New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-10-05

John F. Potter, of Wisconsin, nearly
fought a duel. Owen Lovejoy made
a speech denouncing slavery, and in
the discussion following Congressman
Carter knocked off the wig of Con-
gresham Barksdale, of Mississippi.
Pryor jumped to the floor and later
challenged the Wisconsin man to a
duel, and the challenged party, ac-
cepting the gauntlet. chose bowie
knives. This sort of weapon scared
the Virginia man, and his seconds
backed out on the ground that their
man should not use any such cary
ing implement on the field of honor.
This occurrence was not long after
Congressman Preston S. Brooks as
saulted Senator Charles Sumner OF
massachusetts, with a can after the
senate had adjourned.
Sumner had made speech '"The
Crime Against Kansas" and Brooks
assau him from behind with a
cane. Several southern members of
congress with drawn revolvers stood
by and prevented interference. Banks
dale of Mississippi was one of them.
The house did not expel Brooks much
to the surprise Of the North. A reso-
luton to expel him required a two
thirds vote, and the roll call showed
only 121 to 95. Brooks was chal-
lenged to duel in consequence. Con-
gresham Burlingame of Massachu-
setts called him out, and rifles were
chosen. A spot in the Dominion of
Canada was selected, but Brooks
failed to appear
On February %, 1902, Senator Till
man of South Carolina had an excit-
ing time with Senator McLaurin of
his own state. He charged that the
ratification of the treaty with Spain
had been obained in an improper
manner. At this Senator Spooner de-
manded he give the names. Senator
Tillman hesitated, but when forced
to he said:
THE patronage of the state has
been given to senator who voted for
the treaty.
Spooner.
South Carolina" promptly re-
sponded Tillman.
McLaurin was not in the chamber,
being in attendance at a committee
meeting. Senator Spooner suggested
that Senator Tillman should fight it
out with his colleague. McLaurin ar
rived in the senate 20 minutes later
and remained quietly seated until he
had a chance to speak. He then
arose and declared the statement of
Tillman's to be malicious, wiilful
and deliberate lie"
Senator Tillman then leaped out of
his seat and before anyone could stop
him, banged McLaurin in the eye, and
McLaurin hit Tillman just as vicious
ly. Before they could hit one another
again they were torn apart. Sena-
tor Warren, of Wyoming, was first at
hand to separate the two Sergeant
alarms Layton made Tillman take
his seat and Senator Patterson seated
the other South Carolina man.
The senate censured the NO men,
bers in secret session, 81 voces being
cast for censor and none against it.
President Roosevelt withdrew an in
vitation to Senator Tillman, as rank
ing democrat on the Senate Naval
Affairs committee, to White House
who was then a. guest Of honor in
this country.
Congressman John Sharp Williams
Of Mississippi and Congressman David
Dearmond of Missouri fought on the
Dearmond called Williams a liar.
Both members were cut by blows.
The first smash fell on Diamonds
eye just as Speaker Cannon raped
the gavel for adjournment and because
of that situation neither member was
adjudged in contempt, because the
house was not in session. This oc-
Cured December 20. 1907.
Senator Bailey shook up Senator
Beveridge on June 80, 1902. The con-
troversy started in an executive ses-
sion and continued when the doors
were re-opened. Senator Bailey
walked over to Beverage and grabbed
him by the collar, shaking him Sc
verely.
Senator Lamar, of Mississippi, told
Roscoe Conkling he had told IAN un-
mitigated falsehood," without cor
dialities. Senator Money of Misss-
sippi, shouted, you lie" at Senator
Wellington, of Maryland, in the
lington did not engage in any broil,
but insisted that the other man be
called to order and he was.
Congressman Bartlett, of Georgia,
whose peppery temper will be remem-
bered in the house for years, used to
throw anything that came handy
when pressed for an argument. He
threw a weight Or an ink bottle at q
fellow-mem Der aboard ship on an of
fetal trip from the Panama Canal
| Zone. He endeavored to punch