Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-02-17
a pERsosAL ENCOUNTER.
Two Members OF the Rouse Almost Come
TO Blows During the Debate on the Pom
aion AUGMENTATION Bill

Two Members OF the Rouse Almost Come
TO Blows During the Debate on the Pom
sion Appropriation Bill
WARRINGTON, D. c., February 10
The feature Of the day in the House
was personal collision between Tur-
pin, of Alabama, and Waugh, OF In
diana, which, but for the bodily inter-
yention of friends, might have resulted
seriously, but as 1t turned out any In
juries that were received were received
by the peacemakers.
The House resumed in committee OF
the whole the consideration OF the
pension appropriation bill.
The chairman, Mr.. Wilson, (W. va.
delivered his decision on the points OF
order raised against the various amend
ments recommended by the committee
on appropriations, changing the pension
laws. Those relative TO the transfer OF
the pension bureau TO the war depart
ment, to the re-rating upon the basis OF
ability to earn living; TO the llmita-
ton to persons receiving an income OF
less than $500. and to soldiers widows
were oVerruled.
Mr.. Burrows appealed from the de-
cision regarding the transfer OF the Fen
sion Bureau. The decision OF the chair
was sustained-103 TO GO.
Mr.. Tarsney in speaking to an amend
ment referred TO speech made rev
days ago by Morse, in which that gem
tleman, either in his open remarks
or In his copy sent in TO
the official reporters had stated
that he (Tarsney) had referred
to the pensioners on the rolls as 'ruth-
ans, thieves and scoundrels." DE had
never used such language, nor would he
ever do so. He was not In the habit or
using harsh language towards any one,
but il compelled to do 80, II would
not be against the men who had fought
for the Union, but against the men who
occupied seats on this floor and wilfully
and maiciously falsifed the words OF
their colleagues. 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 (Morse) had understood them.
The committee by this time was ex-
pectlng sensation. The area In front
of the Speakers desk was thronged by
members who were awaiting further
Developments between the gentleman
from Missouri and the gentleman from
Massachusetts.
The situation, however, took new
and more serious turn. Mr.. Morse hav-
ing yielded TO Mr.. Turpie to ask ques-
ton, the latter brought about scene,
which has not been enacted on the floor
of the House since Mr.. Sparks. OF Him
OILS, and General Weaver, OF Iowa, took
of their coats aud proceeded to settle
their differences by tisticuffs.
Mr.. Turpin inquired OF the gentle
man from Massachusetts, whether he
was aware Of the fact that there stood
to-day upon the pension rolls an eX-
soldier who was drawing pension OF
$40 a month for total deafness, who was
receiving a salary OF $1,000 year. and
who was employed at the telephone.
Laughter. Now, II any gentleman
wanted to know the name OF this gen
tleman he could tell IT,
name him; name him." came in a
chorus.
Mr.. Turpin-I do not know whether
the soldier is a Democrat or Republl-
can, but in the light OF present sur
roundings, | suppose that he is a Demo
crat because he comes from the doubt
full State of Indiana"
81 do not believe your statement un-
less you prove it," shouted Mr.. Morse,
advancing into the area in front OF the
Speaker's desk, and then the interest
became intense.
THE gentleman's name is VIM. f.
Davis" said Mr.. Turpn, leaving his
position 10 the main aisle and adyanc-
ing towards Mr.. Waugh.
81 do not believe the statement Is
true, whether you have the gentleman's
name or not" retorted Mr.. Morse.
"The gentleman can doubt the state
ment but ne cannot say that / am
false" and with these words Mr.. Tur-
pin came down the aisle, and made a
manifestation OF attack upon Mr.
Morse, who was prepared TO receive
him. The two men were not separated
bv foot Of space, and had II not been
for Mr.. Hooper, OF Indiana, and others,
there would have been an actual pugi-
listic encounter in front OF the Speak
er's desk.
Speaker Crisp seized the gavel from
the hand OF Chairman Wilson az quick
ly as his predecessor Speaker Randsll)
had taken it from the hand OF Chairman
Springer during the Sparks Weaver con-
troversY.
A touch OF the authoritative hand OF
the Speaker procured comparative or
der, but toe excitement was intense.
The Speaker appealed to members to
nut an end 20 this most unseemly scene
and take their seats, but II was several
minutes before his appeal proved OF any
avail. When order was finally restored
the House, finding 1t was in no temper
to proceed with the consideration OF the
bill, adjourned.