How it was Done in Arkansas.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 28, 25 May 1870, Page 3

How it was Done in Arkansas.

The recent brawls in. the House at Washington remind us of a story we heard in Arkansas several years since, and which has never been in print. It is no disrespect to the present enlightened and genial Stata of Arkansas to say that in its incipient or territorial days it was rather rough. It was a very common thing for a man to leave the bosom of hi 3 family in sound health, and return dead at night. Cuttings, slashings, and shootings were of daily occurrence. It was dangerous to be safe. The Legislature was composed chiefly of bullies and blacklegs, and the scenes enacted by them were often very eccentric. A fight arose about something in the House one day. The Hon. Mr Banger, of Napoleon, called the Hon. Mr Slanger, of Helena, a liar. The Hon. Slanger retorted with a bullet, which took off the Hon. Banger's left ear. Both then sprang into the centre of the hall with drawn bowie knives. The Speaker said, " By Jove, we must have fair play in this business!" and rushed out into the floor with a cocked pistol in one hand; and a tremendous "toothpick" in the other, and commanded, in tones of thunder, the representatives to form a ring. This was done, and, in the classics of the times, the combatants "went in." They cut each other-frigntfully, and for quite a spell it was difficult to decide who was the better man. VJBut at last Banger, by an adroit thrust, cut off Slanger's head, and instant death was the result. The remains were removed, and order was then restored. Mr Banger arose and said, " It is my pain ful duty to announce to this House the death of the Hon. W. Slanger, of Helena. He was good at draw-poker and faro, ' t and handled the toothpick beautiful. He was of no account at legislatin'. He was middim' on hosses. He put on too manyscollops. He had no family 'ceptin' his brother Bill, the best poker player on Red River. I move resolutions of respect be passed, and for'arded to his brother Bill." They were passed.— Cleveland Pteindealer.