Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-14
DISGRACEFUL SCENE IN THE
HOUSE.

~
lutions were introduced, the pro-
ceedings we're marred by q Bit
ter display of feeling. Mr.. Adams
asked unanimous consent for the con-
sideration of the majority resolutions,
and MI. Bailey reserved the right to
object, saying that whether he objected
or not would depend upon whether q
fair understanding as to the length of
the debate could be reached.
The Speaker.-"Is there objection ?"
1.-The gentleman from Texas obi ects,"
announced the Speaker.
The gentleman from Texas did lot
object" declared Mr.. Bailey in q re-
sentful tone. "The gentleman from
Texas reserved his right to object"
SIS there objection 2" asked the
Speaker, still holding his gavel aloft.
Mr.. Bailey sought to interpose with a
request that the minority resolutions be
read, but the Speaker insisted that if
objection was to be made it must be
made then.
1.-THE chair is determined to try to
force the minority" cried Mr.. Bailey
amid much confusion and cries of
regular 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 politi-
cal advantage, and the people of the
country ought to know it," shouted
Mr.. Richardson democrat, of Tennes-
see).
"There is a perfect understanding
| with the democratic members Of the for
| eign affairs committee on this point, !"
replied Mr.. Henderson Republican, of
Iowa..
THAT is not true if we are to under
stand that any such arrangement as
this was agreed to" retorted Mr.. Rich.
ardson.
At this juncture occurred the sensa-
tional climax of the day and one of the
most exciting incidents in the history
| of the House. Mr.. Bartlett democrat,
of Georgia), of to the right OF the chair,
was supporting the protests of the dem
ocrats against the haunting words which
were coming from the other side. Sud
denly, in his rear, in the next tier OF
seats, came in stentorian tones from
Mr.. Brumm Republican, OF Pennsyl-
vania) q taunt addressed generally to
the democratic side.
"You got just what you did not
want" he shouted.
"That is not true" cried out MIR.
Bartlett, who, it was explained subse-
quently, was addressing his remarks to
a republican on the other side.
, II say it is" retorted Mr.. Brumm,
hotly.
sit is not,n Aared back Mr.. Bart
lett, turning and facing Mr.. Brumm.
You are q liar" responded Mr..
Brumm.
Instantly Mr.. Bartlett reached for 3
large bound copy of the Congressional
Record in the desk before him and rails
ing it aloft hurled it at his adversary.
1t fell short and then the two antag-
onists rushed for each other. The
Houseimmediately was in an uproar.
Some of the ladies in the galleries
screamed Historically. Members crowd
ed toward the combatants from all quar-
tiers. They ran across the area in front
of the Speakers desk and crowded up
the adjoining aisles, clinching, Juggling,
hauling at each other like madmen. 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 ofthe two original combatants and
| there were several exciting collisions,
bus no blows were struck. Meantime
Mr.. Bartlett and Mr.. Brumm were try
ing to get at each other over the bench
es, 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, ad.shouldered
Hoosier, blocked the path of Mr..
Brnmm, who is himself evidently o
man of great ply steal vigor.
In his efforts to stop Mr.. Brumm,
Mr.. Miers became INVOLVED with MIR.
Pierce, of Missouri, and they almost
came to blows. All this time the gavel
of the Speaker Was heard above the
awful din aud his voice was command
ing the sergeant-at-arms to restore Or
der. Armed with the great silver
mace, the emblem of the authority of
the House, Colonel Russell, the ser
geant-at-arms, repeatedly charged the
thick mass of struggling members, but
was as often swept aside.
One of the other employees, Griffin
Halstead, q sou of Murat Halstead,
while attempting to pacify Mr.. Brumm,
was feiled by a blow on the jaw. At
last, by the efforts of a dozen muscular
members, the bel!igerents were sep
arated, the angry legislators retired to
their seats and a semblance of order
was restored. Later in the proceed
ings the Speaker was obliged to again
call upon the sergeant-at-arms with his
silver mace, the emblem Of the Houses
authority, to seat Mr.. Johnson, of To-
diana, who was Indignantly remon-
strating against what be termed the
unnecessary wal into which the coun-
try was being plunged"
Mr.. Henderson then brought in q
special rule agreed to by the committee.
It provided that upon the adoption OF
the rule it should be in order to con-
slider the report OF the committee Oh
on foreign affairs, and some debate
was indElged in by Mr.. Bailey, Mr.,
Henderson, MIR. Johnson and others.
The rule was adopted and the reso-
lutions we're again presented, together
with those of the minority which were
to be offered as q substitute.
After further discussion the vote was
taken on the minnritv resolution.