Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-09-07
IN VAN BUREN's TIME.


How Duncan Denounced Henry A. Wise.
DR.. Dlexander A. Duncan, Democrat
who represented the Hamilton district OF
Ohio in the extra session called by PTesl-
dent Van Buren, after his inauguration
says Ben: Perley Poore In the Boston
Brdget. had been much disturbed Dy the
denunclations and philippics OF Henry A.
Wise, who then represented the Accomac
district Of Virginia. During the recess
he deliberately made up his mind that ne
would resent any further political attacks
on the Democratic party by Wise, ana u
was not long after the regular session
commenced in December before he had
an opportunity. Mr. Wise made one OF
his characteristic speeches ana Or. Dun
can took the floor to reply.
After correcting some errors which had
been made BY Mr.. Reed Of Nassacnusrlls'
Mr. Duncan paid his respects to Mr.. " lse
who had said that certain statements
were false, aud showed that they were
true. "and So" said he, 81 throw back
the charge Of falsehood upon the member
from Virginia"
throughout his whole speech, Mr..
Duncan smoke OF Mr.. Wise only as the
''memberO He would not call him, as IS
usual in Congress, the gentleman from
Virginia" hecause he did not believe Mr.
Wise merited the term, and being IN MS
opinion no gentleman, he would not
call him 30. Again 1 quote from the
speech:
"The member pronounces the President
vile demHgogue. / have heard this
member before denounce the President
and all his friends as knaves and fools.
Mr.. Chairman, think there can
be no better evidence that a man is vile
demagogue himself, than to hear him per
petually denouncing statesmen and
politicians, without discrimination, as
vile demagogues,' 'knayes' and FOOLS
because they are opposed to him IN poll
ties"
The extract which followed it was the
discharge Of artillery, with grape and
canister that not only routed the enemy,
but drove him form the field in cOntus-
ion. Standing in his place. and where
he could have a full view OF Mr. Wise, he
said:
But the member calls names. He has
denounced the whole Democratic party
with a bitterness and a viudiotveness /
hope unworthy OF his heart, as Loco
FOcOs. | am said Mr.. D. uracquainted
with the term Loco Foco, it is OF tongue
unknown to me. If the term is political
in its significance. and is expressive OF a
love Of liberty, regard for the support
and literal construction Of the COnstlu-
tion, "A disposition to support our tree in
situations, end an unyiedtng hostility to
a national bank, to OdlOus political dis
tnctions, unconstitutional mOnopolles
and exclusive and dangerous privileges
tor the benefit OF the few al the expense
of the many, then | am a Loco Foc0, and
am proud of the name; and l hope J
shall never abuse or disgrace it. But l
am now going to tell you, sir, said Mr.
Duncan, advancing toward Wise, an
| other thing dare do dare pronounce
any man, on this floor or elsewhere, G
| base liar and reckless scoundrel, who
| dares to den0unce me as a Loco FOc0 and
/ attach any other political meaning than
| that which | have just described"
To picture the scene when these words
! fell u pom 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
| ana as the orator proceeded, his voice In
| creasing in volume as he spoke. friends
and enemies alike rose to their feet, eX
pectiug a 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
could only be atoned for by blood, he sal
for moment as if stupeded, and then left
the hall. The intimate friends of Wise
that night met in consultation. They hac
/ learned that Duncan was practIced
shot; at thirty PAGES with a pistol his ain
was equally fatal; with DroadswOrd he
was, perhaps, the best in the city; and
with all these weapons be was in full
| practice. As the party challenged he had
the choice of weapons, and this would
give him an advantage. The highest
authorities among the duelists in Wash
ingtOn were consulted by Wlse's friends,
and they decided that, as the insu was
words spoken in debate, MIR. Wise might
we'll refuse TO notice them by a challenge
| Finally he was forced to yield, and M
challenge was sent; but from that day q
marked change was observable. He
/ mingled but little in debate, and when he
did his speeches had lost their person
alities and their bitterness.
DuVal Pluck.