This was voted down without debate by the "combine," some of whom kept a wooden stolidity of look, while others leered at me with sneering insolence.

I then moved that it be reported unfavorably, and again the motion was voted down by the same majority and in the same fashion.

I then put the bill in my pocket and announced that I would report it anyhow.

This almost precipitated a riot, especially when I explained, in answer to statements that my conduct would be exposed on the floor of the Legislature, that in that case I should give the Legislature the reasons why I suspected that the men holding up all report of the bill were holding it up for purposes of blackmail.

The riot did not come off; partly, I think, because the opportune production of the chair-leg had a sedative effect, and partly owing to wise counsels from one or two of my opponents.
Accordingly I got the bill reported to the Legislature and put on the calendar.