The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1896-11-25

Esheer nonsense. SO argued Lyon. The
tone Of his address was not very agree
liable 10 the rest Of the opposition.
| Dana Of Connecticut said that il Lyon
desired to be excused from personally
calling on the President he, for one,
would by no means press Lyon con-
pany. A few months later Lyon again
renewed his TRADE against courtesy.
His request to be excused was prompt
~ voted down.
Lyon also opposed the sending OF
[ the extraordinary commission TO
France. In short, his political career
was one in which he Systematically
posed as ultra radical, doing every
thing in his power, under all circum-
stances and On all occasions. to create
a vu1 gar sensation.
It was but short time after this lit
tie episode that Lyon became the cen,
trail figure in drama that fixed his
fame for all time to come. AS has been
iintimated. it was during the debate
over the Blount managers. The Spea
ker has left his chair, the members
have grouped themselves together IN
little knots and are engaged il gener
al conversation up comes Roger Girls.
wc]d Of Connecticut, a Federal leader.
He enters into a confab with Lyon
matters TURN TO a discussion OF the
merits OF the good people of Connec
ticut; Lyon, as usual, is arrogant and
selfconceited, and heaps all manner
| of satire on wooden nutme2S: some
thing is also said as 10 Republican
methods Of politics; the group OF list
eners grows larger; banter wakes
warmer pro and con; Lyon is not to
be outdone; he makes a parting shot:
why" he says addressing himself
to the amused gentlemen round about
why, my friends, had the privilege
Of editing newspaper In Connecticut
the Republicans would be driven out
in very short order,
"Will you fight with your wooden
jswordG" asked Griswold derisively.
| Lyon does not notice this allusion
to his military record He proceeds
with his banter. Griswold fires up.
He lays his hand savagely on Lyons
arm.
Lyon, ne says sneeripgly, you
could not change the opinion Of the
meanest hostler in the State.
st this retort Lyon suddenly darts
back, lunges forward pace and spits
in Griswold's face.
Griswold raises his arm as if to
strike. Members interfere. Speake
resumes his chair. Raps of order
Friends restrain the rising ire Of the
contestants. Qliet IS restored. House
proceeds to the business OF the day.
Member Sewell recites the facts OF the
indignity, and Insists that Lyon must
be expelled. The House must sustain
its dignity. Gallatin comes to the de-
fense. If any one has offended that
man is Griswold. Griswold is the ag-
gressor. Member Lyon should have
spit twice. Out with Griswold. He
is the one who has offended the digni
~ OF the chambar The conservative
minority also puts in its oar. 1t insists
that both are to blame. and that both
should be expelled. At this iuncture
some genius of diplomacy solves the
question, proposing that the matter be
referred to the committee on privileges;
| and that, pending the decision Of the
committee, should either member offer
additional insult to the other, both
shall be expelled together
Two days pass. Days Of high COM
motion. There is blood On the face Of
the moon. Vengeance for Lyon. Dit
TO for Griswoli.
Lyon, for once in his life, makes
political move. He promptly writes a
letter to the Speaker, in which the val
iant com mbatant represents that if he
has offended the dignity of the House
his error was not through malice or
vindictiveness. He trusts tha. his con-
duct, under these circumstances does
not merit punishment. The specia!
examining committee submits review
of the facts to the House, together
with a very brief yet startling report.
Member Lyon must be expelled. In
stantly the question is taken up on
party lines, and to Lyons relief flies
1.-The entire Democratic wing OF the
House. a violent debate ensues. Fin
ally the House consents to 60 into
committee OF the whole on the matter.
The subject is rehearsed again. Much
time is consumed. Member Chapman
tells hestory OF Lyons wooden sword.
Lyon makes a scathing personal re-
tort. Had he not erred in his first con-
duct, his language now would certain
ly have been sufficient TO have caused
his instant expulsion. He gives his
version of the affair Of. the wooden
sword. He surrendered the outpost
because he had been 50 ordered by the
superior officers. Personally, he was
much mortified to give up the place,
but be was powerless 10 resist his com
manders.
Galatin and:Nichols side with Lyon.
Then for Lyons choicest stroke: He
argues that. as the House was not in
session at the time ef his alleged mis-
demeanor,. he has not offended, and
therefore he is not liable for punish
ment. In this absurd construction Of
the rules he finds a dozen tongues eag
er for his defense.
An attempt IS made 10 SUBSTITUTE q
reprimand. This fails. a vote is then
taken on the question CT expulsion. 1t
proceeds on strict party lines. Lyon
is purged Of contempt. lie resumes
his seat amid great applause.
But the end has not yet come TO this
droli farce. The rarest exhibition is
reserved for the grand finale.
The House is just about to open its
morning session. Speaker Jonathan
Dayton, tall long-nosed, ancient Of
days and raiment, stands al one side,
calmly taking his last pinch of snulf
preparatory to calling the House to
order. The Rev. Ashbal Green, with
snub nose and owlish visage, has just
droned out the morning prayers. Buzz
of conversation dying away, every.