The President interrupted the debate, and inquired whether the Chamber would permit him to read a telegram which had just been received, and was of some importance in relation to the subject under consideration.
"No! No!" "We are debating this among ourselves!" "Our deliberations must be free and untrammelled!" "No outside parties have a right to interfere!" cried the one side.
"Yes! Yes!" "Let us have it!" "Read it to us!" cried the others, and all was confusion.
The President at last restored order, and then informed us that the telegram was from the House of Parliament of the neighboring state. He desired to know whether he might read it to the assembly. He would permit no debate on the subject; those who were in favor of the reading, would simply rise.
The majority arose, and Loedinger was almost trembling with emotion when he grasped my hand and said, "Brother, the day is ours!"
The President read the telegram. It was to the effect that a small though decided majority of the Parliament of the next state had determined that their forces should take the field.
Then followed, both on the floor and in the galleries, a few moments of terrible confusion and excitement.
Order was at last restored, and the President announced that the business would now be proceeded with.
I had the floor.
"Make no speech--ask for a vote at once," said Loedinger, as I arose. I acted on his advice.