Words can be very powerful. Especially when they are used to insult one’s honor in Congress, which is a public forum.
The “Code” was what governed most gentleman. I don’t know that there was an exception for Congress.
I can’t think of any better reason to beat the daylights out of someone than if they publicly insulted me before the entire nation.
Think About it. They wouldn’t take that up North either.
Then why did Brooks apologize to the Senate, face an expulsion vote and end up resigning his seat (as did Keitt)?
I can’t think of any better reason to beat the daylights out of someone than if they publicly insulted me before the entire nation.
Except that Preston Brooks wasn't the one insulted by Sumner. It was his uncle.
I can’t think of any better reason to beat the daylights out of someone than if they publicly insulted me before the entire nation.
Really? You can't think of a better reason to beat someone almost to death than he insulted you? What strange priorties you have. I can think of lots of better reasons someone might deserve a beating than merely insulting me. Of course, by your moral code, I can walk up to Watie and give him a good thrashing with a heavy stick when he's not expecting it.