The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1895-04-12

cised and lampooned, as well as car
TONED, in a manner more excessive and
relentless than political leaders have
ever been subjected TO before. But, in
the midst of it all. while many charges
of serious nature have been preferred,
it is a significant fact that nobody has
arraigned the Fifty-third congress for
Righteousness or moral dcpravity.
it is indicative of the elevated moral
tone of the entire country that better
and purer men are constantly beip Z
selected and sent To the senate and
house Of Representatives In the national
capital. 1t would be practically impos-
sible for any community in this period
of our history to send professional
prize fighter to congress, solely on the
ground Of his reputation as a slpgger
and brutal beaten of other men. 1t
would also be practically impossible for
any community to send a professional
gambler to congress; but If such a
thing were done the gambler would GER
tainly be expelled from the house of
representatives If he undertook to es-
tablish a gambling house in Washing
ton and run that kind of business
during his term Of membership in the
house. And yet, thirty years ago, John
Morrissey, professional prize fighter,
was a member of the house of repre-
sentatives, kept a gambling house on
Pennsylvania avenue, and was at the
same time regarded as popular repre-
sentative by large class OF people in
Washington city. Within n single
generation the moral tone of the entire
country has been 50 elevated that such
man could not now live such life and
prosper in the glare of public opinion.
The members of the house OF repre-
sentatives, one year ago, were inclined
TO take official notice of the trial of a
certain member of congress, but, upon
reflection, concluded to leave, and did
leave, Col. breckenridge TO the judg-
ment of the people of the Ashland dis
trict. The verdict of that people was
against immortality; and with the close
of the Fifty-third congress on March 4,
the public career of Col. breckenridge
also closed.
During the Fifty-frst congress there
were many stormy scenes and at least
one personal encounter between repre-
sentatives; but no gambling nor Excess
sive drinking was noted. in the very
early days Of the republic our states
men indulge6 in swearing, fighting,
drinking, gambling and carousing. In
l79s there was dreadful scene in the
house of representatives. Roger Girls
void, of Connecticut, and Matthew
Lyon, of Vermont, came to blows.
After hot war of words, Lyon
shouted TO Griswold: II have mind to
come back there and teach you good
manners"
IF you come, Lyon. cried Griswold,
don't forget TO bring your wooden
sword" abiding 20 the fact that the
Vermonter was drummed out of the
army during the revolution. Lyon,
without a word, but in a frenzy of
rage, crossed the room and deliberate
" spat in Griswold's face. There was
a motion to expel him, and during its
tendency the offender made speech
in self-defcnse which was SO obscene
that.the newspapers of even that free
and-easy time could not fully indicate
its purport. The motion to expel was
defeated, whcreupon Griswold ran over
TO Lyons seat, jerked him out of it,
threw him down ana beat him on the
floor Of the house Lyon escaped TO
the fireplace and defended himself
with the tongs, but was beaten again.
Friends of the parties at last interfered
and the battle came to an end; but
only afte considerable damage had
been done. Such a scene would be
wholly impossible during the present
generation, for our people have grown
better as well as wiser than their an
cestors were.
With one exception during recent
years we have not only had better men
in congress, but men of stainless repu-
tation in the white house. Never again
will our people place in the presiden-
tial Office man whose hands are
stained with human blood or who has
engaged in deadly dueling. When Gen.
jackson came to the white house he
had the reputation of having wounded
4 II