The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-04-16
EXCITEMENT IN CONGRESS.
The House In a Tumult and Free
Fight Imminent.

In the House of Representatives on We'd
nesday, when the war resolutions were about
to be taken up, a disgraceful scene occurred.
There were majority and minority resolutions.
The former were reported by Republican
members of the committee on Foreign Re
lations, and the latter by Democrats and one
Republican.
Mr.. Adams asked unanimous consent for
the consideration of the majority resolutions,
and Mr.. Bailey reserved the right to object,
saving that whether he objected or not would
depend upon whether fair understanding as
to the length of the debate could be reached.
The Speaker-'Is there objection ?"
''The gentleman from Texas objects" an
nounced the Speaker.
The gentleman from Texas did not OBJ
ject,'' declared Mr.. Bailey in resentful tone.
The gentleman from Texas reserved his right
to object"
SIS there obeetion?'' asked the Speaker,
still holding his gravel aloft
Mr. Bailey sought to interpose with Il re-
quest that the minority resolutions be read,
but the Speaker insisted that if objection was
to be made it must be made then.
The chair is determined to try to force
the minority" cried Mr.. Bailey amid much
confusion and cries of Irregular order.
Then Mr. Bailey turned and, facing the
other side. entered his objections in emphatic
tones. The whole Democratic side rose Ell
masse.
They are simply playing for political add
vantage, and the people of the country ought
to know it, shouted Mr.. Richardson, Demo
crat, Of Tennessee.
There is a perfect understanding with the
Democratic members Of the foreign affairs on
this point" replied Mr.. Henderson. Repub-
lcan. of Iowa.
That is not true if We are to understand
that anv such arrangement as this was agreed
to-" rctortcd Mr.. Richardson.
\ SENSATIONAL GILMAN.
At this iuncture occurred the Sensational
climax of the day and one Of the most eXct-
ing incidents in the history of the House.
Mr. Bartlett, Democrat, of Georgia.. Oft Il"
the right of the chair. was supporting the pro-
tests of the Democrats against the taunrng
words which were coming from the other side
Suddenly. in his rear, i'll the next tier OF
seats. came III stentOrian tones from MIR.
Brumm Republican, of Pennsylvania Il taumt
addressed generally to the Democratic side:
You got just what you did not want. he
shouted.
That is not true, cried out Mr.. Bartlett.
who il WAS explained subsequently. was adj
dressing his remarkerS to a Republican ON the
other side.
Il say it is. rctorted Mr.. Brumm hotIy.
1T is not. Aared back Mr. Bartlett. turn
ing and facing Mr.. Brumm.
lyon are Il liar responded Mr.. Brumm.
Instantly Mr. Bartlett reached for large
bound copy of the Congressional Record IN
the desk before him and raising il alott hurled
il AT his adversary 1t fell short and then the
two antagonists rushed for each other. The
House Immediately was III an uproar. Some
of the ladies in the galleries screamed hySer.
icaIly. Members crowded toward the com
batanlS from all quarters. They ran across
the area in front of the Speakers desk and
crowded up the adjoining aisles, clinching,
tupging. hauling at each other like madnien.
1t was like a free fight in the street. Shouts
of anger and Indignation were heard ON every
hand.
40 BLOWS STRUCK.
Member, in the crush espouscd the cause
of the two original combatant> 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 10y
friends. Mr. Bartlett. who is II slight man.
was carried off his feet, and Mr. MierS. of In
diana, IL Stalwart. broad shOuldered HOoSier,
blocked the path of Mr.. Brumm, who is him
self evidently ii man Of great physical vi igor.
In his efforts to stop Mr.. Brumm, Mr..
MerS became involved with Mr.. Pierce, OF
Missouri. and they almost came to blows.
All this time the gayel Of the Speaker was
heard above the awful din and his voice was
commanding the sergeant-at-arms to restore
order. Armed with the great silver mace,
the emblem of the authority Of the House,
Colonel Russell, the sergeant-at-arms. re-
peatedly charged the thick mass of struggling
members, but was as often swept aside
One Of the other employees, Griffin Hal
stead. Il son of Murat Halstead, while attempt
ing to pacify Mr.. Brumm. was felled by Il
blow on the jaw. At last, by the efforts OLA
dozen muscular members, the belligerents
were separated, the angry Legislators retired
to heir seats and >emblance of order WAS
restored.