New-York tribune., 1912-12-13
LIE PASSED IN HOUSE
Representatives Palmer and
Farr in Clash.
IN FEAR OF FISTICUFFS
Trouble Over Accusation Of Re.
publican That Lackawanna
Aided Democrat.
From The Tribune Bureau.

From The Tribune Bureau ]
Washington, Dec l2-While the ser
geant-at-arms nervously fingered the
newly repaired mace. Representative
Palmer. a Pennsylvania Democrat, de-
nounced in the House to-day AS "wilful,
deliberate and malicious falsehood' the
accusation OF his colleague, Represent
atve Farr, a Pennsylvania Republican.
that the Delaware. Lackawanns 4 West
ern Railroad had forced its employees 10
vote for Mr. Palmer in the recent cleo
tions The tilt between the two Pennsyl-
vanans, which occasiOned fears of ftsti-
cuffs. took place during the partisan de-
bate over the resolution to unseat Repre-
sentative Charles G. Bowman, Of the llth
Pennsylvania District, who was finally
deprived OF his seat by Democratic votes.
Immediately following the speech OF Mr.
Farr. Representative Palmer, Wilson
lieutenant in the recent campaign' arose
TO question of personal privilege and
demanded that Mr.. Farr prove his IN
situations or apologize like a man
1T is true" said Mr.. Palmer, white
with rage. that ] am the local attorney
of the Delaware, Lackswanna & Western
since 7 was admitted to the bar and IL
is no secret. but so far as the statement
of the gentleman, Mr. Farr, that ] have
ever solicited that corporation or any
other corporation to coerce it's employees
to vote for me or anybody else IS con-
cerned. it is deliberate. wilful and
malicious falsehood.
III this charge is true I should not be
permitted 10 remain in this House and
, should be driven from H. II IT is not
true. the gentleman should offer public
apology, like a man. II he believes his
statement. he should bring charges
against me. and ] promise I VIII not in
dulge in demands for thirty days notice
OF contest"
Mr.. Palmer accused Mr.. Farr Of begin
ming an attack when ne, Palmer. was
absent from the chamber. The Pennsyl-
vanis Democrat read from the steno-
graphic notes Of the Farr speech, and
when the former had finished Mr.. Farr
walked over to the Democratic side and
unceremoniously took the transcript
In reply to Representative Palmer, his
Republican colleague stood pat on his
statement that the officials Of the Della
ware. Lackswanna & Western helped you
10 be elected and rendered service in. your
district Mr. Fsrr said he did not intend
10 charge in so many words that coercion
was used. but he insisted It VAS incon-
sistent for Mr Palmer TO talk of
coercion in the Bowman contest case.
Mr. Farr. who o. small and wiry,
pranced down the aisles aud referred m
sarcastic terms 10 the Democratic re
form" movement In Pennsylvania. which
he termed a "consp!racy.'
1T was this so-called reform movement.
or conspiracy, which helped to defeat the
beloved Speaker OF this House at the Bal
timOre convention" said Mr. Farr. while
the Clarkites IN the House cheered. Tn"
Speaker looked embarrassed and raped
loudly for order.
The verbal duel was a draw, and MI.
Farr did not accept the challenge OF Rep
ressntauve Palmer 10 file charges, al
though the former maintained 10 the end
that Mr.. Pslmer's speech on coercion
IN the Bowman case was out OF place
Representative Bowman Was unseated
b. The passage, l52 10 rs. Of a resolution
declaring that corrupt practices had been
used IN his election in 1910. At the same
time the House refused. lsl 10 =. TO seat
George K. Mclean. his Democratic op-
ponent. II vas charged on the ioor that
lie had been guilty OF the same practices
as were alleged against Bowman. The
seat from the llth District will be vacant
until March 4. when it will be filled by
John J. Casey, Democrat. elected ln
November