Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-01-26
.LYNCHINC BILL
CAUSES UPROAR
IN THE HOUSE
Heated Exchanges Between
Misunderstanding Ne
groes Are Rebuked
MACE NECESSARY
Drastic Measures to Restore Order
Invasion of States Police Powers
Claimed

Washington, Jan. 26.-The House
of Representatives oftimes turbu-
lent and occasionally rioutous, was q
scene of pandemonium late yester
day during the stress of debate over
the Anti-Lynching bill.
Negroes packed the galleries
while members had heated inter-
changes on the floor Prominent
members of both sides participated
in the acrimonious debate. Amid the
confusion, the Speakers gavel re-
sounded with vigorous whacks and
the time -honored symbol of author
ity. the mace of the sergeant-at-
arms, had to be brought into play
to quell the temper of the members.
1t was one of the liveliest sessions
in Congress in many day.
General debate on the bill was on
and Representative Philip P. Camp
bell. of Kansas, who looks like the
peace-loving Scotch bard, Bobby
Burns was in the chair presiding
over the House. The excitement
broke suddenly.
Representative Sisson of Mississi-
ppi. the tall sycamore of the gulf,
who has been in Congress for many
years, a cotton planter by vocation,
was explaining the race conditions in
his part Of the South. He deplored
lvnching. he said but as long "as
black fiends put their hands on
white women thew are going to be
treated that way"
Il
Representative Cooper, of Wiscon-
sin, charged Mr.. Sisson with openly
advocating mob law. Mr.. Cooper said
it was the first time he had over
heard such thing in the House.
At this the negroes in the CALLER
les forgot the rules which forbid
applause and cheered heartily and
long. while several members on the
Democratic side jumped to their
feet.
There were shouts from the floor
by members of "shut up" and mig
gers in the galleries" and similar
comments. Chairman Campbell rap
ped hard for order. Several members
shouted for recognition. The chair
man called to the sergeant-at-arms
to restore ouiet. At the same time
he admonished the galleries that
they were violating the rules of the
House when they applauded.
Representative Sisson finally was
ordered to his seat. with other men,
berS.
"Gnt that crowd to be- in order
and I will be in order" Mr.. Sisson
said. as he walked up the aisle to
his seat.
He told Mr.. Cooper that he "was
not advocating mob law"
General debate was concluded by
representative Volstcad. chairman of
the Judiciary Committee. He de-
Tended the measure, which Demo-
Gratis and Renuhlicans have attacked
as unconstitutional "Whnn there is
wrong" he said. "it is tho function
of Congress to pass law to correct
it."
Representative Summers. Demo-
crat Texas. told the Republicans that
the Democrats "bclieve you are fixing
70 turn loose rae" passion and dve
+hn country rod with blood" He con-
dpmnnd Iynchin~ and said tn" South
g trvir~ to wine it out; that the
States in which it occurs are irving
tn cfrrato their communities a"ainst
/ it. 1--WE don't want onr white mon or
black men lynchnd" he said. "You
have got no right TO ret yonr rntep
a. tho nricn of tho safety nf millions
&c black peopIo in tho South. 7 he-
love vnu aro huvinr black votes with
Tho saf"tv of the white women Of
the South"