The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-02-24
FIGHT IN HOUSE.
MOndell and Nickersham Come
to Blows on Floor.
Madison Leads Attack on Coal
Land Leasing Bill.

Washington, Feb. 24.-Another blood
less battle was fought on the floor of
the house of representatives late yes
terday afternoon. 1t came during
somewhat heated debate on bill for
the leasing of coal lands in Alaska
The lie was passed and as the short
and ugly word rang out Delegate
James Wickersham (Alaska) made
rush for Representative Frank W.
MondeI CWyo.). who was seated at
nearby desk
The big Alaskan's right arm shot
out twice in the direction of the geri-
tleman from Wyoming, but members
who surrounded the disputants at the
time say that both blows fell short.
The house was in an uproar in an in
slant. Several members hurled them
selves on Mr.. Wickersham; others We're
struggling with Mr. Mondell, who had
gained his feet and was making for his
aSsailant. Representative Foster (Vt)
had taken Mr.. Wickersham by the
throat. This added to the uncontrolled
anger of the delegate and for a mo-
ment diverted his attack towards the
would-be peacemaker. Representative
Sisson (Miss.) was first to reach Mr..
Mondell. who was endeavoring to raise
the chair in which he had been sitting
to hurl it at his antagonist.
Members rushed toward the group
from every part of the chamber and
soon there was nearly hundred men
in the crowd about the struggling leg
islators.
Meantime, Representative Olmsted
(Pa.), who was acting as speaker, was
belaboring his desk with the gavel and
calling upon the sergeant-at-arms to
preserve order. The historic mace of
the house, the emblem Of authority,
was lifted from its marble pedestal and
carried to the floor by the house Of
ficials.
Members, however, had taken the
matter in hand and had succeeded il
bringing both Mr.. Wickersham and
Mr.. Mondell to cessation Of hostil-
tiles.
When the house was fairly quiet, Mr..
Wlckersham clamored for recognition.
II want the record to show that I
apologize to the house, but" (his voice
rose to a shout), st also want it to
show that was called a liar
Representative Tawney called at
tention to the fact that the language
used by the diSputants was clearly I'M
parliamentary and there should be an
apology.
ST do apologize" Mr.. wickersham
said, Il lost my temper"
He sat down and Mr.. Mondell arose.
My remark was not directed to-
ward the gentleman from Alaska -
Mr.. Mondell said, land it was not ut
tered in debate, but to gentleman
who stood beside me. 1 realize, how
ever, that should not have used the
word here, or anywhere, for that mat
ter, and L apologize to the house,
During the applause which followed
Mr.. MondelFs statement, Mr.. Tawney
| moved that the house adjourn.
On a standing vote, the motion ap-
parently was carried, but the oppon-
ents of the Alaska leasing bill de-
manded a roll call. Under this call
the motion to adjourn was lost, and
the leasing bill was then defeated,
ISL to 80.
| The bill had been called up under
a suspension of the rules and would
| have required a two-thirds vote for
adoption.
| Representatives Madison (Kan.) and
Ollie James (Ky.), both mem bers of
the Ballinger-Pinchot investigating
committee, led the attack against the
bill. Mr.. Wickersham had Joined
forces with them. Mr.. Mondell oc-
cupied practically all of the time in
favor of the measure.
The bill provided for the leasing of
coal lands not to exceed 1850 acres
on a royalty basis of from to 10
cents a ton. The debate had been
| surcharged with acrimony.