Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-14

ought 10 know it, shouted HIr. Richard
son. Democrat, Of Tennessee.
There is a perfect understanding with
the Democratic members of the foreign af-
fairs committee on this point replied Mr..
Henderson, Republican, of Iowa.
That is not true. if We are to understand
that any such arrangement this was
agreed to-" retorted Mr. Richardson.
At this juncture occurred the sensational
climax OF the day and one Of the most
exciting incidents in the history Of the
house. Members all about were in state
Of frenzied excitement Partisan passion
WAS running high. 1t required only the
aurlication of match to explode the
magazine and when the explosion came
panGemonium reisned.
Mr. Bartlett. Democrat. OF Georgia. on
20 the right Of the chair. was supporting
the protests Of the Democrats against the
taunting words which were coming from
the other side Suddenly, in his rear. in
the next tier of seats. came in stentorian
tones from Mr.. Brumm. Republican. Of
, Pennsylvania. a taunt addressed generally
to the Democratic side. You got just
what you didn't want" he shouted
That is not true" cried out Mr.. Bart
lett, who. it was explained subsequently.
! was addressing his remarks to Republic
al. on the other side.
! Il say it is" retorted Mr.. Brumm, hotly.
1t is not" fared back Mr. Bartlett.
turning and facing Mr. Brumm.
You are a liar" responded Mr.. Brumm.
The lie had passed. Instantly Mr.. Bart
! lett reached for a large bound copy Of
/ the Congressional Record. on the desk be-
| fore him, 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
screamed Historically. Members crowded
toward the combatants from all quarters.
They ran across the area in front of the
laI Nd
joining aisles. clinching tugging, hauling
| at each other like mad men.
1t was like a free fight in the street.
Shouts of anger and indignation were
heard on every hand. Members in the crush
espoused the cause of the two original
combatants. and there were several exciting
collisions, 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 Hoos.
ier blocked the path of Mr.. Brumm. who
is himself evidently man of great physi.
cal vigor.
In his efforts to stop Mr.. Brumm, Mr.
Mers became involved with Mr.. Pearce OF
Missouri. and they almost came to blows.
All this time the gavel of the speaker
was heard above the awful noise and hi:
voice was commanding the sergeant-at
arms to restore order. Armed with the
great silver mace, the emblem OF authori
ty of the house. Colonel Russell. the ser
geant-at-arms, repeatedly charged the thicl
mass of struggling members. but was a!
often swept aside. One of the other EN-
ployes. Griffin Halstead. son Of Mura
Brumm, was felled by blow on the jaw
At last by the efforts of dozen muscular
members, the belligerents were separated
the angry legislators retired to their seats
and a semblance of order was restored.
1t was one Of the most disgraceful scene
witnessed in the house in many years.
The effort TO get the resolutions befor
the house having failed, the committee o.
ruIes retired and formulated a special or
Ger. which was brought in a few minute
. later and which General Henderson pre-
| sented. 1t provided for the immediate con
sideration of the resolutions reported b
the foreign affairs committee. The hous
was. at this time. still laborinE under
great stress Of suppressed excitement. Par
tisan feeling was still rampant. Mr.. Hend
erson explained that the rule did not pro
pose TO close debate.
The sentiment On this side of tn
house" said he. lis almost overwhelmingl
in favor of action. not talk applause o
: the Republican sideo
THE time has come, in the opinion c
the country. for action on this great ques
ton. 1t has been discussed by the publ
press. IT has been discussed in the pulpi