Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-02-17
Scene in the HOnse.

In the House of Representatives yes
terday Mr.. Tarsney, of Missouri, in
speaking to an amendment to the pen
sions bill referred to speech made i
few days ago by Mr.. Morse, of Massa-
chusetts. in which that gentleman,
either in his open remarks or in his
COPY sent into the official reporters, had
stated that he (Tarsnev) had referred
to the pensioners on the roll as "ruflians,
thieves and scoundrels." He had never
used such language nor would he ever
do so. He was not in the habit oil
using harsh language toward any one.
but if he were compelled to do SO, II
would not be against the men who had
fought for the Union, but against the
men who occupied seats on this floor
and willfully and maliciously falsitied
the words of their colleagues. APP
plause. He stood here, and every
where, ready to respond to any indi-
vidual for his utteranccs, and therefore
he would not sneak into the House OF
Representative and under the liberty
granted by its rules throw into the Dill
cial reports of the House words vlllill-
cation. SANDER and falsehood against
his fellow-members. Applause
Mr. Morse replied that he had not at
tributed to the gentleman any words
that had not been uttered by him. as
far as he (AIorse) had understood
them.
The committee by this time was ex-
necfino q sensation. The area in front
of the Speakers desk was thronged by
members who were awaiting further de-
velopments between the gentleman
from Missouri and the gentleman from
Massachusetts.
The situation, however, took new
and more serious turn.
Mr.. Morse having yielded to Dir.
Turpin, of Alabama, to ask question,
the latter brought about scene which
has moi been enacted on the floor OF the
House since Mr.. Sparks, of Illinois, and
General Weaver, of Iowa, took otftbeir
coats and proceeded to settle their
differences by fistcutfs
Mr.. Turpin inquired of the gentle
man Of Massachusetts, whether he was
aware of the fact that there stood to-
day upon the pension rolls an ex-sol-
der who was drawing pension OF SO
month for total deafness, who was
receiving salary 800 year, and
who was employed at the telephone.
Laughter. Now if any gentleman
wanted to know the name OF this gen.
tleman he could tell it.
"Name him, name him. came in
chorus.
Mr.. Turpin.-"I do not know
whether the soldier is democrat or
republican, but in the light of the
present surroundings | suppose that
he is democrat because he comes
from the doubtful State Of Indiana"
II do not believe your statement I'M
less Won prove it." shouted Mr.. Waugh,
Of Indiana, advancing into the area In
front of the Speakers desk, and then
the interest became intense.
'The gentleman's name Is VIM. +.
Davis" said Mr.. Turpin, leaving his
position in the main aisle and advanc'
ing toward Mr.. Waugh.
II do not believe the statement is
true whether we have the gentlemen
name or not" retorted Mr.. Waugh.
"The gentleman can doubt the state
ment. but he cannot say that | am
false" and with these words MIR. Tur-
pin came down the aisle and made a
manifestation Of attack upon MIR
Waugh, who was prepared to receive
him.
Doorkeepers rushed in between.
Sherman Hoar and Representative
Cooper. of Indiana, could be detected
in the midst of the confusion trying to
act rs peaccmakcrs. The excitement
rose to fever height and for three min
utes the vacant space in front OF the
Clerks desk was riotous spot. Halt
dozen blows were struck, though they
probably did not land on the persons
for whom they were intended. For a
moment ii looked rs if the friends OF
Mr.. Turpin and the friends Of Waugh
were arranging themselves for fierce
conflict then and there.
Speaker Crisp seized the gavel from
the hand of Chairman Wilson as quick
ly as his predecessor Speaker Randall
had taken it from the hand OF Chair
man Springer during the Sparks
Weaver controversy.
A touch of the authoritative hand
of the Speaker procured comparative
order, but the excitement was intense.
The Speaker appealed to the mem
beers to put an end to this unseemiy
scene and take their seats, but it was
several minutes before his appeal prov
ed of any avail.
When order was finally restored the
House, finding it was in no temper to
proceed with the consideration of the
bill, adjourned at sos.
CONFEDERATE VETERANs.-The COM
mittee on constitution and bylaws for
the United Confederate veterans has
been holding its session for the last few
days in New Orleans, and will make a
report to the next reunion, to be held at
Birmingham, Ala, on the 10Th day Of
July next.
The constitution as agreed upon by
them provides for general command
| inp staff officers of brigadier generals.