The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-04-01
VOORHEES,, MORRISON, AND GAR


An Episode IN Their Congressional Life
which IL Not Generally known.
Jules Guthriage. in Chicago Nsws.l
Colonel Morrison, Of Illinois, and
Senator Voorhees,, Of Indiana, have
been intimate friends for years. Few
people are probably aware, however,
that this fricndship had it's origin in an
episode which promised at that time to
be fraught with the gravest conse-
quences for the Indiana statesman,
Morrison and Voorhees, made their en-
tree simultaneously upon the stage of
national politics in the Thirty-e ghth
Congress. This was in 1868, after Nor
rison had resigned his command in the
army from wounds received at Donald
son. Morrison was war Democrat;
Voorhees, peace at-any-price Demo
crat. Washington at that time was an
unsafe pla Q for men who did not be-
ieve in q vigorous prosecution of the
war. The streets of the city, and even
the corridors of the Capitol, swormed
with soldiers who needed but a word of
encouragement to sweep every rebel
sympathizer into the Potomac River.
1t was at this point that Voorhees, made
speech in the House opposing the
passage of certain war measure.
During the course of his remarks he
was several times interrupted by Gen
eral Garfield, OF Ohio, who at length
transgressed the law of parliamentary
courtesy by pronouncing Voorhees, a
liar. Owing to the confusion and dis
lance which separated the two mem
bers, Garfield's remark was not heard
by Voorhees,. who left the chamber at
the conclusion of his speech. About
midnight of that day, while busy in his
room, n proof of his remarks was sent
to him for revision. CHANGING careless
ly over the speech he was Mortified to
see this intersection.
@Mr. Garfield (interrupting)-H the
gentleman persists in making that
statement l pronounce him deliber-
ate liar"
For n moment Voorhees, was too
much astonished to speak. Then, turn
ing to James &. Robinson, of Illinois,
who happened to be present, he said:
"If Garfield does not apologize for this
language 1 must fight him. 1 can never
return to my constituents without de-
handing and receiving satisfaction.
Will you aid me in the matter?" But
Robinson objected. After some further
conversation Robinson said: "Why
don't you see Colonel Morrison? He
has room in this house and have no
doubt can We you better advice than
l." Morrison was asleep when the two
Congressman reached his door, but he
speedily aroused himself and listened
to Voorhees, story. At its conclusion
the latter said: "If you carry a chal-
lenge to Garfield you are liable to a
heavy fine and imprisonment. Are you
W ling to risk the consequences 2"
Morrison made no reply, further than
nodding his head ailirmativeiy. Then,
taking tho proof" in his hands, he
started for Garfold's house. 1t was
after l o'clock when he reached it.
Garfield was sitting in his library at
work. Morrison briefly stated his err
rand. sid 1 say thnta" asked Gar
field, incredulorlsly. For answer Nor
rison pointed to the proof. Il am
directed by Mr.. Voorhees," he con-
tinued, ito insist upon apology or q
fight" GA field replied, with dignity,
al was in error, and am not ashamed to
confess it. uttered those words in O
moment of excitement. 1t did not oc-
cur to me that spoke sufficiently loud
for the Official reporters to hear me-"
and, Selling pencil, he oblit rated the
words with so much viqor that the point
of the instrument cut through the pa
per. Morrison returned to Voorh ees'
room and stated the result OF his mis-
sion. Voorhees, was delighted at the
result. If is had been necessary to
challenge Garfield, and the fact had
become known, the infuriated soldiery
would have torn him to pieces. 1t is
no wonder he felt grateful o Morrison
for his successful management of the
affair. He has been one of Morrison's
closest friends ever since.