Democratic Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 April 1886 — VOORHEES, MORRISON, AND GARFIELD. [ARTICLE]

VOORHEES, MORRISON, AND GARFIELD.

An Episode in Their Congressional Life Which Is Not Generally Known. fJules Guthridge, in Chicago News.] Colonel Morrison, of Illinois, and Senator Voorhees, of Indiana, have been intimate friends for years. Few people are probably aware, however, that this friendship had its origin in an episode which promised at that time to be fraught with the gravest consequences for the Indiana statesman, Morrison and Voorhees made their entree simultaneously upon the stage of national politi s in the Thirty-e guth Congress. This was in 1861, after Morrison had resigned his command in the army from wounds received at Donaldson. Morrison was a war Democrat; Voorhees a peace-at-any-price Democrat. Washington at that time was an unsafe pla e for men who did not believe in a vigorous prosecution of the war. The streets of the city, and even the corridors of the Capitol, swarmed with soldiers who needed but a word of encouragement to sweep every rebel sympathizer into the Potomac River It was at this point that Voorhees made a speech in the House opposing the passage of a certain war measure. During the course of his remarks he was several times interrupted by General Garfield, of Ohio, who at length* transgressed the law' of parliamentary courtesy by pronouncing Voorhees a liar. Owing to the confusion and distance which separated the two members, Garfield’s remark was not heard by Voorhees, lvlio left the chamber at the conclusion of his speech. About midnight of that day, while busy in his room, a proof of his remarks was sent to him for revision. Glancing carelessly over the speech he was horrified to see this interjection.

“Mr. Garfield (interrupting)—lf the gentleman persists in making that statement I pronounce him a deliberate liar!” For a moment Voorhees was too much astonished to speak. Then, turning to James C. Robinson, of Illinois, vdio happened to be present, he said: “If Garfield does not apologize for this language I must fight him. I can never return to my constituents without demanding and receiving satisfaction. Will you aid me in the matter?” But Robinson objected. After some further conversation Robinson said: “Why don’t you see Colonel Morrison ? He has a room in this house and I have no doubt can g ve you better advice than I.” Morrison was asleep when the two Congressmen reached his door, but he speedily aroused himself and listened to Y oorhees’ story. At its conclusion the latter said: “If you carry a challenge to Garfield you are liable to a heavy fine and imprisonment. Are you w ’ling to risk the consequences?” Morrison made no reply, further than nodding his head affirmatively. Then, taking the “proof” in his hands, he started for Garfield’s house. It was after 1 o’clock when he reached it. Garfield was sitting in his library at work.. Morrison briefly stated his errand. “Did I say that?” asked Garfield, incredulously. For answer Morrison pointed to the proof. “I am directed by Mr. Voorhees,” he continued, “to insist upon an apology or a fight.” Gai field replied, with dignity, »‘i was in error, and am not ashamed to :onfess it. I uttered those words in a noment of excitement. It did not oc3ur to me that I spoke sufficiently loud for the official reporters to hear me,” and, seizing a pencil, he oblit rated the words with so much vigor that the point of the instrument cut through the paper. Morrison returned to Voorhees’ room and stated the result of his mission. Y'oorhees was delighted at the result. If it had been necessary to challenge Garfield, and the fact had become known, the infuriated soldiery would have torn him to pieces. It is no wonder he felt grateful to Morrison for his successful management of the affair. He has been one of Morrison’s closest friends ever since.