Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1898-04-20
Immediate Intervention in Cuba
Demanded.
RADICAL RESOLUTIONS PASS.
spain Held Responsible for the Destruc-
Death of American Seamen-- Members
Engage in u Rough and Tumble Fight
On the Floor.

to H. adopted resolution which nine
tenths of its members believe makes
war with Spain inevitable. 1t is fact
which was grimly commented upon by
members as they spoke of the future,
that every war in which the United
State has engaged began in April, and
that Wednesday was the anniversary
of the fall of Fort Sumpter. which
aroused the patriotic fervor of the
north and made the four years of civil
strife certainty. The resolutions
adopted direct the president to inter-
vene at once in Cuba to restore peace
and secure to the people of this is
land "A stable and independent gov
eminent of their own" and authorize
him to use the army and navy to ex-
ecute the purpose of the resolutions.
Although only nineteen members
fifteen democrats, three republicans
and one populist- dissented upon the
red by bitter and acrimonious dis
play of partisan feeling. During the
height OF the excitement the lie was
passed between Mr.. Brumm (rep., Pal
and Mr.. Bartlett (dem., Ga.), and a
disgraceful scene followed that almost
descended to the level of free fight.
Mr.. Bartlett hurled book at his adj
versary, and in a minute half hum
cred members were lighting like fiends.
Order was finally restored and later
the two members found that the alter
cation had arisen out of a misunder-
standing, whereupon there were niu-
tual apologies. Later in the proceed
ings the speaker was obliged to again
call upon the seargeant-at-arms with
his silver mace, the emblem of the
house authority, to seat Mr.. Johnson
(lnd0, who was Indignantly remon-
strating against what he termed the
unnecessary war into which the coun-
try was being plunged"
Only forty minutes were given for
debate and special rule was required
to get the resolutions before the house.
The minority resolutions, which de-
clared for the recognition of the exist
ing government of the insurgents,
were voted down-147 to 190--but they
secured the votes of three republicans.
Trivial matters occupied the atten-
ton of the house for an hour, while
the members on the floor and the spec
tators in the galleries impatiently
awaited the presentation of the reso-
luton from the committee on foreign
affairs.
The suspense of the members was al
most uncomfortable, but shortly before 3
O'Clock Mr.. Adams entered the hall
with the report. The presentation of
the resolutions was the occasion for
wild outburst of applause from the
galleries and the floors. 1t was evil
dent that the war spirit was rampant.
Mr.. Adams asked unanimous consent
for the consideration of the resolutions
and Mr.. Bailey reserved the right to
object, saying that whether he object
ed or not would depend upon a fair
understanding as to the length of the
debate could be reached He sought to
interpose with request that the min
GRITTY resolution be read, but the speak
er 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
Regular order Then Mr.. Bailey
turned, and, facing the other side, en-
tered his objection in emphatic tones.
AT this juncture occurred the SEN
sational climax of the day, and one
of the most exciting incidents in the
history OF the house. Members all
about were in a state of frenzied ex-
element. Partisan passion was run
ming high. 1t required only the appli-
cation of a match to explode the maya
zine, and when the explosion came
pandemonium reigned. Mr.. Bartlett
(dem., Ga.). off to 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 rep. Pa taunt adj
dressed generally TO the democratic
side: You got just what you didn't
WANT he shouted.
THAT is not true cried Mr.. Bart
lett, who it was subsequently explain
ed, was addressing his remarks to a
republican on the other side.
II say it isl retorted Mr. Brumm,
holly.
1T is mott" Jared back Mr.. Bart
lett, turning and facing Mr.. Brumm.
You are liar," responded Mr..
Brumm
The lie had passed. Instantly Mr..
Bartlett reached for large bound
copy of the Congressional Record in
the desk before him, and, raising il
aloft, hurled it at his adversary. 1t
fell short, and then the two antago-
nists rushed for each other.
The house Immediately was i'm an up
roar. Members crowded toward the
combatants from all quarters. They
ran across the area in front of the
speakers desk and crowded up the ad-
joining aisles, clinching, Juggling, haul
ing at each other like madmen. II was
like free fight in the street. Shouts
Of anger and Indignation We're heard on
L.. Z. H. ..sa.