Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-03-19
Dramatic Sensational Episode.

The recent Tillman- McLaurin fight
in the senate has set oldtimers talking
ever the exciting episodes that have &C.
clrred on the floor OF the senate cham
ber
OF dramatic senate episodes the one
in which Benton and I'oQte figured In
1850 was perhaps the most intense. or
the events in the life of Benton, 1T
ranks third in dramatic interest. First,
of course was the duel with Lucas In
st. Louis. Second, perhaps, was the
famous scene described by Col. James
H. Birch in the Star only few weeks
ago, which occurred at the barbecue
at Fayette, Mo-, before the war. The
lFoote- Benton quarrel was the nearest
approach to n tragedy in the senate
Senator Foote, of Mississippi, had in
the most Incorporate language at
tackled the motives of northern senators
in their policy toward the south. Later
q newspaper article appeared contains
ing n personal reference to Benton,
which Benton claimed F'oote had super
yised and approved. Benton rose to
speak to question of PERSONAL privi-
lege.
In the midst of this debate Senator
Foote interrupted the senator from
Missouri, and for a time had the floor.
While he was making some reference
to Benton, the latter walked toward
him. The report of the affair was very
explicit in stating that Senator Benton
was unarmed. He made no sign of be-
ing about to make an assault, but his
angry face alarmed the senator from
Mississippi. Senator Foote started to
run away and Senator Benton in
creased 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
~ 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
finally persuaded to turn and retrace
rs steps. He looked over his shoulder
and caught the first sight of the sena-
tor from Mississippi with the revolver
in his hand This aroused him to q
frenzy of desperation. He broke away
from Dodge and rushed back at Foote.
Tearing open his waistcoat and shirt.
he barred his breast to the Mississippi
senator, who was brandishing the re-
volver as he turned when he saw that
he could not run any farther
Benton stood within few feet Of
him and with his naked bosom as a
target dramatically cried to Foote: II
am not armed. have no pistol 1 dis
dain to carry firearms. Let him fire.
Stand out of the way and let the as
sassin fire."
AS may be imagined, there was a
scene of the most intense excitement in
the old senate, now the chamber of the
Eall of justice of the United States SUI
preme court. Covering at the front of
the presidents desk was the thoroughly
frightened Foote. Towering above him
was the gigantic Benton. Slowly Foote
wilted. He sank into chair and final
| ly Dickinson, of New York, took the
revolver from him.
A senate committee investigated the
matter and did not require the bel
| ligerents to apologize.
The attack on Senator Sumner of
Massachusetts, by Preston Smith Brooks
cowardly assault. Singularly enough
both Brooks and Tillman We're born in
the same county-Edgefield county,
South Carolina.
Senator Sumner had delivered a
speech entitled THE Crime Against
Kansas" which, because of certain eX-
pressons, had incensed the members
from South Carolina. After the senate
had adjourned, May %, 1856, Brooks
entered the chamber and approached
Mr.. Sumner from behind while the SEN
ator was seated at his desk and struck
him repeatedly on the head with q cane
until Mr. Sumner fell insensible on the
floor. Several soitherners, among then
Mr.. Berksdale of Mississippi, stood neal
with drawn revolvers and prevented
any interference. One of the commit
tee Of the house subsequently reported