back in his chair ex-
bausted. The last row read 10, Is, IA.
"Now it's my turn" said Edmunds, and
he commenced. BY this time half the
senator's on The Republican side were
packed around the desk on which
Is as placed the puzzle, and from which The
books had been knocked to the flor by the
senator from Rhode Island IN The violent
gesture that had accompanied bis last
moves. At this juncture. Dawes. Of Mas
sachusetts, seeing that several OF the sena-
tors were attracting the attention OF those
in tie reporters gallery, moved that the
Senate 90 into executive session. and 1t was
so ordered. Then the work began In earn
est, and before the galleries were cleared
rush was made by the senators for Antbo-
ny's desk. where it was rumored fight was
going or. Everything else was soon for
gotten in the excitement OF the game, and
the United States Senate gave itself up to
the game OF fifteen "by unanimous con-
sent.n Eyerytbing else was forgotten.
Even the dignifed Conkling pushed
his way to the front and occupied
a position Just back OK Edmunds,
and between his two friends, Blaine and
Lamar. Republicans and Democrats, Union
lists and ey. Conicderatcs, Radicals and Bour-
bons, togt ther mingiedin one common bro
therhoOd over those little blocks Of wood
IL was getting late, but still Edmunds sat
there, patiently moving The blocks. On
the clearing on top OF bis head beads OF
perspiration giistencd in the gaslght like
drops Of dew In the morning sun. TIE
other senators grew impatient, and, at last,
after caucusing the matter, the Sergeant-at.
Arms was sent out with orders TO procure
a puzzle for each Of the senators, including
one for the Vice-President and each Of the
clerks Upon his return, each member.
upon being furnished u box, resumed his
seat, and placed bis puzzle on The desk
before bin.
The Senate then, as deliberative BODY,
proceeded TO solve the problem, it having
been decided that no move should be made
except upon tue votes Of majority Of those
prcsent. There was no great disagreement
over the first four or five moves, but after
that the scene was one OF uproar and con-
fusion. Almost every senator was on his
feet striving TO obtain the floor, In order to
move IN favor OF bis man. Such disorder
was never seen In the chamber before; and
as each move was made, and the solution
seemed rs far OF as ever, the confusion and
excitement increased, until finally Kirk
wood suggested move that David Davis
considered fatal, and forgetting, In his anger
and excitement, where he was, craZed almost
with repeated failures, and famisbed for
want OF food, he threw his puzzle straight
1T KirkwOod's bead. II struck the latter
fairly over the right eye. This was the COM
mencement OF memorable scene in the
Senate chamber; for although Kirkwood
did not know that he bad been hit until q
friend told him hours after, the act was
taken by the Senator as declaration OF war.
Boxes and books were thrown, and tue
chamber became the scene OF physical CON-
bat. The opportunity thus offered was
'taken xdyantage Of TO settle old scores. Ia.
mar at once hobblcd round on bis cane, and
proceeded 10 light bis long.threatened due
with Conkling, while Blame also attacked
The latter ia the rear. Similar scenes were
1fvD4pIripR on every hand. One mao,
however. sat quietly at bis seat IN
xnindfui Of the terrible events occur
ring around him. II was Edmunds, sented
where We last left bin, With tbe original
Duxxie that had caused ell the trouble. He was
l,aflently moving the blocks around. He
lid taken on bis coat, vest, and collar, and,
Aisfegardinx the tumnlt which every mo-
ment Increased, be was painfully pouring
over ihe problem. he wouids perhaps, have