HOUSE FLOOR FIGHT ALMOST BECOMES PHYSICAL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 17, 1923, "a fist fight on the floor of the House" between Rep. Marvin Jones* (D-Texas) and Rep. Otis Wingo* (D-Arkansas) "was averted by colleagues."
The episode was triggered in an issue regarding the "controlling of time" in debate on the Strong bill for farm credits.
Rep. Jones said..."under the guise of opposing the bill, the gentleman is endeavoring to control the time."
Rep. Wingo responded by attempting to grab Jones around the neck with both hands and then hit him. Fortunately, that is when colleagues stepped in and separated the two men.
*John Marvin Jones (1882-1976) was born in Valley View, Texas & attended John B. Denton College, 1902, Southwestern University, 1905. JMJ served in the US Army in WWI & the U.S. House of Representatives, 1931-1940. He served as a Judge on the Court of Claims 1940-1976.
**Otis Theodore Wingo (1877-1930) was born in Weakley County, TN & attended Bethel College & Valparaiso University. OTW served in the US House of Representatives, 1913-1930.
SOURCE
"Fight Averted When Members of House Clash," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 17, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
tOtis Theodore Wingo