The sun., 1902-03-09


Keitt, resenting Grows objection, rose
from his seat, and going to where Grow
was standing. insolently inquired;
what do you mean by objecting2 ~
you want TO object, go over to your own
side
| Grow responded: Its a free hall; I'll
be where / please
Keitt lost control of himself at this. which
was not strange, for every ones nerves
were on edge over the strain Of the pro-
tracted session. He sneered:
You're nothing but Black Republican
puppy. Go back TO your own side.
Mr.. Grow, still keeping himself in hand,
said NO matter what | am, no nigger
driver can crack his whip over me.
Then Keitt struck at Grow and instantly,
| of course, the House was in the utmost
disorder and excitement. While Grow
and Rett were indulging in these person
allties. Reuben Davis OF Mississippi,
brother OF jefferson Davis, had come up
to them, and he seized Kett by the right
arm, just as Keitt struck at Grow, making
the blow of no effect, and pulling him half
way round, exposed him 10 the full force
of Crows return blow.
II caught Keitt just under the left ear
and down he went on his knees. as far as
he could go, In the press that surrounded
him. The area In front of the desk was
filled with a shrieking. struggling mass OF
men. in individual conflict wherever pos
sible.
The Republicans had resolved to defend
and support Grow, while the Democrats
were as ready In behalf OF Keitt. Owen
Lovejoy Of Illinois and Lamar Of Mesis-
sippi held the centre of the scene for
moment while one Of the most active par
ticipants was the usually staid and placid
Mott Of Ohio, a Quaker.
John F. Potter Of Wisconsin, who after
ward accepted challenge from Roger
A. Pryor of Virginia, and selected bowie
knives for weapons, who was a dead-shot
with the rife, the vanquisher of grizzly
bears with a knife and ambidexterous,
was one Of the first at Grows side. plunging
through his foes, whom he swept aside
to the right and 10 the left. AS Keitt went
down. William Barksdale of Mississippi
threw his arms around Grow, and was still
holding him when he received a blow from
Potter.
Barksdale thought it came from Eiihu B.
Washburne, who with his brother Cad
walader was in the aisle, and asked:
did you strike me?'
Mr. Washburne replied he did not, but
Barksdale did not believe him and dropping
Grow, drew back 20 strike Washburne.
The blow was stopped however, by Cad
walader Washburne, who endeavored 20
hit back.
The blow was a glancing one on the fore
head, lifting from Barksdale's scalp the
wig which he wore until then without the
knowledge of his associates. The sight
of his bare poll caused a general shout
of laughter. the one thing needfm 70 avert
further trouble II afforded vent for the
overwrought feelings of the combatants.
hostlities ceased, and in few moments
order was restored.
Later an adjournment followed until
the next Monday, when Mr. Kiett made a
handsome apology.
1T is due 70 fair dealing" he said. that
| should assume upon myself all respon-
eibility for the act involving a violation Of
the House. it's dignity and its decorum.
] was the aggressor, and whatever respon-
sibility attaches 10 the act, properly he
longs 20 me alone.
"It was. however, casual. sudden and
accidental. II is also due 10 Justice that
] should make whatever other reparation
Is in my power 70 the dignity and decorum
Of the House thus violated.
Il do that in the expression Of my pro-
found regret at the occurrence. Personal
collisions are always unpleasant, seldom
excusable, rarely justifiable never in a
legislative body II any blow was directed
at me | am not conscious of il. | am, at
least. utterly unconscious of having re-
ceived any"
So delicate were the conditions then
existing, that before Mr. Keitt made the
foregoing statement he sent friend TO
notify Mr.. Grow of the purport Of il and Of
the exact words Of the closing sentence and
10 ask II there would be any objection on
his part After consulting with Elihu b.
Washburne. and discussing the purpose and
effect Of the words. Mr.. Grow said he was
content for Mr. Keitt to make the statement
which thereupon followed.
Mr. Grow, also, made a statement. say
ing that from early childhood he had been
taught 20 believe that all fights among
men were disgraceful, especially among
the lawmakers Of a nation.
yet the right Of self Defence be added,
Il recognize az one of the inalienable gifts
of man, 10 be- exercised on all occasions
and under all circumstances, when IL is
necessary to protect life and person. At
the last sitting OF the House found myself
for the first time Unexpectedly engaged
IN a personal conflict. To the House ten-
der most cheerfully whatever apology is
due for this violation Of its order and de-
corum."
Il was understood at the time that keitt's
disclaimer Of any knowledge OF receiving
a blow was intended for the satisfaction of
disciples of the code. which required
challenge from a man receiving a blow,
Kett always believed that he went down in
the rush OF members about him, and not as
the result of blow.
Mr.. Grows plucky stand on the floor on
that eventful night was highly appreciated
by Kansas Free State settlers. They pre-
sented 10 him gold medal as a memorial
Of the occasion, bearing on one side the
figure of an uplifted arm and the legends
The first blow struck for freedom"
In the next Congress Mr. Grow had "A
parliamentary controversy with Mr.. Branch
a North Carolina. not SDpctaCllar