Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1898-04-14
A DIsGRACEFUL FIGHT.
Representatives Brumm and Bartle
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Representatives. Brumm and BARTLETT
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Washington, April 1.-THE fight in
house of representatives was precipi-
tated by Mr.. Brumm, Pennsylvania Re
publican, and MIR. Bartlett. Georgia
Democrat. When the report of the
foreign relations committee was pre-
scented by Mr.. Adams, of Pennsylvania.
he asked unanimous consent for its
consideration. Mr.. Bailey wanted to
reserve the right of objection so 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 object" The Republicans
Kissed. and so Democrats cried loudly
that the Republicans were trying to
put the Democrats in a false position
and to take party advantage. Many
Republicans retorted to the same effect.
Mr.. Bartlett was supporting the pro-
tests of the Democrats against the
haunting 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.
ssThat is not true" cried out Mr.. Bart
lett, who, it was explained subsequent
ly, was addressing his remarks to a
Republican on the other side.
ST say it is" retorted Mr.. Brumm
holly.
'It is not" fared back Mr.. Bartlett,
turning and facing Mr.. Brumm.
''You are q liar" responded Mr..
Brumm.
Instantly Mr.. Bartlett took a large
bound copy of The Congressional Rec
ord from his desk and hurled it 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 up the adjoining aisles, clinch-
ing, tugging, hauling at each other like
madmen. 1t was like free fight in the
streets. Shouts of anger and indig-
nation were heard on every hand.
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 the
benches, but they were borne back by
friends. Mr.. Bartlett, who is a slight
man, was carried off his feet, and Mr..
Miers, of Indiana, a stalwart, broad
shouldered 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
alarms to restore order. Colonel Rus
sell, the sergeant-at-arms, repeatedly
charged the thick mass of struggling
members, but was as often swept aside.
One of the other employees, Griffin Hal
stead, a son of Murat Halstead, while
attempting to pacify Mr.. Brumm, was
felled by a blow on the jaw. At last,
by the efforts of a dozen muscular
4ICAlOC1Sy t1C OOAAAGCiCAASo WCAC 0CRc1-
rated, the angry legislators retired to
their seats and semblance of order
was restored. It was one of the most
disgraceful scenes witnessed in the
house in many years. Later the two
members found that the alteration had
arisen out of a misunderstanding,
whereupon there were mutual apollo
gies.
Later in the proceedings the speaker
was obliged to again call upon the
sergeant-at-arms to seat Mr.. johnson,
of Indiana, who was Indignantly re-
monstrating against what he termed
the unnecessary war into which the
country was being plunged"
Only 40 minutes were given for de-
bate, and a special rule was required
to get the resolutions before the house.
The minority resolutions, which de-
clared for the recognition of the exist
ing government of the insurgents, were
voted down, lat to $780, but they secured
the votes of three Republicans.