Mills and Rankin Separated by Action of Colleagues
SCRAP OVER IMPEACHMENT
Kentucky Democrat Calls New York Republican “Dirty Contemptible Scoundrel”—Vote On English Probably Tomorrow.
Washington April 1 (AP)—A near fist fight on the house floor resulted today from an argument between representative Mills, republican, of New York, and Representative Rankin, democrat, Mississippi over procedure in the impeachment case against Federal Judge English of Illinois.
Calls Harsh Name
After Mr. Rankin had demanded that a quorum be present when debate was resumed, Mr. Mills walked to the democratic side of the house, apparently to urge the Mississippian to withdraw his motion, but Rankin met him half way on the double quick. Other members, convinced that a physical encounter was threatened, kept them apart.
“Get on your own side of the house,” shouted Rankin, shaking his fist. “You can’t insult me. You are a dirty contemptible scoundrel.”
The sergeant-at-arms helped quiet the Mississippian. Mills, apparently unexcited, then moved away, and the debate proceeded without a quorum call.
Much Filthy Language
The incident gave a running start to the last day of a debate which already had taken its place as one of the most plainly-worded discussions ever indulged in on the floor of congress. Passages of profanity and vile epithets contained in the record of the case have been repeated so often in the presence of the galleries that house officials found it necessary to admonish members against the use of indecent language.
By agreement the debate will end late to-lay, but it is doubtful whether a vote on the impeachment charges can be reached before tomorrow.
New Britain Herald, New Britain, CT, April 1, 1926