Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-08-10
Disgraceful Blackguardisni.

If the Democrats were in control OF
Congress such disgraceful scenes as
have recently characterized the pro-
ceedings of the House would not have
occurred. LeastWise the records OF
Congress during Democratic ascendancy
show no instances of such forgetfulness OF
the proprieties as that which has on more
than one occasion brought shame and
obloquy to the present House. In ante
bellum days, when the representatives
of hostile sections met in fierce con-
troversy on the floor of Congress, there
were scenes of disorder and violence.
but the disputants never descended to
the level of the common blackguard in
debating the questions atissue. Ifthey
had no higher regard for public opinion
than the Congressman of the present
time, they still had sufficient self-respect
to conduct themselves as gentlemen.
A few weeks since Congressman
White, of Kentucky, (who by the way
is the only Republican Representative
from that State) got into personal
wrangle with Jud ge Kelley, 1.-The Father
of the House, Mr. White charged that
the majority of the Ways and Means
Committee. with Judge Kelley at the.
head, had acted corruptly in their treat
nlent of the Internal Revenue ques-
ton. This was a grave charge, to be
sure, but could have been met by those
at whom it was directed by a simple
denial and demand for investi cation.
But Judge Kelley preferred a different
mode of vindication. In cases of this
kind 'sthe Father of the House" is
nothing if not dramatic. He therefore
felt it his duty to get up a scene which
he proceeded to do by Whispering
about his age and the good name of his
family, and by insulating that White
came of q family in which insanity is
hereditary. The good name of Kelley'3
family had to be preserved at the ex-
pense of that of his antagonist, at least
SO the House seemed to regard the mat
ter. for it utterly failed to reprove
Kelley's low and unmanly insinuation.
On Friday last the Hon. Benjamin
Butterworth, of Ohio, imagining him
self on the hustings in one of the slums
of his District, proceeded to disgrace
himself and the House by delivering
speech, part of which was so nasty in
expression that he was obliged to make
a retraction and to beg that the OBJ &C.
tionable language might be expunged
from the official report of the debate.
The speech made by Butterworth was
called out by the recent attack of Con-
gresham Bayne, of this State, upon the
Administration. The particularly often
sive remarks which the Ohio member
afterward was only too. glad to recall
were made in reply to Mr.. Cox, of New
York, who had propounded some rather
pertinent questions to the Speaker.
1t will be observed that in each of
these instances the disgraceful scene
was between Republican members.
Long continued possession of power has
made the representatives of the domi-
nant party arrogant and intolerant of
opposition. 1t has also hardened them
against popular criticism. They have
come to believe that they hold office in
their own right and that like the King
they can do no wrong for which they
will be held accountable. They reply
to argument with insult and answer
charges against themselves and their
party with billingsgate and blackguard-
ism. To this complexion has the Re-
publican party come on the floor of
Congress. If it should be granted an
other lease of power its natural tenden-
cy will be to a still lower level Of infa-
Patriot.