Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 December 1887 — CONGRESS. [ARTICLE]

CONGRESS.

At the caucus of Democratic Congressmen in Washington Saturday night, the 3d inst., Mr. Carlisle was renominated for Speaker, General Clark for Clerk, and John K. Leedom for Sergeant-at-arms. There was a contest over the nomination of Doorkeeper, in which Breckinridge of Arkansas and Blount of Georgia came to blows. Donelson of Tennessee, the present incumbent, and A, B. Hurt of Mississippi were the candidates. Breckinridge opened the fight in caucus by a vigorous attack upon Donelson’s personal and official record, and was replied to by Blount and others. In the course of Breckinridge's reply he expressed surprise that any gentleman should continue to support Donelson, knowing his record. Blount, who was standing near, planted a square blow upon the nose of the little Arkansas member, and brought the blood. Breckinridge promptly resented this by a blow that skinned Blount’s cheek-bone. The combatants strove to continue the fight, but only succeeded in battering pretty badly Mr. Rusk, of Maryland, who had stepped between them. Tarsney, of Michigan, and Randall came to his rescue, and after the pugilists were separated and the excitement had subsided the affair was amicably arranged and the discussion proceeded. Hurt was finally chosen. Mr. Milburn, the blind preacher, was renominated for Chaplain. The Republican Congressional caucus nominated Mr. Reed, of Maine, as their candidate for the Speakership. The other nominations for House officers were Edward McPherson, of Pennsylvania, for Clerk; Daniel Shepard, of Illinois, for Sergeant-at-Arms ; W. F. Fitch, of Ohio, for Doorkeeper; and Gray, of Dakota, for Postmaster. Mr. Cannon, of Illinois, was re-elected Chairman of the caucus for the present Congress.