The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-04-17

the riotous condition of the house, excite
ment prevailed everywhere. The galleries
were crowded to their utmost capacity.
The representative beauty and chfvalry Of
the United States was an eye witness 1t
was a curious scene, but was one that will
live forever in the minds of those who
saw it.
In the Fifty-first congress when Reed be-
gan his career as a car, there were many
exciting incidents. The most exciting per-
haps, of that congress was when Turpfn,
of Alabama. struck Waugh, of Indiana,
with his fist, knocking him down. There
were many exciting scenes in that con-
gress-perhaps more than any other in the
history of the country. Waugh was pug
Hacious man, one calculated to irritate any
person who came in close contact with
him. On the contrary Turpin was very
quiet In fact, SO quiet when member OF
the Fiftieth congress that he had served
almost an entire term before the speaker
knew who he was. About the close of the
session of the Fiftieth congress Mr.. Turpin
appeared in front of the speaker one morn
ing with a private bill. which he asked to
compelled to ask his clerk the name of the
man presenting the bill. That's how quiet
a man Turpin was Turpin was equal to
emergency. Waugh insulted him. and he
landed the Indianian blow upon the chin
with as great force, perhaps, as did Bob
Fitzsimmons when he dealt the noted solar
plexus blow on Jim Corbett. In the same
congress, Wilson, of Washington, now in
member, and that came near precipitating
a riot. Both men were republicans. and 1t
was republican fight from start to finish.
In the Forty-ninth congress, Cobb. of
Indiana, and Laird of Nebraska. had
personal encounter, though the lick was
not struck upon the floor of the house.
They had quarreled upon the floor In de-
bate, and as soon as they had finished their
speeches upon the pending bill, they went
into the speakers lobby, not with any hos
tile intent towards each other. BY chance
they met, and they had no sooner met
when they began to fight Cobb landed
with his right on Laird's left cheek. Laird,
who was the smaller of the two, replied
in a very forcible manner. He pushed
Cobb up against the wall and dealt him
four or five blows in the nose. Friends
came to the rescue and peace was re-
stored
Tt is rather strange circumstance that
Mr.. Bailey of Texas became leader OF the
minority, because of the speakers mnu-
ence. Reed and Bailey became fast friends
in the last congress. Reed said he regard
ed Bailey as the most promising democrat
on the floor of the house. They were FOR
a long time inseparable Reed respects
Bailey for his ability and his fairness.
Bailey respects Reed for his political opin-
ions and his courage, although he despises
him for his tyranny. 1t was about two
months ago that Mr.. Reed and Bailey had
a difference of opinion. Bailey made
statement on the floor that he had an UNI
Outstanding with the speaker upon GER
tain question. Reed denied it. Then there
was trouble. Bailey made an attack upon
the speaker for his unfairness. The two
men have not been over-friendiy since
then. On yesterday, Mr.. Bailey again
rose to question of personal privilege, as
there had been printed in the Philadelphia
Press a statement that Bailey was directly
responsible for the riotous conduct in the
house Wednesday. Bailey attacked
Reed in splendid shape. He read from the
Record, and recited incidents of the occa-
sion, and proved that Speaker Reed was
responsible for the matter, and no one
else. 1t was a scathing arraignment of the
speaker by Mr.. Bailey. Reed lost his
head. 1t would be impossible to imagine
a man in greater spirit of anger than
was Reed. He replied to Bailey from the
chair in most positive way. showing at
all times the intensity of his madness. He
trespassed beyond a degree of courtesy,
and made his reply very personal to Mr..
Bailey. Reed sought to take refuge a
child would do by saying that Bailey had
attacked him on previous occasions, which
Mr. Bailey admitted, and said he would
continue to attack him as long as his acts
justified it. In Reeds reply he did not refer
to himself as speaker, but spoke of himself
purely personal. If the next house is re-
publfcansit is almost a certain fact that
Reed will not be it's speaker. He is the
most unpopular man in congress today,
not even excepting his colleague, Mr.. Bou-
telle.
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