The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-14
FIGHT ON THE FLOOR.
Continued from First PAGE

ought to know it," shouted Mr. Richard
son, Dem. of Tennessee.
There is a perfect understanding with
the Democratic members of the foreign
affairs committee on this point" replied
MIR. Henderson, Rep, of Iowa
That is not true, II we are to under
stand that any such arrangement as this
was agreed to-" retorted MIR. Richardson
At this juncture occurred the sensational
climax Of the day. and one of the most ex-
citing incidents in the history of the
House.
Members all about were In a state of
frenzied excitement. Partisan passion was
running high. 1t required only the appl-
cation of match to explode the maya
zine, and when the explosion came, pande-
monium reigned.
MIR. Bartlett Dem, of Georgia, off to
the right of the chair, was supporting the
protests of the Democrats against the
haunting words which were coming from
the other side.
Suddenly In HIS rear in the next tier Of
seats same in stentoran tones from Mr.
Brumm. Rep, of Pennsylvania, a taunt
addressed generally to the democratic
side, you got just what you did not
want" he shouted.
That is not true cried out Mr.. Bart
lett, who it was explained subsequently
was addressing his remarks to a Repub-
lican on the other side.
81 say IL u.s." retorted Mr. Brumm notly
ut is not" hared back Mr. Bartlett,
turning and facing Mr. Brumm.
you are a liar" responded Mr.. Brumm.
The lie had passed.
Instantly Mr.. Bartlett reached for large
bound copy of the Congressional Record on
the desk before him, and raising 1t aloft,
hurled it at his adversary.
1t fell short, and then the two antagon-
lists rushed for each other.
The House Immediately was In an up
roar Some of the ladies In the galleries
screamed Historically.
Members crowded toward the combat
ants from all quarters.
They ran across the area in front of the
speakers desk and crowded up the al
joining aisles cinching, Juggling, hauling
al each other like madmen. 1t was like
free fight in the streets. Shouts of anger
and indignation were heard on every
hand.
cause OF the two original combatants and
there were several exciting collisions, but
no blows were struck.
Meantime Mr.. Bartlett and Mr.. Brumm
were trying 10 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. Mers of In
diana, a stalwart, broad-shouldered hoo
sier, blocked the path of Mr.. Brumm,
who is himself a man of great physical
vigor.
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 gavel of The speaker
was heard above the awful din and his
voice was commanding the sergeant-at-
arms to restore order.
Col Russell the sergeant-at-arms, re-
peatedly charged the thick mass of strug-
Cling members, but was as often swept
aside. One of the other employees, Griffin
Halstead, a son of Murat Hasted while
attempting to pacify Mr.. ,Brumm, was fell
ed by Blow on the jaw.
At last by the efforts of dozen muscu-
lar members, the belligerents We're separ-
ated, the angry legislators retired to their
seats, and a semblance of order was re-
stored.
1t was one Of the most disgraceful scenes
witnessed in the House in many years.
The effort to get the resolutions before
the House having failed, the committee on
rules retired and formulated special rule
1t provided for the immediate considera-
ton of the resolutions presented by the
foreign relations committee.
The House was at this time still labor
ing under a great stress of suppressed ex-
citement.
Partisan feeling was still rampant.
Mr.. Henderson explained that the rule
did not propose to close debate.
''The sentiment on this side of the
House" said he. lis almost overwhelming
ly in favor of action, not talk"
Mr.. Bailey replied that he and his col
leagues heartily agreed to the rule which
provided for the immediate consideration
of this important resolution. He made an
imprisoned speech in favor of the minor
ity report. He had frequent tits with
Republicans.
In conclusion he said But, sir, we are
ready to meet the question, we are as
ready 10 decide it, we are as ready to take
our responsibility as the gentlemen on the
otherside and we invite you to call the
roll applause and cries of Vote, Vote.')
Mr.. Mcmillan Dem, of Tennessee, also
spoke for free Cuba"
Mr. Henderson asked for a roll call
whereupon Mr.. johnson, Rep, of Indiana
became so violent in his denunciatlon of
this effort to stihe debate and not allow a
remonstrance against this unnecessary
war into which the country was to be
plunged that the speaker had to appeal
TO the .sergeant-at-arms to compel him to
take his seat
The rule was then adopted and the res
olutions were again presented, together
with those of the minority, which were to
be offered as a substitute.
The minority report is as follows:
Joint resolution:
"Resolved, That the United States gov
eminent hereby recognizes the independ-
ence Of the republic of Cuba.
Second, That, moved thereto by many
considerations of humanity, of interest and
of provocation, among which are the de-
liberate mooring of our battleship, the
Maine. over a submarine mine and It's de-
struciion in the harbor of Havana. the
President of the United States be, and he
is hereby, directed to employ Immediately
the land and naval forces of the United
States in aiding the republic OF Cuba TO
maintain the Independence hereby recog-
nized.
Third, That the President of the United
States is hereby authorized and directed to
extend immediate relief to the starving
people of Cuba.
The debate, which was participated In
bv members on both sides of the cham
her was spirited and at times exciting