So you think that violence is an appropriate reaction to words. You think that, because someone insults your uncle, you're entitled to beat him unconscious. Good to know.
Under the Code Duello, in use at the time,...
In use where? In the Senate chamber?
Sam Houston beat Congressman Stanberry years earlier, over a speech as well.
True, but Houston approached Stanberry in the street and Stanberry was armed with pistols and a knife. He actually pushed one of the pistols into Houston's chest, but it misfired.
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.