The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-04-14
A DISGRACEFUL FIGHT.
Representatives Brumm and Bartlett
Start Active UostlIitIos,

Start Active IIostiiitlos.
Washington. April lathe fight in
house OF representatives was precipi-
tated by Mr. Brumm, Pennsylvania Re-
publican, and Mr.. Bartlett. Georgia
Democrat When the report of the
foreign relations committee was pre-
sented by Mr.. Adams, Of Pennsylvania,
he asked unanimous consent for its
consideration. Mr.. Bailey wanted to
reserve the right Of objection go as to
get an opportunity for the minority re-
port to be presented and for debate.
The speaker refused to permit him to
reserve the right. This is unusual.
Bailey protested loudly, and then said.
"Then l object" The Republicans
hissed, and so Democrats cried loudly
that the Republicans were trying to
put the Democrats in false position
and to take party advantage. Many
Republicans retortcd to the same effect.
Mr.. Bartlett was supporting the rro-
tests of the Democrats against the
taunting words which were coming
from the other side, when suddenly
came in stentorian tones from Mr.
Brumm taunt addressed generally to
the Democratic side. You tust got
what you did not want" he shouted.
THAT Is not true" cried out Mr.. Bart
lett, who. 1t was explained subsequent
ly. was addressing his remarks to
Republican on the other side.
Il say 1t is," retorted Mr.. Brumm
hotly.
"It is not" Hared back Mr.. Bartlett,
turning and facing Mr.. Brumm.
you are liar" responded Mr..
Brumm.
Instantly Mr.. Bartlett took a large
bound copy of The Congressional Rec
ord from his desk and hurled 1t at his
adversary. 1t fell short and then the
two antagonists rushed for each other.
The house Immediately was in an up
roar. Some Of the ladies' In the gal.
leries screamed Historically. Members
crowded toward the combatants from
all quarters. They ran across the area
in front Of the speakers desk and
crowded ZIP the adjoining aisles. clinch.
ing tugging, hauling at each other like
madmen. 1t was like free fight in tho
streets. Shouts of anger and indis-
nation were heard on every hand.
Members in the crush espoused the
cause of the two original combatants.
and there were several exciting COLI
sions, but no blows struck. Meantime
Mr.. Bartlett and Mr.. Brumm were
trying to get at each other over thu
benches, but they were borne back by
friends. Mr.. Bartlett. who Is slight
man, was carried Oft his feet, and Mr..
Miers of Indiana. a stalwart. broad
Hoosier, blocked the path
of Mr. Brumm. who is himself evident
ly man of great physical vigor. In
his efforts to stop Mr.. Brumm Mr.. |
Miers became involved with Mr.. Pierce.
of Missouri. and they almost came to !
blows.
All this time the gavel Of the speaker |
was heard above the awful din, and his |
voice was commanding the sergeant
lt-arms to restore order Colonel Rus
sell, the sergeant -at-arms. repeatedly
charged the thick mass of struggling
nembers, but was as often swept aside.
One of the other employees. Griffin Hal
stead, son of Murat Halstead, while
attempting to pacfy Mr.. Brllnm. was
eled by blow on tho Jaw. At last, !
~ the efforts of a dozen muscular
the belIigerents were sepa-
ated the angry legislators retired to
heir seats and a semblance Of order
vas restored. 1t was one of the most
scenes witnessed in the
louise In many years. Later the two
members found that the alteration had
risen out of misunderstanding.
there were mutual apollo
les
Later in the proceedings the speaker
Fts obliged to again call upon the
to seat Mr.. Johnson,
Indiana. who was Indignantly rs-
against what he termed
he unnecessary war into which the
cuntry was being plunged"
Only 40 minutes were given for de-
ate, and n special rule was required
get the resolutions before the house.
ha minority resolutions. which do
ared for tho recognition OF The exist
s. government of the insurgents, were
'ted down. 147 to 1So, but they secur,d
e votes OF three Republicans.
a