Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-02

the one in which Benton and Foote figured
In 1850. It was the nearest approach to a
tragedy in the senate. Senator Foote OF
Mississippi had in the most incorporate
language attacked the motives Of northern
senators in their policy toward tho south.
Later a newspaper article appeared con-
tanning personal references TO Benton. which
Benton claimed Foote had supervised and
approved. Benton rose to speak to a ques-
ton of personal privilege.
In the midst Of this debate senator Foote
interrupted the senator from Missouri
and for the time had the door. While he
was making some reference to Benton the
latter walked excjtedly toward him. The
report Of the AFFAIR is very explicit in stat
ing that Senator Benton was unarmed. He
made no sign of being 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 apparently very anxious to over
take Foote. senator Dodge Of Wisconsin
reached Benton and begged Of him for Gods
sake to do nothing which would compro-
mise him with the senate. Benton was
finally persuaded to turn and retrace his
steps. He looked over bis shoulder and
caught the first sight Of the senator from
Mississippi with the revolver in his hand
This aroused him to a frenzy OF despera-
ton. He broke away from Dodge and
rushed back at Foote. He stopped within a
few feet Of him. Tearing open his waist
coat and his shirt, he barred his breast to
1 A. NTI-.I--H--u -..- = - ..AEl.R
ing 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 a target dra-
matically cried to Foote: 81 am not armed.
I rave no pistol. 1 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 thoroughly frightened Foote.
Towering over him was the gigantic e
ton. Slowly Foote wilted. He sank into g
chair and finally Dickinson Of New YoHE
took the revolver from him.
A senate committee investigated the mat
ter and did not require the belligerents "a
apologize.
Scraps I'm the House.
Instances Of personal combats in the house
OF Representatives are numerous. Back II
the '40s, when Henry Wise Of Virginia wal
always anxious to get others into a fight
Dick Biddle, a new Pennsylvania member
presented some petitions from his Quaker
constituents. When the petitions were reat
- 1T a -
terribly panied because Of the bitter de,
nunciation Of slavery in which the God
fearing Quakers had INDUCED. Glasscocl
Of Georgia, a stakeholder, took occasion Il
make a bitter speech, reviling not only tn
Quakers, but the congressman who had sim
posed such stun upon the house" Glass
cock became so bitter in his speech tina
he was called to order.
"Oh, no; let him go on" said Biddle
Let him say what he chooses. l onl!
desire the privilege OF a reply. but 1 will
here remind the gentleman that l will repl,
outside Of the house as we'll as In 1t II
find It necessary"
This was seid so coolly that Glasscocl
abruptly declined to continue his harangu
and gladly let the matter drop. Some on
had slipped him word that Biddle was
fighter and could not be cowed by southern
chivalry. Henry A. Wise. always dabblin
and meddling, came around and made tn
remark:
what a id fool Glasscock Is to pick
quarrel with Biddle. I know. the Biddl
family and there is not one of them VIII
would not fight up to his knees in blood"
Wise and his friend. Bynum Of Mort
Carolina, who were active in the Graves
Cilley duel, were themselves always l
some personal quarrel with northern mem
bers and always went armed. They wer
also always practicing with pistols. rife
and swords SO as TO be ready for a duel.
Finally Bynum and Jenifer Of Marylan
had a few warm words in the house durin
an acrimonious debate and arranged to met
at Bladensburg. Pickens. VIC was after
ward minister to Russia, was a witness
this remarkable duel and declared that bot
: men shot enough boughs from the trees
make up a nice litter, should one hay
= been necessary.
a A Duel hat Failed.
Congressmen 7. H. Bayley and Garre
Davis almost came to blows In the houI
5 during an exciting session, and In tho
days Of depraved public sentiment no courI
o seemed open but to fight a duel. While Il
s arrangements were being made John
s Bolts, ancestor OF the famous Dink Bot
q came to town and made q bet Of 500 to 5
7 that Bayley would not fight, because Il
police would arrest him..
9 Sure enough. Bayley's wife heard Of II
preparations and invoked police aid to ke'
e her husband from risking his life. Bot
a won his bet, and 1t may be that he fu
n nished the information to the wife. Bayl'
! was put under bond to keep the peace Al
. the quarrel was made up without bloodshe
Clingman OF North Carolina and the o
hot-head orator, Yancey Of Alabama, h
a personal collision in the house long b
fore the war and agreed to fight It out
the outside according to the code, b