The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1910-07-02

Copyright 1910 the New rcse-red)
MERICANS like physical prowess in the roped
n OF In the halls OF Congress In the Con-
n gressional mills there neither Marquis OF
4 \ Queensberry rules moving picture ma
chiDes The Imagination staggers the roy
altes suggested by moving picture exhibition OF a
finish hght between Battling Bit" the Senatorial
sensation. and Senator Swatt the Kentucky Kid"
These contests In the Capitol at Washington are
open to rather criticism in they
advertised, and thus generally before
depopuated gallerieS-when the sports of the nation
would gladly crowd to the rngsidc. In fact these
fights lack atmosphere.
On January 30 1Ts9 occurred the first the famous
fights OF the American Congress One of the most
picturesque members of the House OF Representatives
at that time was Matthew Lyon, OF Fermopt--loqua-
cious, rude of speech devoid OF aud target
for federalist jokes Lyon the hero Of Il remark
able career possible only In eighteenth century Amer
lea An Irish lad he camc to the colonies rs q
'redemptioner," He spurned his origin but
rather gored In It, and "By the bulls that redeemed
me" was his favorite oath In the days of his pros
pert, His servitude over, he settled In Vermont
was a soldier under Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga and
later was sent TO Congress as an antfederalist lie
gloried in turmoil and controversy and he had not
been long In Congress before be became hero OF a
dozen quarrels.
During debate January 30 Lyon addressed the
Speaker Of the House In O rough, boIsterous manner
peculiar mannersms always attracted members who
now, usual gathered about him. Lyon
bitterly attacked federalists Connecticut and
declared II he but into that State manager
of newspaper he would drive every federalist out
of Office. Among the jeerng byStnnders Roger
Griswod. OF Connecticut. who, laying his hand
Lyons arm, remarked In bantering tone-"You
could change the opinion OF the meaDest hoster
In the State" Lyon replied that he seriously contcm
plated the step.
Now n story was In circulation and generally cred
tied, that during the Revolution Lyon had been cash
Tered and forced TO n wooden sword token
OF cowardice Grlswold responded, IF you go sup
pose you viii your wooden sword" Lyon
turned and spnt in Griswod's face Griswold drew
back to strike bur restrained by other members
who quickly crowded around the angered contest
ants. But he did forget the insult
Battle After Prayers.
When Lyon appeared on the floor OF the
House, on February 10. after the usual morning
prayers CirIswod approached bin and began beating
him over the head with Lyon rushed to the
open fireplace seized Il pair Of brass tonGs and adj
vanced TO meet bis assailsnt The ndversares closed
the weapons dropped. the men clinched and FELL
Grswold landing uppermost The federalst mem
bcrs dragged Griswod of by the legs Lyon. pick
ing up Grswod's cane instead OF The more dangerous
ERE tongs again approached the federnlist but other
members lnteryened and the quarrel was suppressed
Both men were required TO pledge themselves TO re-
frain from further attempts dis6gure each other
during that session However, both were reelected
to the succeeding Congress by their respective dis
tricts thus giving their Endorsement 10 athletic
prowess.
John Randolph of Roanoke possessed probably the
most cnustic tongue in American legislative history
He had a verltnbe genius for breeding qunrres
Scarcely n member OF Congress In his day went IN
scathed In 1926 Randolph declared that the election
OF John Quincy Adams TO the Presidency was the re-
suit of n bargain whereby Clay become secre-
tary of State.
Speaking ON the door of the House. Randolph In
tones of passion cried QUIT defeated, horse,
foot and drngoons-cut up and clean broke down oy
coalition OF Bnful and Black George-by q comblna-
tIon nnhcard OF tili then OF the Puritan Win che
blackleg"
Upon Randopf's refusal to explain his language
Clay challenged him to duel They met across the
Potomac on Virginia soil on April 8. 1S28 After a
harmless exchange OF shots the contestants "ere
rcconced and became close personal friends Clay
previously had fought duel WIKI Humphrey Marshall
In lsos ss result OF personal remarks made In the
heat OF political debate,
Although frequently debates were sharp and con
rovcrses bitter there no further personal con-
nicts OF between members OF Congress Tor long
Period OF years AS the agitation oil the slavery ques-
uon became more pronounced and the shadow OF I'M
pending connfct grew darker the bitterness between
the North and the South translated 10 the noors
of Congress. stormy days became more frequent.
Personal alterations between members OF com
m9n occurrence. though they were generally halted
short OF exchange by the Intervention OF
eooi headEd colleagues.
In 1888 Jonathan Cilley. member OF the House
from Maine sharply criticised charge Of corruption