The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-02-13


In the House, Mr. Talbert Is. c., d. broke
loose again with secession sentiments. The
| trouble arose over a coloquy which occurred
| the other night in debate between Mr.. Pearson
| IN. c., r. aud Mr.. Talbert.
When the South Caroinian read his words in
| cold type and saw the newspaper comment
upon them he concluded that he had gone too
| far and on question of personal privilege to-
day he attempted to show that the press of the
country had misunderstood his language. He
only mixed himself up. and incidentally one or
two of the Representatives on the other side
had considerable fun with this pension OBJ
structor
As soon as the journal had been read Mr..
| Talbert to a question of personal privilege
! to correct what he said was an uninteutiOnal
| Misrepresentation of himself in the public
prints.
9 am not here" said Mr. Talbcrt, to apollo
gze or rctract what / said on that occasion, but
to re-echo and reterate what uttered"
lie recounted the circumstances Of his clash
with Mr.. Pearson. He said that Mr. Pearson
had made an unwarranted attack on the loyalty
of his State which he declared was as loyal as
any State IN the Union. Mr.. Pearson had said
that North Carolina had followed South Caro-
lima out of the Union and had gotten whipped
along with the Palmetto state.
g In a jocular way" continued Mr.. Talbert,
i declared that We were not whipped, but had
worn ourselves out trying to whip the other
fellows In the heat OF the moment" he con-
tinued, land impulsively, / said that South
| Carolina was not ashamed of the part that she
took in it; that she was proud of it, and that
for one Endorsed secession then. | thought
we were right; think so yet, and that under
the same circumstances, surrounded by the
same conditions, that / would do the same
thing again. Now, Mr.. Speaker, | repeat it,"
Mr.. Barrett Mass. r. jumped up at these
words, and asked that the words be taken
down. Several members appealed to him not
to do so, and the Speaker asked Mr.. Barrett if
he insisted upon his demand
Mr.. Barrett seemed 10 hesitate then Mr.. Tai
bert got on his feet and declared in loud voice
that he was willing to have his words taken
down. :" will stand by them" said he.
These words seemed to clInch Mr.. Barrett's
resolve, and Mr. Barrett replied to the Speaker
with feeling: Yes insist / want to see if a
member eau violate his oath in this fashion,
" The Chair understood that the gentleman
from South Carolina was only repeating what
he had said on a former OCCASION" said Speaker
Reed.
Mr.. Barrett replied that in that case he had
a point of order TO submit. Mr. Crisp, the
Democratic leader. however, at this point
crowded into the arena, and moved that Mr..
Ialtert be permitted to explain.
The words were then read at the clerks desk
and MIR. Barrett then formally made the point
OF order that when statement made by a
member had been called in question:, and lie
deliberately reiterated it, it constituted now
statement and q new otfense.
He has said, and has repeated the statement.
that under certain circumstances he believed in
secession propose now to offer resolution
Of censure." BY this time the excitement on
the floor intense.
Dir. Crisp tGa. d.. said that he had never
known an instance when a member was called
to order and the motion made that he he nj.
lowed to explain his utterauce and the motion
was not considered.
To this Mr.. Barrett replied that he had no
objection to the gentleman from South Carolina
explaining at the proper time his statement;
that the gentleman having taken an oath to |
sustain the Constitution of the United States |
he would under certain circumstances attempt |
to overthrow and humiliate the Government
The Speaker said that it was very desirable |
that the House should proceed in order. aud |
then there was more parliamentary sparring /
between Mr. Crisp and Mr. Barrett over the |
Interpretation OF the rule.
During this discussion there was an excited |
buzz on the floor and the House rapidly filled
The question was asked by Mr. Cannon whether
Mr.. Crisp understood that Mr.. Talbert was
proceeding to explain his utterances of We'd
nesday night. Both Mr.. Crisp and w. A.
Stone, OF Pennsylvania, answered that they
had SO understood Mr.. Tabert.
The Speaker said that if the Honse was not
satisfied with Mr.. Talberts explanation the
resolution might be offered. The Speaker de-
cided that DIR. Crisp's motion was in order
Mr.. Talbert explained that he had arisen to
correct MISREPRESENTATION. lie bad no idea
that the press intended to misrepresent him in
tentionally. South Carolina, he proceeded was
as loyal and true TO the Union as auy State in
the Union. The circumstances under which
he had eHeac mil
was glad of it.
When he had spoken of secession being right
he had spoken OF the circumstances then ex.
listing. The question had been submitted to
the arbitrament Of the sword and settled for
ever. In conclusion. he declared that he
looked with pride upon his past life and that
he had contempt for his comrades of the old
days who were continually apologizing for
their share ia the war.
Mr.. Barrett offered his resolution as soon as
Mr.. Talbert finished. Ii recited the words
taken down and declared them reasonable
aud seditions." and in violation of the oath
taken by the gentleman from South Carolina at
the opening of the session. and directed that
they be excluded from the record
Mr.. Barrett, amidst the greatest confusion
insisted upon his right to discuss the rcsoIu-
ton he had offered. The Massachusetts, Rep.
addressed the House in favor of the
adoption of his resolution Pointing his finger
at Mr.. Talbert, he demanded to know whether
he would rise in his place aud succinctiy and
definitely disavow and apologize for any re-
marks upholdibg secession and treason Mr. !
Barrett was saying, =" If the Democratic partv |
wants to make the gentleman from South Caro-
lima its spokesman" when Mr.. Wilson Is. c.
made the point that Mr. Barrett had no right |
10 put questions 10 Mr.. Talbert )
Mr. Dalzell made a motion to refer the reso-
ution TO the Committee on the Judiciary. and
alter parliamentary wrangle the motion was
carried by a rising vote of I54 TO Al Mr.
owens tky-) was the only Democrat who rose
IN opposition to the motion. Then the yeas
and nays were had.
While the vote was being taken Mr.. Talbert
sat nonchalantly with his feet upon his desk
ind his head thrown back. The yeas and nays
resulted, 200-7l, aud the resolution was re.
erred TO the Committee on the Judiciary I
Later in the afternoon Mr. Pearson and Mr..
labert were seen in consultation at the Iatter's
eat, as pleasant and confding, apparently. AS |
he historical Governors of the Carolinas Just !
before the House adjourned for the recess Mr..
Pearson declared that if he had had any idea