Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1902-03-17
ROWS IN THE SENATE
Dramatic Encounters Witnessed
In the Upper House.
THE BEHToN-fooTE 1HBRoaL1o.

The Assault ON Sumner-Other Incl
dents Recalled By the Tillman-Mc-
Laurin Trouble.
Since the organization Of the govern.
ment Benjamin R. Tillman Is the only
senator of the United States who has
struck one of his colleagues, Senator
John L. McLaurin, in a session Of the
senate, says the Washington CORE
spondent Of the Kansas City Star. The
committee on privileges and elections
has searched the records and the Con-
gressional library in vain for a prece-
dent. Several times the lie has passed,
but nowhere in the history Of the SEN
ate did one senator ever strike another
In the deliberations of that body.
OF dramatic senate episodes, the one
In which Benton and Foote figured in
1850 was perhaps the most intense. 1t
was the nearest approach to tragedy
In the senate. Senator Foote Of Mis-
sissippi had in the most Incorporate
language attacked the motives Of
northern senators in their policy to-
ward the south. Later newspaper
article appeared containing personal
references to Benton, which Benton
claimed Foote had supervised and ap-
proved. Benton rose to speak to a
question of personal privilege.
In the midst Of this debate Senator
Foote interrupted the senator from
Missouri and for the time had the floor
While he was making some reference
to Benton the latter walked excitedly
toward him. The report of the affair is
very explicit in stating that Senator
sign Of being about to make an assault,
but his angry face alarmed the senator
from Mississippi. Senator Foote start
ed to run away, and Senator Benton
increased his speed. AS Benton came
after him Foote hurried along and
drew a five chambered revolver as he
ran. Benton was in full chase. He did
not see the weapon, but was apparent
ly very anxious to overtake Foote.
Senator Dodge of Wisconsin reached
Benton and begged him for Gods sake
to do nothing which would compromise
him with the senate. Benton was final
ly persuaded to turn and retrace his
steps. He looked over his shoulder and
caught the first sight Of the senator
from Mississippi with the revolver in
his hand. This aroused him to frenzy
of desperation. He broke away from
Dodge and rushed back at Foote. He
stopped within few feet Of him.
Tearing open his waistcoat and his
shirt he barred his breast to the Missis
sippi senator, who was brandishing the
revolver as he turned when he saw
that he could run no farther. Benton
stood within a few feet Of him and,
with his naked bosom as target, dra-
matically cried: 81 am not armed. l
have no pistol. disdain to carry fire.
arms. Let him fire. Stand out Of the
way and let the assassin fire."
AS may be imagined, there was a
scene of the most intense excitement
In the old senate, now the chamber Of
the hall of justice of the United States
supreme court. Covering at the front
Of the presidents desk was the thor
oughly frightened Foote. Towering
O, er him was the gigantic Benton.
Slowly Foote wilted. He sank into
chair, and finally Dickinson Of New
York took the revolver from him. A
senate committee investigated the mat
ter and did not require the belligerents
to apologize.
The. attack on Senator Sumner Of
Massachusetts, by Preston Smith
Brooks, South Carolina congressman,
was cowardly assault. Senator Sum-
ner had delivered a speech entitled
1.-THE Crime Against Kansas" which,
because Of certain expressions, had
incensed the members from South Car
DINA. After the senate had adjourn
ed, May %, 1856, Brooks entered the
chamber and approached Mr.. Sumner
from behind while the senator was
seated at, his desk and struck him re-
peatedly on the head with cane until
Mr.. Sumner fell insensible on the floor.
Several southerners, among them Mr..
Barksdale Of Mississippi, stood near
with drawn revolvers and prevented
any interference. One Of the commit
tees Of the house subsequently reported
a resolution favoring the expulsion Of
Brooks, but the final vote was 121 ayes
and 95 nays. As this was less than
two-thirds Brooks was not expelled.
At later day in house debate
Brooks had an angry colloquy with
Representative Arson Burlingame Of
Massachusetts. Brooks was challeng-
ed by Burlingame to duel. 1t was &C.
cepted, the duel to be fought with ri.
fles in Canada. Brooks, however, fail
ed to appear for the combat on the
plea that be would have Ito pass
through the enemy's country" He re-
signed his seat and was unanimously
reelected. The south generally upheld
him and gave him presents Of many
costly canes and other testimonials. He
died in Washington Jan. 81, 1857, less
than a voor n ftor tho q &c ,,lf an Sum.