The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-20
VOORHEES,, MORRISON AND GARFIELD
AnEpisode in Their Congressional Life While
Is Not Generally Known.

An Episode in Their Congressional Life Which
Is Not Generally Known.
Jules Guthridge, in Chicago News.
Colonel Morrison, of Illinois, and Senator
Voorhees,, of Indiana. have been intimate friends
for years. Few people are probably aware, how
ever that this friendship had its origin in an ep-
isode which promised at that time to be fraught
with the gravest consequences for the Indiana
statesman. Morrison and Voorhees, made their
entree simultaneously upon the stage of national
politics in the Thirty-eighth Congress. This
was in 1863, after Morrison had resigned his
command in the army from wounds received at
Donaldsonville Morrison was war Democrat;
Voorhees, peace at any price Democrat Wash
ington was at that time an unsafe place for men
who did not believe in a vigorous prosecution of
the war. The streets of the city, and even the
corridors of the Capitol swarmed with soldiers
who needed but word of encouragement to
sweep every rebel sympatEizer into the Po-
tomac river. It was at this period
that Voorhees, made a sp eech in the
House opposing the passage of a certain war
measure. During the course of his remarks he
was several times interrupted by General Gar
field, of Ohio, who at length transgressed the
law of parliamentary courtesy by pronouncing
Voorhees, liar. Owing to the confusion and
the distance which separated the two members
Garfelds remark was not heard by Voorhees,.
who left the chamber upon the conclusion of his
speech. About midnight of that day, while
busy in his room, a proof Of his remarks was
sent to him for revision. CHANGING carelessly
over the speech he was Mortified TO see this inter
lection.
"Mr Garfield (interrupting the gentle
man persists in making that statement l pro-
nounce him deliberate liar!"
For moment Voorhees, was too much aston.
ished to speak. Then, turning to James G. Rob
inson, of Illinois. who happened to be present,
he said: eff Garfield does not apologize for this
language l must fight him. I can never return
to my constituents without demanding
and receiving satisfaction: Will you aid
me in the matter?' But Rob
inson objected. After some further converse
ton Robinson said: why don't you see Colonel
Morrison? He has room in this house and
have 10 doubt can give you better advice than L 1"
Morrison was asleep when the two congressman
reached his door, but he speedily aroused himself
and listened to Voorhees, story. At its conclu-
sion the latter said: IF you carry challenge to
Garfield you are liable to a heavy fine and i'm
prisonment. Are you willing to risk the
consequences" Morrison made no reply, further
than nodding his head afirmatively. Then,
raking the proof" in his hands. he started for
Garfelds house. It was after l o'clock when he
reached it. Garfield was sitting in his library
at work Morrison briefly stated his errand.
did say that" asked Garfield, ncredulously
For answer Morrison pointed to the proof.
II am directed by Mr.. Voorhees," he continued,
ito insist upon an apology or fight" Garfield
replied, with dignity, Il was Ill error, and am
not ashamed to confess it. uttered those words
in a moment of excitement. 1t did not occur to
ME that spoke sufficiently loud for the official
reporters to hear me-" and, Selling pencil, he
obliterated the words with so much vigor that
the point of the instrument cut through
the paper. Morrison returned to Voorhees,
room and stated the result of his mission. Voor-
hees was delighted at the result If it had been
necessary to challenge Garfield. and the fact had
become known, the Infatuated sodiery would
have torn him to pieces. 1t is no wonder he felt
grateful to Morrison for his successful manage
ment of the affair. He has been one of Nor
risson's closest friends ever since.