Those dreadful Austrian deputies are still quarrelling!
The Reichsrath reassembled a few days ago, and continued to indulge in a mild form of misbehavior, which suddenly developed into the most shocking riot that has as yet occurred.
The old language question came up.
A number of petitions had been presented to the Parliament against the decree making it necessary for officials in Bohemia to understand both the German and Czech languages.
It was proposed, as these petitions were nearly all alike, that one would be chosen from them and read to the House, and the others merely accepted as reiterations of the same sentiments.
This project raised a most fearful outcry from the opposition, and was the signal for such a scene of violence that the very visitors in the galleries leaned over the railings and called shame on the deputies.
The President suspended the sitting, and then had to fly for his life, for the deputies, angry that he should attempt to control them, made a rush for his desk, calling him all the unpleasant names they could think of.
The Bohemian deputy, Dr. Wolff, at once assumed the lead. He was the first to reach the tribune or raised platform on which the President sits, and seizing the bell which was placed on the table, he swung it to and fro, shouting and screaming to make himself heard.
Then another deputy, deciding that he would like to have the bell, fell upon Dr. Wolff, and a free fight began.
The deputies struck one another, tore one another's clothes, and at last got out their pocket-knives and began to use them as daggers.