The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1907-01-11
Representative Mahon Called
Representative Gaines a
Liar on the Floor.
WAS ACCUSED OF LoAFING
GAINES STARTED AFTER MAHoN
AND WAS PREVENTED FROM
FIGHTING ONLY BY A GREAT
EFFORT.

Washington. ID. c., Jan. 10 Rep-
resentative Ollie James, of Kentucky.
prevented fist fight on the floor OF
the house this afternoon between
John Wesley Gaines. tDem Tenn1,
and Thaddeus Mahon. (Rep., Pa Ma
hon accused Gaines of telling an un-
qualified falsehood in stating that he
had been absent from the sessions OF
the house 30 per cent. of his time.
After the statement had been en-
phasizd. Gaines dashed down the aisle
toward Mahon's seat with the declara-
ton that he would stand for the In
suit no longer. James caught Gaines
with the assistance of others and
pushed him into his seat. Before nd
journment the two members apollo
gized.
The trouble started in general de-
bate on the fortification bill. Gaines
stringent regulations for docking alb
sent members. Mahon asked him
why he did not dock himself under
the present law.
The gentleman from PENNSYLVANIA
is absent 80 per cent OF his time and
if it We're possible 101," exclaimed
Gaines. why doesn't he dock him
self under this law?'' he inquired.
Mahon took his turn. THE gentle
man from Tennessee reminds me OF
an old windmill that we used to have
in the barn. said -Mahon. when
we put in screens the chaff was sep
arated from the wheat. Now the trou-
bic with my friend is that God Al
mighty forgot to ~, the screen I'm
when he made him. SO that the wheat
goes in and comes out chan and
wheat together
Mahon Demands . REPETITION.
Mahon demanded to know ii he had
heard Alright. Gaines responded that
he had said 80 per cent. Mahon de-
manded where he got the informa-
tion.
Il have been here every day and
you have been away most OF the
days. was the response.
When the gentleman charges me
with being absent 80 per cent OF my
time he is stating that which is alb
solutely untrue and he knows it," an
grily declared Mahon.
Gaines was infuriated
IF you make that charge you have
the house, he shouted.
Members tried TO quell the rising
feelings. Chairman Mann pounded
his desk heroically until the head OF
the gavel flew off. barely missing Ma
hon. Mahon repeated the charge.
Gaines could not be heard In the con.
fusion. The chairman cautioned Ma
hon.
When any member of the house
charges me with being absent 80
per cent, l do not care who he Is,
il is an absolute and unqualified false
hood" Mahon shouted.
Il do not propose to stand such as
that yelled Gaines, as he dashed to.
ward Mahon.
James Takes a Hand.
James grabbed him just as he
reached the Pennsylvania. and nearly
tore his coat OFF
With the aid of Lamar. of Florida,
and others he carried Gaines back to
the Democratic side Of the house
Mahon had not moved from his
desk. Every one else in the house was
rushing about: some calling for the
sergeant-at-arms.
Gaines got on his feet and shouted
that Mahon would yet have to answcr
for what had been said. II respect
your gray hairs, but you have step
ped over the line today, my good
friend" he cried.
You can leave the gray hairs out,
do not care anything about that"
retorted Mahon, quite white.
Apologies Then Followed.
Just before adjournment Mahon got
the floor He said he had ben in
formed that his friend land we
have always been friends" he re-
marked, parenthetically had been
misinformed. | would not for mo-
ment attribute to the gentleman from
Tennessee desire to make declara-
tion that he did not believe in" he
continued. Il want the gentleman to
realize that the information he pro-
cured Is incorrect / do not attribute
10 him any purpose 10 tell an nntruth.
because I have great love for the
gentleman from Tennessee"
1t was John Wesley's time to apollo
gize. He did it gracefully
THE gentleman from Pennsylvania
knows / have been his friend day In
and day out" he declared. Il have
been distressed that he criticised me
a few days ago. / did not expect to
allude to it. IL he did not mean to
charge me, as he says he did not. with
stating falsehood, and if I am mis-
taken in my facts / regret the mis-
take very much and, I, far more than
Is possible for him TO appreciate, re-
gret what / have done and said today
that offended him. I hope that salts
lies the gentleman"
Mahon said he was satisfied and
started across TO Gaines seat to shake
hand. Gaines grasped Mahon's hand,
and amid great applause, threw his
Lib