Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1889-03-07
A SENATOR FIRED OUT
RIDDLEBERGER. OF VIRGINIA
MAKES AsCENE ON THE
FLOOR, AND Is
ARRESTED By ORDER OF INGALLS,
The Fiery Member Sends His Resig-
nation to Governor Lee.
His Wife and Daughter Present


nation to Governor Lee.
His Wife and Daughter Present
To Witness the Disgrace OF One They
Had Come to Watch and Admire.
WAsHINGroN, March 3.-The usually
dignified Senate Chamber was this
evening the scene of highly exciting
disturbance, which ended in the forci-
BILE expulsion of Mr.. Riddleberger from
the floor, and his resignation as Sena-
tor from Virginia. The saddest feature
of the disgraceful incident did not be-
come known until sometime after the
Senator was led from the chamber.
AS the Sergeant-at-Arms was execut-
ing the command of the presiding Off
Ger, a scream was heard In the galleries.
A lady had tainted, and another
younger lady had to be assisted while
the screamer was being carried from
the galleries. Later it was discovered
that the ladies were the wife and
daughter of the Senator, who had come
on for the Inauguration, and had come
to the Senate gallery to witness with
pride the participation of the husband
and father in the august closing pro-
ceedings of the Senate.
FRUITLEss EFFORT.
As Is well known, the Senator has for
several days been endeavoring to Sc
cure an executive session for the con-
sideration of the nomination of Com
missioner Webb, of the District of Co
INn IN hank kna n<Nk
been as successful as he desired. His
action in this matter was in opposition
to the policy of the Republican caucus,
and his course gave great concern to
the members of that party.
Up to tonight they have been able
to control the matter by various parlia-
mentary pretexts and technicalities,
but 1t had reached such point that the
only way in which the nomination
could be defeated, except by direct re-
lection, which the Democrats did not
want for obvious reasons to permit, was
to talk 1t to death, and that would oc'
cupy too much valuable time. So when
the Senate reconvened this evening
after the days recess, there was de-
sire on the part of the Republicans tt
avoid an executive session.
But Mr.. Riddleberger, whose condi
ton was as bad from total abstinence
point of view as it has been atany time
In his official life, was determined t.
push his motion for an executive Ses
sion.
INGALLS, ON HIS DIGNITY.
His efforts in this direction was ig.
nored by President Pro Tenn Ingall!
until they could no longer be so treat
ed, and then, when the motion wal
made and put, President Ingalls, de
clared it lost. This was not satisfactOr,
to MIR. Riddleberger, who continued hi
Interruptions of business. Finally tn,
Chair informed him he would not b.
recognized further. This statemen
delivered before the occupants 0
crowded galleries, who had been movet
to laughter at the failure of the Vir
ginian Senator to secure an executiv,
session seemed to stun him and he lef
the chamber. That he would proceet
in the manner he did to express hi
feelings toward the President no on
imagined;. and when he returned few
minutes later, again interrupting tn
pending business to announce that b
had telegraphed to Governor Lee hi
resignation for the remaining Is hour
of his term of office, because a Reput
lican Senator from Virginia could no
obtain recognition from the Chair,
genuine sensation was created in tn
chamber, both ON the floor and in tn,
galleries.
This rapidly rose to excitement whe
under the continued interjections b.
the irate Senator and his attempts t
speak, the presiding officer ordered tn
Sergeant-at-Armst to arrest him.
TAKEN FROM THE ROOM.
Mr.. Riddleberger's appeal to
judged by the Senate whether or not h
had violated any rule of the body wa
unheeded, and Colonel Canaday pro
ceeded to execute the orders of the Ser
ate. He took hold of Mr.. Riddleberger
coat lapel and the Senator grasped hi
seat with one hand and q struggl
seemed imminent. The scene was q
intensely exciting one, and the val
throng in the galleries sat with SUI
pressed breath, while on the floor til
tingle ofnervous excitement was felt i
every frame.
At this moment Mr.. May. one of Co
Canaday's deputies, seized Mr.. Riddle
berger's hand and arm and his gri
being loosened, Colonel Canaday pu
ting his arm around his body, they ha
carried, half pushed him into the cloa
ROOM the door being but a few feet dis
tant. He was kept there under guar
OF one of the deputy sergeant-at-arm'
while various of his associates endea,
ored to calm him and get, him into
reasonable frame Ofmind.
In the meantime the business of th
Senate proceeded and gradually tn
usual condition, and appearance ,
things in the presence of a crowd n
asserted themselves, and the disgrace
full episode was over for the time.