The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-23

author of it,
This direct charge of falsehood was en-
] phasized by Mr. Lamar, who turned to-
i ward Mr.. Conkling and pointed his index
! finger at him as he plainly and distinctly
| uttered these word. accompanied by an
| air of scornful contempt.
| Senator Conkling instantly obtained
recognition from the Chair, and it was full
| ly 4 minute before he uttered word.
| 1t was plainly evident that he was putting
the strongest constraint upon himself, for
| his frame shook so that the emotion was
| visible from the galleries.
| COnkIing Replies.
He began by saying that he was "di-
verted during the commencement of a re-
mark, the elimination of which l heard,
! from the member from Mississippi" This
! designation of member was uttered with
a sneering accent, and Mr.. Conkling
seemed to regard it as exceedingly severe
inasmuch as he employed the term sew
erai times.
| IF | understood him Alright continued
| Mr.. Conkling, he Intended to impute, and
did impute, in plain and supplementary
language-imphte to he an intentional
misstatement."
At this juncture Mr. 6nkling paused
and looked directly at Mr.. Lamar, as if
! TO afford him an opportunity to dsclaim
| offence or to modify his language. Mr..
| Lamar returned the look. thus showing
| that he heard and understood the object
| of the pause. but he made no response,
| nor did he make any movement in that
direction.
Proximity of the Men.
| Senator Conkling was on the Republi
can side of the chamber, at the dcsn en-
| the main aisle, in the rearmost row. Sen
| ator Lamar was at the third desk of the
| middle row, on the Democratic SIDE OF
the chamber. Hence, they were separated
| by but little more space than the width
of the main aisle.
Mr.. Lamars refusal to avail himself OF
the chance offered to modify his language
was apparently taken by Mr.. Conkling
as additional insult. He did not permit
his Indignation to drive him into hurried
speech. That was never weakness OF
Conkling, no matter what the provocation-
He invariably spoke with great delibera-
tion and emphasis.
Mr.. COnkIing Proceeds.
Having observed that Lamar deigned
no reply to his indirect question, Senator
Conklng resumed:
THE Senator does not disclaim that
Mr. Lamar arose to explain to he Pre-
siding Office which led to some conten-
ton as to the right to the floor. 1t was
finally decided that Conkling had the floor
and the latter continued:
II am willing TO respondto the Chair
Whether | am willing to respond to the
member from Mississippi, depends entire
ly upon what that member intends to say,
and what he did say. For the time be-
ing | do not choose to hold any com
munication with him. The Chair under
stands me now"
Senator ConkIing then, in order, per-
haps to make his position clear, declared
that Mr.. Lamar had, "in plain language
denounced his tConkling's) statement as
a falsehood,'' and he added:
"RIackguard and q Coward"
This not being the place to measure
with any man, the capacity to violate
decency to violate the rules of the Sem
ate. or to commit any of the improprie-
ties Of life, ! have only to say that II
the Senator-the member from MISSISSIPPI
pi-did impute, or intended to impute. 10
me a falsehood nothing except the fact |
that this Is the Senate would prevent my |
denouncing him as a blackguard and
coward" |
This savage denunciation delighted the i
occupants of the galleries, who had been
waiting for hours for something of SEN
sational character. They broke into loud
and long applause, which, possibly, served
to prevent a personal collision between
the thoroughly enraged Senators.
Mr. Lamar made several strides to-
ward the position held by Mr.. Conkling, |
but he was halted on the very edge OF
the aisle by several friends who had in
terposed themselves and also by the
fcers gavel.
This officer rebuked the gallery
occupants for applauding and served
notice that to repeat the offence would
invite their ejectment.
Repeats the Expressions.
When the confusion had subsidized Mr..
Conkling, who had remained standing IN
a defiant attitude, said:
Let me be more specific, Mr.. Presi-
dent. Should the member from Missis-
sippi, except in the presence of the Sen
ate, charge me, by intimation or other
wise. with falsehood l would denounce
him as u blackguard, as a coward, and a
liar. and understanding what he said, as
l have, the rules and the proprieties of
the Senate are the only restraint upon
me. | do not think | need say anything
else"
Senator Lamar, who. from the posi-
ton he had taken up, was very much
nearer to his adversary, instantly claimed
the Chairs attention. and said:
mfr President | have only to say that
the Senator from New York understood
me correctly. l did mean to say just
precisely the words and all that they i'm
parted | beg pardon of the Senate for
the supplementary language. 1t was
very harsh; it was very severe; 1t was
such as no good man would deserve, and
no brave man would wear"
This declaration was greeted with ap-
plause from the galleries and on the floor
Of the Senate, Lamar's friends thus sig
nifying their approval of his course.
No Further Action.
The controversy ended with that There
was considerable speculation as to a re-
sort TO the code duello and a meeting on
he historic ground OF Bladensburg but
when the heat of the debate cooled the
affair dropped.
Referred to u Committee.
During an executive session on the 18th
If December, 1877, there was bitter
personal colloquy between Senators Cor
Ion of Georgia and Conllling of New York
Jut it was amicably settled by a commit {
rumuOSpl Of Senator's IIan,lin of |