Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1891-01-23
SHERIFF M,CLAY,s FIGHT.
One Of the Most Exciting Scenes Ever
Witnessed in the State.

hiN'OLN, cdH. D. special 10 the
Omaha Bee. The terrible fight Of
Sheriff McClay in his attempts to get
to Speaker Elder to serve the writ of
mandamus compelling him to canvass
the returns will pass into the history
of Nebraska as one OF the most excit-
ing and dramatic scenes ever witnessed
in the state. 1t was the browning
event in the greatest political crisis
ever witnessed in Nebraska, and Nc
Clay played we'll the heroic part thrust
upon him. The assembled legislators
knew the writ was to be served, but
when the stentOrian voice of Meikle-
john announced the entrance of the
sheriff, for moment the dignity of tho
law appalled, the lawmakers and there
was moments death-like silence.
Suddenly there came the crash Of
breaking glass and every person in
that great assemblage jumped involun-
tarily to his feet.
Then the tumult arose. The SER
geant-at-arms fanked by the indie
pendents, made rush at the sheriff
to force him out of the hall. McClay
then recognized the emergency and
was equal to it. A dozen fists were
aimed at him, while twice that num-
Der attempted to throttle him, and par
italy succeeded in so doing, but the
old man was not at all appalled,. The
veins on his temples suddenly sprung
out in bold relief, his brows contracted,
and n look Of determination flashed
from his eyes. He raised aloft his
gold headed cane and brought it down
furiously upon the heads and knuckles
of those opposing him. He seemed to
gain strength after each blow, and IL
howl followed each descent of the i'm
provised weapon.
The uproar that followed was deaf
ening. The Legislators rushed from
their seats to the scene of conflict to
aid or oppose the heroic old man who
was moving his way to the speakers
desk. Several times the savage blows
of the independents aimed at McClay
took effect and he fell, but the effect
was only momentary, as he was on his
feet again in moment and fighting as
bravely as ever. The chorus of re-
publican and democratic voices of
Stand back Let the sheriff do his
duty" awaited nothing. Then the re-
publican and democratic members of
the Legislature took a hand and pulled
and jerked back and struggled with
the independents, and for few min
utes hand to hand struggle prevailed
throughout the entire chamber The
tumult was deafenng.
McClay finally managed to force his
way half way up the aisle, when he
was suddenly seized and hoisted on the
shoulders of half dozen stalwart re-
publicans and democrats and carried to-
the speakers desk. He served the
mandamus. A shout then arose that
was caught up and multiplied ten-fold
in the corridors. The sheriff looked
ut his cane. 1t was bent double. The
crowd again sent up a shout that shook
the rafters. McClay then started down
the aisle and Napoleon himself could
not after his greatest victories been ac-
corded more enthusiastic cheers from
the men who admired his courage. His
way out was unimpeded, and he strobe
down the aisle with the air of con-
querer. A number of the assistant
sergeant-at-arms are carrying Jumps
on their heads not chronological:
Sheriff McClay on returning from the
scene, found himself more badly bruised
and scratched than he at first believed
himself to be, but none of his injuries
are in any manner serious.