The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1886-01-13
GARFIELD AND VOORHEES,.
How a Duel Once Imminent Between
the Two was Prevented.


Colonel Morrison. of Illinois, and
Senator Voorhees,, of Indiana, have
been intimate friends for years. Few
people are probably aware, however,
that this friendship had its origin in
an episode which promised at that
time to be fraught with the gravest
consequences for the Indiana states
man. 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
bis command in the army from
wounds received at Donaldsonvllle.
Morrison was war democrat Noor-
hees a peace-at-any-price Democrat
Washington was at that time an un-
safe place for men who did not be-
lleve 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 a word of encouragement to
sweep every rebel sympathizer into
the Potomac river. 1t was at this
period that Voorhees, made speech
in the house opposing the passage oi
a certain war measure. during the
course of his remarks he was sever
al times interrupted by General Gar
field of Ohio, who at length trans
gressed the law Of parliamentary
courtesy oy pronouncing Voorhees, q
liar. Owing to the confusion and
the distance which separated the two
members Garfield's remark was not
heard by VOORHEES,, who LETT the
chamber upon the conclusion OF bis
speech. About midnight OF that
day, while busy in his room, a proof
OF his remarks were sent to him Tor
his revision. CHANGING carelessly
oyer the speech he was horrihed TO
see this interjection:
"Mr. Garfield (interrupting)-li
the gentleman persists in making
that statement | pronounce him a
deliberate liar
For a moment Voorhees, was too
much astonished to speak. Then
turning to James c. Robinson, Of IL
linois, VINO happened to be present,
he said: " If Garfield does not apol-
ogize for this language | must fight
him. / cannot return to my con-
stituents without demanding and re-
ceiying satisfaction. Will you aid
me in the matter p But Robinson
objected. After some further con-
versation Robinson said: =" Why
don't YOU see Colonel Morrison? tie
has room in this house, and have
no doubt can give you better advice
than l." Morrison was asleep when
the two Congressman reached his
door, but be speedily aroused MIN
self and listened to Voorhees, story.
At its conclusion the latter said: "lf
you carry challenge to Garfield
you are liable to heavy fine and
imprisonment. Are you willing TO
risk the consequence" Morrison
made no reply, further than nodding
his head afiirmatively. Then, TAX
Ing the proof" in his hands, ae
started for Gar6eld's house. 1t was
after / O'Clock when he reached it.
Garfield was sitting in his library at
work. Morrison briefly stated his
errand. Did say that?" Garfield
asked incredulously. For answer
Morrison pointed to the proof /
am directed by Mr.. VOORHEES," he
continued, ito insist upon an apol-
ogy or fight" Garfield replied
with dignity was Ia error and
am not ashamed to confess it. ut
tered 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
seizi1g a pencil he obliterated the
words with SO mnch vigor that the
point OF the instrument cut through
the paper.
Morrison returned to VOORHEES,
room and stated the result of HE
mission. Voorhees, was delighted at
the result. If it had been necessary
to challenge Garfield and the fact had
become known, the infuriated SOL
diery would have torn niu. TO pieces.
1t is no wonder he felt grateful to
Morrison for his successful manage
ment Of the affair. He has been one
of Morrison's closest friends ever
since.