New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-29
Alabama Representative in
Rough-and-T Tumble Over
Bribe Charges
Demand Growing
For Full Inquiry
Pou Asserts Bernstorf' $
$4,000 Plot Is a Mere
Hint of More to Come
IStaH Ccrespondencel

tStsn Ccrr.spondencel
WASHINGTON, Sept 2s.-A short
rough-and- tumble fight on the floor OF
the House to-day between Representa-
tive Norton, Of North Dakota, and Rep
resentative Heflin, of Alabama, who had
included Norton in his list of members
of Congress Of whose loyalty he was
suspicious, gave new impetus to the de-
mand In Congress for an inquiry into
Helms charges.
Before the HeAin-Norton row the
Rules Committee, after a secret session,
had voted against action on the two
resolutions providing for such an in
vestigaton, and Chairman Pou, of the
committee, asserted that Congrcssion-
al investigation now would seriously
impede the Department of Justice in
running down certain German plots.
Despite this, the House members ex-
pressed their determination to have the
case Immediately sfted, and Hehin
either upheld in his aspersions on his
fellows or punished.
kitchin to Ask Action
On apparently good authority it was
said tonight that Majority Leader
Kitchin will take the floor with a mo-
tion to compel Mr.. Hefin either to
retract his alleged statements, substan
tiate them to the satisfaction OF the
House, or be censured. The House is
thoroughly aroused, and il Mr.. Kitchin
does not take this action some one else
almost certainly will.
All ringside judges give Norton the
decision over Hefin. The latter was
rolled around in the aisles, and had
his immaculate white vest and before
thc-war Prince Albert well messed up.
Representative Norton lost only his
Irish temper and one button from hts
vest.
Shortly after the committee report
had gone in Mr.. Norton asked ten min
utes, on a question of person privilege,
to address the House. Representative
Alexander, Of Missouri, Democrat. OBJ
jected. Instead of taking his seat, Mr..
Norton walked over to Mr.. Helms
seat.
Demands Hefl!n Explain
"Did you ever say or infer" he de-
manded. "that / am disloyal? ~
81 did not" answered the Alabaman.
He rose, his face reddening, 10 meet
the Northwestern farmer. The latter
stood quietly, looking Mr.. Helm
squarely in the eye.
claimed the latter. Back on the Re-
publican side, where you belong!"
"Ill 60" said Representative Norton,
"when | get good and ready
His anger rising, Mr.. Hefin seized
his ouestioner by both shoulders and
gave him half punch shove toward
the Republican side of the Cham
her, In an instant the two were tug
ging, wrestling, roughing and punching
each other. They stumbled and rolled
in the aisle, with Representative Nor
ton on top.
Republicans and Democrats rushed
toward the encounter. First of all
came Representative Cooper, Of Wis
conson, sixty-eight years old and white
of beard and hair. -, ~
Get back to your own side a." Mr..
Hefin shouted at him. You who are
under suspicion, get back! Back, or
you'll get a punch, too!"
Take off your guns and you'll get
all the fight you need" retorted MI
Cooper. In 1908 Representative Helm
got into a streetcar fight here with
negro, in the course of which he hred
a shot which wounded white specta-
tor.
When a Representative attempted 70
seize the arm Of Norton to restrain
him from further belligerency, Repre-
sentative Baer, of North Dakota,
close friend Of Norton, seized the In
terloper and insisted that Norton have
room and a fair chance.
BEFORE the fight could go further the
sergeant-at-arms arrived with the an
lent mace. Other members aided him,
and the two warriors were parted. Mr..
Hefin took refuge in the Democratic
smoking room and Mr.. Norton lett the
floor. Both soon returned, seemingly
none the worse. Neither offered the
customary apologies.
House Rocks at Thrust
"Mr. Heain was strongly in favor OF
fertilizer for a few minutes SAID Mr.;
Cooper. The House rocked back ana
forth with glee, laughing uproarously.
"But suddenly" said Representative
Cooper, 1.-The gentleman, who has repu-
tation for valor and courage which runs
back several years right in this town,
began to talk about the Won Bernstorr
telegram. He did it as deliberately as
Secretary Lansing published that news
st that time to affect public sentiment
and 10 prevent. by terrorIzing free ex-
pression on this floor. any just criticism,
anv honest statement of fact, for fear
that the men making that statement
outside of this chamber or on this floor
will be called the recipients OF German
money"
There was applause at this,
On the floor Chairman Pou offered
an extended explanation of the COM
mittee's refusal TO act
"We have received information" he
said. chat for the last year, and at this
time, the Department OF Justice has
been and is conducting an investigation
of the use Of funds by the German gov
ernment 10 affect sentiment in America.
81 want 10 say" continued Mr.. Pou,
"thst this S50,000 that is spoken about
is not drop in the bucket TO what Is
rcing to be uncovered before the De-
partment of Justice IS done. The
ramifcations OF this fund that has been
used By the German government al
feet every great centre OF this govern
ment and il would be the utmost un-
wisdom for us to go on and go into 4
. tnA