The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1919-06-12

this newly formed community, which
he will not recognize even as body
politic.' Pray, sir, by what little does
he indulge in this egotism? Has he
read the history of the State which
he represents? He cannot surely
have forgotten the shameful imbecili-
ty from slavery confessed throughout
the revolution, followed by its more
shameful assumptions of slavery
since
Mr.. Butler, the aged senator and
uncle of Colonel Brooks, was absent
in South Carolina on visit to his
family when this language was ut
tered
ION the same day" said the Wash
ington correspondent of The Delta,
Colonel Brooks waited at the Por-
ter's Lodge about an hour and as
long on the next morning with a
view of meeting Mr.. Sumner and at
tacking him. Failing in this, he en-
tered the senate chamber just as that
body adjourned, and seeing several
ladies present, seated himself on the
opposite side to Mr.. Sumner. Soon
all disappeared but one. He then
requested a friend to get her out,
when he Immediately approached Mr..
Sumner, and said in a quiet tone OF
voice: "Mr. Sumner, I have read
your speech with great care, and with
as much impartiality as / am capable
of, and I feel it my duty to say to
you that you have published a libel
on my State, and uttered slander
upon relative, who is aged and alb
sent, and I am come to punish you,
cat the conclusion of these words,
Mr.. Sumner attempted to spring to
his feet, showing disposition to es-
cape, but was struck by Colonel
Brooks a backhand blow across the
head with a gutta percha cane nearly
an inch thick, but hollow, and he con-
tinued striking him right and LETT
until the stick was broken into frag-
ments. and Mr.. Sumner was. pros
trate and bleeding on the floor. No
one took hold of Colonel Brooks dur
ing the time, so quick was the opera
ton; but Immediately afterwards Mr..
Crittenden caught him around the
body and arms, when Colonel Brooks
said: 4 do not wish to hurt him
much, but only whip him. No one
knew of the anticipated attack but
the Hon. H. A. Edmondson of Vir-
ginia, who happened not to be pres
ent when the attack commenced.
''It was reported on the streets for
several days previous that Mr.. Sum-
ner would be armed when he deliv-
cred his speech, and that, if occasion
required it, he would use his wea-
pons. He was not armed when at
tackled by Colonel Brooks today. 1t
is said. also, that Mr.. Sumner gave
out, before he made his speech that
he would be responsible for anything
he might say. After his arrest Colonel
Brooks sent to the office of Justice
Hollingshead and rendered his bond
and securities to. appear and answer
any charge preferred by the grand
jury. But the justice deeming the
bond premature, discharged him upon
his parole of. honor to appear be-
fore him when required. Subsequent
ly Colonel Brooks was complained of
by William Y. Leader, on whose oath
Justice Hollingshead required Col
| onel Brooks to give bail in the sum
of $500 as security for his appear
ance when called upon. The most
! intense excitement of course was pro-
duced amongst the negro worship
ers, and they were making very fierce
threats and working assiduously to
have Colonel Brooks expelled from
the house."
The Courier's correspondent add
ed: tAbout dozen senators and
many strangers happened to be in
the chamber at the moment of the
fight. Sumner, I learn, was badly
whipped. The city is considerably
excited. and crowds everywhere are
discussing the last item. Sumner
cried: 4 am most dead! I am most
dead!' After Sumner fell between
two desks, his own having been over
turned, he lay bleeding and cried out
I'm almost dead.'"
While Mr.. Summers friends in the
East were piling up resolutions OF
condolences for him, the friends OF
Col. Brooks in every State through.
out the South, including Mississippi
and Louisiana, did not stop at com.
mendation, but proposed the bestow.