The record-union., 1898-04-14


the whole country ought to know it,
shouted Richardson CD of Tennessee.
There is a perfect understanding
with the Democratic members of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs on this
point" replied Henderson (R) of Iowa.
That is not true if we are to un-
derstand that any such arrangement as
this was agreed to- retorted Richard
son.
A DISGRACEFUL SCENE
At this juncture occurred the sensa-
tional climax OF the day Members all
about were in state of frenzied ex-
citement Partisan passion was run
ming high. It required only the ap-
plication of a match to explode the
magazine, and when the explosion
came pandemonium reigned Bartlett
Cd of Georgia, off TO the right of the
Chair. was supporting the protests of
the Democrats against the taunts which
We're coming from the other side.
Suddenly in his rear, the next tier
of seats, came in stentorian tones from
Brumm (R) of Pennsylvania. taunt
addressed generally to the Democratic
side:
You got just what you did not
want, he shouted.
"That is not true cried out Bartlett,
who it was explained subsequently was
addressing his remarks to a Repub-
lican on the other side.
''I say it is retorted Brumm. hotly.
"It is not flared back Bartlett, turn
ing and facing Brumn.
You are a liar" responded Brumm.
The lie had passed Instantly Bart
lett reached for a large bound copy of
the Congressional Record on the desk
before him. and hurled it at his ad-
versary. 1t fell short and then the
two antagonists rushed for each 9TH
er. The House Immediately was in an
uproar. Some of the ladies in the
galleries screamed historically. Mem
bers crowded toward the cOmbatants
from all quarters. They ran across
the area in front of the Speakers desk
and crowded up the adjoining aisies
clinching, tugging, hauling at each 9TH
er like mad men. 1t was like free
fight in the street Shouts of anger
and Indignation were heard On every
hand. Members in the crush espoused
the cause of the two original combat
ants, and there We're several exciting
collisions. but no blows struck.
Meantime Bartlett and Brumm We're
trying to get at each other over the
benches, but they We're borne back by
friends. Bartlett who is a slight man,
was carried off his feet and Myers of
Indiana. q stalwart broadshOuldered
Hoosier. blocked the path of Brumn.
who is himself evidently a man of
great physical vigor. In his efforts to
stop Brumm. Myers became involved
with Isaacs of Missouri, and they al
most came to blows.
All this time the gavel of the Speaker
was heard above the awful noise, and
his voice was commanding the Ser
geant-at-ArmS to restore the order
Armed with the great silver mace. the
emblem of authority of the House, Col
onel Russell. the Sergeant-at-A Arms, re-
peatedly charged the thick mass of
struggling members but was as often
swept aside One of the other employees
Griffin Halstead. a son of Murat Hal
stead, was felled by blow on the jaw.
At last. by the efforts of dozen muscu-
lar members. the belligerents were sep
arated. the angry antagonists retired
to their seats. and a semblance of order
was restored. It was one of the most
House in many years.
BAILEY OF TEXAS.
Bailey then said: THAT I asked only
what was reasonable will be testified
by the gentleman from Maine DingleO,
because after the unseemly occurrence,
which came more nearly disgracing
the House of Representatives than any
act which has occurred during my
membership in this body, the gentle
mans own sense of fairness compelled
him to ask the House to do precisely and
only what | asked for in the beginning.
did not intend to interfere with the
immediate consideration of this resolu-
ton, but l wanted the country to under
stand that''-(derisive laughter and
jecrs on the Republican side)
A member-Don't pay any attention to
him.
Bailey-Mr. Speaker 7 believe I will
not disgrace myself by commenting on
such behavior as that. applause on
the Republican side)
Il am gratified to know continued
Bailey. that after fifteen months of de-
lay and suspense it has at last dawned
upon the Republican majority of the
House that the time for action has ar
rived Applause on the Democratic
sde) For more than a year we have
been entreating you to take some ac-
ton. And it is at least some satisfac-
ton that you have resolved at last, not
to heed our appeal but to heed your
angry constituents at home. Applause.)
Put true to your policy and your tradi
tions you have resolved when at last
Iol 10 oo+ yI-su n
to members of this body the oppor-
tunity to discuss your conduct.
There is a radical difference between
the resolutions reported by the majority
and those reported by the minority
There ought to be time and opportunity
allowed for those of us who think the
minority resolution the wiser to point
cut to the House. and to the country,
the reasons for our belief. And yet l
know as well as the members on that
side that these resolutions involving the
question of peace or war are to be
rushed through this body with a short
and insufficient debate, and that, too,
when every man in the country knows
that nothing can be done until the SEN
ate acts, and you know that the Senate
will act with proper deliberation. But
Mr.. Speaker, we would rather have ac-
ton at last without discussion than to
have the practice of the last twelve
months allowing ample discussion and
no decision" (ApDlause.)
In conclusion, Bailey said: But, sir.
we are as ready to meet the question,
we are as ready to decide it, we are
as ready to take our responsibility as
gentlemen on the other SIDE and we
invite you to call the roll" (Applause
and cries of Vote, vote.')