Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 January 1879 — Lamar and Douglas. [ARTICLE]

Lamar and Douglas.

During the electoral count of 1877 the Democrats held frequent caucuses to consider whether they should prevent its completion by filibustering. Lamai was opposed to this plan, and made several earnest, convincing speeches against it During one of these speeches Douglas came in, drunk, as usual. He interrupted Lamar several times, in an irritating way, and finally approaching him called him a traitor to the South. Lamar took no offense until the charge was repeated, when he turned to Douglas and said, in a low tone: “ You are not in a condition to talk with gentlemen, sir. Your words are beneath my notice.” Douglas pushed up closer, and, shaking his fist in Lamar’s face, repeated the charge with increased emphasis. Lamar replied: “ You lie, sir. You are yourself a disgrace to your State and your country.” Douglas attempted to strike Lamar, when the latter, livid with anger, hurled him off "into a crowd of gentlemen who approached to separate them, and shouted: “ Take him away; take him away, or I’ll kill the drunken brute.” - Washington letter.