Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1885-09-12
WAKEENEY, KANSAS, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER IL, 1885.
A STURDY DEMOCRAT.

AsTURDY DEMOCRAT
How He Replied to tho .Denunciations OF
Henry A. Wise.
Ben Perley Poor In the Boston Budget
DR.. Alexander A. Duncan, a democrat
who represented the Hamilton district
of Ohio in the extra session called by
President Van Buren, after his Inaugural
ton, had been much disturbed by the
denunciations and philippics of Henry
A. Wise, who then represented the Acco-
mac district of Virginia. During the re.
cess he deliberately made up his mind
that he wonld resent any further politi-
cal attacks on the democratic party by
Wise, and it was not long after the regu.
lar session commenced in December be-
fore he had an opportunity. MIR. Wise
made one of his characteristic speeches
and DR.. Duncan took the floor to reply.
After correcting some errors which had
been made by Mr.. Reed, of Massachu-
sets, Mr.. Duncan paid his respects to
Mr.. Wise, who had said that certain
statements were false, and showed that
they were true, "And 3d." said he, II
throw back the charge of falsehood up
on the member from Virginia"
Throughout his whole speech Mr.. Dun
can spoke of Mr.. Wise only as the mem.
ber." He would not call him, as is usual
in congress, the gentleman from Vir-
ginia," because he did not believe M
Wise merited the term, and being, in his
opinion, no gentleman, he would not call
him so. Again quote from the speech:
"The member pronounces the presi-
dent vile demagogue. have heard
this member before denounce the presi-
dent and all bis friends as knaves and
fools. Mr.. Chairman, I think
there can be no better evidence that q
man is vile demagogue himself than to
hear him pe1petually denouncing states
men and politicians. without discrimina-
ton, as vile demagogues, 'knaves, and
fools, because they are opposed to him
in politics."
The extract which followed it was the
discharge of artillery with grape and can.
lister that not only routed the enemy, but
drove him from the field in confusion.
Standing in his place, and where he
could have full view of Mr.. Wise he
said:
"But the member calls names. He has
denounced he whole democratic party
with bitterness and vindictiveness
hope unworthy of his heart as loco foco.'
I am (said Mr.. d. unacquainted with
the term loco foco; it is of tongue I'M
known to me. If the term is political in
its significance and is expressive of q
love of liberty, a regard for the support
and literal construction of the constitu-
ton. deposition to support our free in
situations, and an unyielding hostility to
a national bank, to odious political dis
tinctions, unconstitutional monopOlies
and exclusive and dangerous privileges
for the benefit of the few at the expense
of the many, then am loco foco, and
am proud of the name; and hope /
shall never abuse or disgrace it. But l
am now going to tell you sir (said Mr..
Duncan, advancing toward Wise) anoth-
er thing dare dol dare pronounce any
man, on this floor or elsewhere, a base
liar and a reckless scoundrel, who dares
to denounce me az loco foco and attach
any other political meaning than that
which have just described"
To picture the scene when these words
fell upon the ears of members would re-
quire an ADLER pen than mine. Astonish-
ment during the delivery of the first part
of the speech was the prevailing feeling;
and as the orator proceeded, his. voice
increasing in volume as he spoke, friends
and enemies alike rose to their feet, ex-
pecting conflict on the floor. Mr. Wise's
countenance alternately pale and red,
was narrowly watched, and as Duncan
fairly Kissed in his ears those words
which, according to the code of honor,
could only be atoned for by blood, he
sat for moment asif stupefed, and then
left the hall. The intimate friends of
Wise that night met in consultation.
They had learned that Duncan was
practiced shot; at thirty PAGES, with
rife, no man could escape him; with q
pistol his aim was equally fatal; with
broadsword. he was perhaps the best in
tie city, and with all these weapons he
was in full practice. As the party chal.
lenged he had the choice of weapons, and
this would give him advantage. The
highest authorities among the duelists
in Washington were consulted by Wise's
friends, and they decided that, as the in
suit was words spoken in debate, Mr..
Wise might well refuse to notice them
by q challenge. Finally he was forced
to yield, and no challenge was sent; but
from that day q marked change was OBJ
servable. He mingled but little in de-
bate, and when he did his speeches had
lost their personalities and their bitter
ness.