Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-29
FIGHT BREAKS OUT
ONFLOOR OF HOUSE
Heflin and Norton Come to Blows
Following Hot Debate on
Probe Resolution.
COMMITTEE REFUSES TO ACT
Declares That Inquiry Would In
tcrfcre With Department of
Justice Investigation.

WASHINGTON. September 2S.-Hot
debate. eliminating in a phvsjcal en-
counter between Representatives. Her-
lin. of Alabama. and Norton. OF North
Dakota, was prccipitated in the House
to-day by report from the Rules
act on any Of the various resolutions
for AN inquiry into whether members
OF Congress have been Influenced by
German money.
Chairman Pou explained. In submit
ting the Rules Committee report. that
ing investigation of the use Of German
partment of Justice He said Repre-
sentative Hehin had not reflected on
tho integrity Of any member OF the
House. and had spoken in the heat OF
debate. Some loud groans greeted the
latter statement. Representative Brit
ten. Of Illinois. who has been criti-
cized by MIR Helm for introducing
measure TO exempt Americans
from military service. shouted that a
resolution to expcl IIcfin should be
considered inm ediately
DISCUSSION SWITCHED
TO OTHER BUSINESS
In the midst OF the storm. Repre-
sentative Steenerson. OF Minnesota
switched the discussion to other busi-
ness. and thenceforth. save for the
few minutes in which Hehin and Nor
ton had their ncarfght. the subject
was not broached until just before ad
journment.
The clash started during lull in
the proceedings after Norton had been
refused time to reply to reports that
Hcfin had said he was disloyal. It
came most unexpectedly to the nifty
more members present.
After falling to get the noor. Norton
went through the Republican side to
the back Of the House and walked
down the Democratic side until he
faced Hcfin. who was seated at a table
writing. Neither man greeted the
othef. but, after gazing steadily a,
Hefin for a moment Norton spoke:
"DiG you ever say at any time. or
give Art any report to any one thrt
wa' disoyal in this war?' he asked.
no, l did not" Hcfin rcpiied.
There was a moments silence. .lur-
ing which Norton continued To glare
a: Henin. who still was seated.
Go back on your own side" said
tn. Alabama member.
III go back when / set ready" Nor.
ton responded.
HEFLiN GRASP. NORTON
BY LAPELS OF COAT
Then Heflin rose. Grasped Norton by
the coat lapels. and began backing; him
toward row OF seats. Norton. the
lighter of the two by nifty pounos,
came back with a vigorous push.
which drove the Alabamian's back
against seats across the aisle. 4 mo-
mcnt later an assistant scrgeant-a,-
arms and several members pulled the
men apart. while Sergeant-at- Arms
Gordon hurried down the aisle
Members focked from both sides of
the House and poured out OF cloak
rooms toward the scene Of action,
many climbing over benches in their
haste. Some lauEhingly urged that
the combat be permitted to continue
Representative Johnson. OF Ken
tucky. in the chair. pounded frantical-
Is with his gavel and shouted for order.
Representative Helm began to wave
back Republicans. who. led by Repre-
sentative Cooper. of Wisconsin, and
Representative Baer. of North Dakota.
were swarminE across the dividing
aisle to the Democratic side.
Go on back on your own side or
you will get hurt" he cried, indicating
his Willingness To take on other op-
ponentS.
Take or your guns and YOU Will
havo a cha nee" replied Representative
Cooper.
But the hostlitics were over Mr.
Norton and other Republicans with
drew. while the Alabama member
Strengthened out his vest and resumed
writing. Norton rcappcarcd on the
noor after Il few minutes and also be-
gan writing