The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-03-03
.EPITHETS, BLOWS,
Then REYOILYERs |. {.
Exciting Scene Before a
Legislative Body,
THE LIE WAS PASSED.
| Messrs. John Whitehead and S. S
Lambeth the Combatants.
| A SEVERE REFLECTION MADE.
It Was Promptly Resented by MIR.
Whitehead; Blows Followed and
Pistols Were Drawn-Thc DAM
age Done Was Slight and
Reconciliation Was
Effected.
Messrs. John Whitehead and S. S
Lambeth the Combatants.
A SEVERE REFLECTION MADE.
It Was Promptly Resented by air.
Whitehead; Blows Followed and


the room OF the Committee on Privileges
and Elections of the House of Delegates.
which brought back for the moment vivid
recollections of the recent lurid events on
Kcntucky's dark and bloody ground.
There was an interchange of harsh epi-
thets, blows followed, and then the bar
rels of revoIvers glittered in the morning
light, while many of the innocent by
standers lost no time in seeking the first
means of exit.
The committee was considering bill
providing for new registration In tho
city of Norfolk, where a Reform party
has recently come into existence, and u
delegation from that party appeared to
advocate the same. Among the members
were NIessrs. w. P. Dodson. L. Roysterr
Colonel Nash, MIR. 8. S. Lambeth and ReN.
c. Stengle.
After number OF speeches Mr.. LAM
beth took the floor and proceeded to make
a number of allegations III regard to poll
teal methods in Norfolk.
CHARGED FRAUD
He was several times Interrupted by
questions from MIR. John Whitehead, OF
Norfolk. a member of the Legislature
from that city, and finally losing his tenn
per declared that during the last election
in Norfolk the grossest frauds had been
perpetrated In the ward wherein Mr.
Whitehead had acted judge
In response to this MIR. Whitehead de-
clared that Mr.. Lambeth was one of the
most consummate liars that had ever ao-
peared before the COMMITTEES.
Mr.. Lambeth retorted, casting aSperstonS
upon Mr.. Whitehead's public life. which
he denounced US notorious
Scarcely had the words passed his lips
before Mr. Whitehead. with anger blaz-
ing In his eyes, cut him short
You miserable. contemplate liar he
exclaimed. and at the same moment clear
ed the table which stood between them
with a vigorous spring. His right arm
shot out and but for MIR. L;lmbeths ac
tivity it would have Jared badly with him.
REvoLvFlRs DRAWN.
There was a general milup. and In the
midst of the confusion two pistols were
drawn. One of the weapons broke as IL
was being pulled and the cartridges fell
to the floor, while u committeeman cap
tured the other.
AS Mr.. Whitehead sprans over the table
his head struck against the chandelier
above. breaking the skin on his forehead
and causing slight flow of blood at the
same time, according to spectator. a
blow was aimel at him from behind by
one of the Norfolk delegation. 1t altghted
on the back of his head. but in the excite
ment of the moment he did not notice IT.
Mr. Lyon, OF Norfolk, quickly got into
the array, not as combat ntant, OUT
as a peacemaker. He met the usual fate
of those who essay that role, receiving
a blow over the eye which caused MIN
to bleed quite freely
BY this time the entire committee
had taken a hand, and the excited COM
batants were separated. Their anger
cooled and shortly thereafter recon-
ciliation was effected
BILL PASSED By.
The bill which was under consideration
when the trouble began, but which was
lost In the shuttle. was then taken up
again. and the committee agreed to pass
it by Indefinitely.
TIE trouble which occurred yesterday
was not altogether unexpected, as inc
Reform party has instituted most as-
gressive policy In Norfolk. and some very
bitter attacks have appeared IN tae
press OF that city upon leading Demo-
cratic politicians. Great bitterness mas
been engenaered. which bids fai.. TO IL
crease rather than diminish.
ACTIVE DEMOCRAT.
| Mr.. whitehead has long been identi-
fed with the fortunes of the Democratic
party in Norfolk. and Is recognized as
a power In his section He Is man OF
athletic build and his absolute fearless
ness In upholdins the doctrines OF De-