New-York tribune., 1884-02-28

RNMITY TO JOHN ROACH LEADS THE MISSOURI SEM
AToR INTO COLLISION WITH TIE SOUTH CARO-
LINIAN.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUsE.l
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.-In the discussion on Mr..
Hale's bill providing for the construction of the
cruisers, Messrs. Butler and Vest to-day 80 far
forgot themselves and the dignity of the Senate as
to indulge IN an exhibition of bad temper Messrs.
Beck and Mcpherson had attacked the bin on gem
eral grounds, insinuating that they had no conf
dence in the Secretary of the Navy and his manage
ment of the department. Both declared that tho
lobby was interested in the passage of the bill,
and Mr.. Vest asserted that he had been ap-
preached and asked to vote for il.
Mr.. Mcpherson declared that competing con-
tractor told him last year that ii was impossible
for any one to compete with John Roach, unless
the Government allow wed him the same inspector as
Roach would have.
"If the SENATOR shouted Mr.. Butler, says
John Roach put Secretary in the Navy Depart
ment, want him to prove it," Mr. Mcpherson de-
MED having said any such thing, but the South
Carolina Senator's ire was stirred. Il
don't know Mr.. Roach" he exclaimed.
"No lobby has ever approached me on
this subject. II a lobby has approached the Sena-
tors from Missouri and NewJersey il is their fault.
not mine." A good deal of excitement followed
this outburst; Senators grew idgety, the chair
raped for order, and people in the galleries woke
up, as the unusual scene was transacted below.
Mr.. VEST BROUGHT To HIS FEET.
Mr.. Vest was on his feet in a second, his face
inhamed with passion, and demanded what Mr..
Butler meant. ~ mean precisely what I
said,n replied Mr.. Butler facing the little
Missouri statesman. "WhatlD cried Mr..
Vest, advancing a step, the color mounting
to his cheeks, Do you mean to say that have said
anything about anybody being corruptly ap-
Mr.. Butler replied: al said nothing Of the sort
took the language Of the Senator himself He said
ne was approached by an officer ana IA asked 70 y0a9
if he permitted himself TO be approached 1t was ms
fault and not mine"
the anxiety of the friends of this BILL that the Sem
atOr from Indiana and myself, as we came from the
marble room were approached by an, officer who
asked us for Gods sake to vote for that bill.
Now, the Senator from South. Carolina intimates
that ought not to have permitted any one 70 ap-
proach me in that way. Does the Senator tnlnS
that is either, fair, just, kindly or generous|
CHTRGE OF sENsIrIvFNE5s.
A" / made no imputations on the Senator's hon.
esty," replied Mr.. B1tler. Nothing was further
from my purpose. am amazed that the Senator
should indulge in this sensitiveness"
lam not indulging in any sensitiyeness," re-
torted Mr.. Vest in a loud and aggressive manner,
permit no one, either here elsewhere, to make
any such insInuation as to my standing as sena-
tor or gentleman This statement created de-
cided sensation, and gentle Mr.. Harris. who sat in
the Chair proceeded TO expostulate with the gem
temen for the personal character Of the dlsenssIon
Mr.. Voorhees, threw oil @ on the troubled waters oy
had enough of il, and both gentlemen seemed ex-
hausted. The galleries enjoyed the scene hugely
and were rather disappointed at the sudden end
ing of it. There Is no Immediate prospect OF q
duel.