The New York herald., 1921-02-18
HOUSE IN TUMULT
AS LIE IS PASSED
Summers Of Texas Leaves Sick
Bed to Deny Charge OF His
Colleague, Blanton.
ACCUsER HowLED DOWN
Dramatic Attack Brings Mem
bers to Their Feet Shouting;
Party Lines Forgotten.

WASHINGTON, Feb 1T.-Hoots, cat
calls and the word LIAR" were
shouted on the floor of the House to-
day in the stormiest session in years.
The uproar started when Representa-
tive Summers Of Texas. having left
a sick bed, appeared in the House and
supported by most members of his
own State delegation, launched an at
tack on his collea gue, Representative
Blanton.
Rumors had been circulated about
the House for days that the Texans
were preparing to make the attack on
their fellow member. but it was held
of until Mr.. Summers was physically
able to direct it, When he stepped
forward, with faded newspaper clip
ping in his hand, nearly every men,
ber was on the floor
Read by the Clerk of the House, the
clipping revealed that Mr.. Bianton. IN
letter to Texas newspapers, had
charged members with a concerted plan
increases. which he alone had prevented
heretofore. The press was asked to help,
and many papers to which appeal was
made responded with bitter assaults upon
those charged with backing the alleged
salary grab.
There was a tense moment in the
chamber as the reading was concluded
and Mr.. Summers. stepping close to
where Mr.. Bianton was seated. shook his
fist in the latter's face and dramatically
shouted:
"And when you sent that statement to
Texas you knew it was as false as
hell.'
The House broke into wild shout.
half the membership rising. Blanton.
jumping to his feet and trying to make
himself heard above the din, demanded
the right to speak. He was howled
down, the chair sustaining a point of
order that he could not be heard at that
time ON q question OF personal privilege.
Mr.. Summers. walking back and
forth, continued the attack. Blanton's
eyes following every step. The speech
was constantly interrupted with shout
ing at the conclusion OF almost every
sentence of denunciation- Mr.. Summers
declared the record showed that no eff
fort had been made to slip through a
salary increase bill. and that Mr.. Blan-
toms claim that he was forced to re-
main constantly on the floor to block
II was utterly absurd and untrue
The demonstration reached remark
able proportions when tap OF the gavel
marked the close OF the time allotted
for the speech Democrats, first on.
their feet in a body, were Joined at the
same instant by every Republican There
was rush to the front. as members
struggled to grasp Mr.. Summers by the
hand
Above the tumult Mr.. Bianton strove
vainly TO make himself heard. AS Mr..
Summers turned toward his seat, another
group Of members started toward him
to offer congratulations. Mr.. Blanton,
his voice still pitched high. again at
tempted 10 gain a hearing. Again he
was howled down, as dozen Repubb-
cans insisted on enforcement OF the rule
that he take his seat.
After the hubbub had kept up for sew
erai minutes. Chairman Slemp OF The
subcommittee In charge OF the fortiii-
cations bill. which was before the House.
gave the Texan three minutes to reply,
but nobody could hear half he said.
Right at the start Mr.. Blanton caused a
row by charging that Representative
Campbell (Dem.). Pennsylvania. had
asked him 10 keep away when the salary
bill was called up.
Pale with anger. Mr.. Campbell
jumped 10 his feet and shouted an In
dignant denial, declaring there was not
word OF truth In the statement APP
parently unruffled. Mr.. Blanton turned
toward the Republican side and charged
that Representative Strong Of Kansas
had requested him not TO demand a roll
call on the measure.
Also angry. Mr.. Strong walked to-
ward Mr. Bianton and told the House
the statement was false.
In the last minute OF his time Mr..
Blanton declared that Mr.. Summers
wanted 10 run for the Senate from Texas
and that this desire was the basi OF the
attack on him.