Riot in the Missouri House Over Prohibition
Prohibition does not seem to have a very smooth time in Missouri. The St. Louis Republic of April 4 has the following head lines, and the account seems to justify the headings: “Riot in Missouri House, Started by Republicans in Prohibition Debate,” “General Fist Fight Follows Attempt of Majority to Prevent Exodus from the Chamber,” “Score Hurt in Melee at the Door,” “Minority Members Quit Floor to Beat Motion to Table Bill.” The Globe-Democrat heads its account thus: “Women Join Riot in Missouri House Over Prohibition,” “Clothing Torn, Representatives Hardesty, Hawkins and a Clerk Assaulted.” Clothing was torn, collars and ties were disarranged and fisticuffs were narrowly averted. Women of the W. C. T. U. “got somewhat mixed up in the throng.” The St. Louis Republic declares that blows were exchanged in the melee and more than one solon came out of the mix-up bearing marks of the scrimmage. An eye-witness writes us that he was in the gallery and the fight took place directly underneath. “It was a scene hardly to be described. It required an eye-witness to understand it. Many were hurt and were limping around afterward. It seemed as tho pandemonium reigned and bedlam was let loose.” Such scenes are truly disgraceful. Greater is he that controls his spirit, than he that takes a city.