Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1917-09-29
Representatives Hefin and Norton
Cause Lively Scene During De-
bate Yesterday Afternoon.

cn Representative Heflinr of Alabama,
/ as a result of his charge that doZ-
/ ell or more of his associates nave
| been influenced" by the German
propaganda, reached somewhat lu-
dicrous climax yesterday when Mr..
Heflin and Representative Norton, of
North Dakota, engaged in a wre>tl-
ing match on the House floor.
1t might have been real fight if
the two men had not clinched at the
outset and remained in each others
embrace while rolling and tumbling
over the House benches. Z score or
more of their colleagues rushed into
the melee and pulled the combatants
apart before blood was spilled, eyes
were blackcned or serious damage
was done.
At adjournment last night the two
belligerents were clamoring for an
opportunity to address the House and
other members who want an inquiry
we're striving to have one ordered IN
spite Of the committees report. Dis
Gus sion will be resumed today with
demands from both sides of the
House for investigation of Mr.. Hef-
Inns charges that several members
have not acted loyalty
Chairman Pou exclaimed in submit
ting the Rules Committee report
that an inquiry would interfere with
sweeping investigation of the use OF
e man money now being made by
the Department of Justice. He said
Representative Hehin had not reflect
ed on the integrity of any memoer
OF the House and had spoken in the
heat of debate. Some loud groans
greeted the latter statement. Rep
resentative Brittcn, of Illinois. who
had been criticised by Mr. Hefiin Tor
Introducing a measure to exempt
German-Americans from military
service. shouted that resolution {"
expel Heain should he considered I'M
mcdiately.
In the midst of the storm Repro
sentative Steenerson, of Minnesota
switched the discussion to other bust
ness and thenceforth, save Tor me
few minutes in which Hcti;n ana
Norton had their near fight. the SUD
icct was not broached until just be-
fore adjournment.
The clash started during a luii IN
the proceedings after Norton had
been refusd time to reply to reports
that Hcfin had said he was dlsloyal.
It came most unexpectedly to the >"
or more members present.
After failing to get the floor. Nor
ton went through the Republican
side 70 the back of the House and
walked down the Democratic side un-
til he faced IIcfiin, who WIS seated
at a table writing Neither man greet
ed the other. but after gazing stea"-
liz at Hehin Cor moment Norton
spoke:
"Did you ever say at any time or
give out any report to any one that
7 was disloyal in this war; he asked.
"No. / did not" Hefin replied.
There was moments silence dur
inp which Norton continued to glare
at Hehin. who still was seated.
"Go back on your own side sale
the Alabama member.
I"ll 90 back when get ready.
Norton responded.
Then Hefin rose, graspcd Norton
by the coat lapels and began backing
him toward a row of seats. Norton.
the lighter of the two by oo POUNDS,
came back with vigorous pusA,
which drove the Alabamian'c back
against seats across the aisle. A
moment later an assistant sergeant
alarms and several members pulled
the men apart. while Sergeantat-
Arms Gordon hurried down the aisle
to display his massive mace. the MS
toric symbol of authority. the mere
lifting of which is supposed to re-
duce to fear and quiet the most OBJ
streperous.
Members hocked from both sides
of TIE House and poured out of c!oaf
rooms toward the Srene of action
many climbing over ,beDches IN thel'
haste; Some laughingly urged tna'
the combat be permitted to continue
Representative Johnson, of Ken
tucky, in the chair, pounded iran
tically with his gave! and shouted fol
order.