Freedom in Debate.Indianapolis, Indiana, Locomotive [Democratic](23 May 1856)
-- Mr. Sumner, Senator from Massachusetts, was attacked in
the Senate Chamber by Mr. Brooks, Representative from South
Carolina, and so beaten with a cane, that at last accounts he was in
dangerous and critical condition. The assault was made
while Mr. Sumner was sitting at his desk, writing,
entirely unprepared, and is alleged, for an insult on the State,
and on a relative, in the speech of Mr. Sumner.
Committees were appointed in both houses to investigate the
matter, and pass on the conduct of Brooks. Freedom of
speech should be guarantied to all public men in debate on
public questions, and the spirit of ruffianism exhibited by
Brooks cannot be too highly censured. This is another
result of the bitter personal partisan spirit, that characterizes
the press and public speakers of the day, and while it continues,
will excite men to acts of lawless outrages that they would not
think of in calmer moments.
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