jan 31, 1856 - Caning of senator sumner

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Kansas issues leaked into the senate. In 1856 Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner verbally attacked the democratic administration in a speech. Congressman PReston brooks defended his uncle's absence by walking into the senate chamber and beating Sumner over the head with a cane. Northerners were outraged and southerners were pleased. This demonstrates another example of the growing tensions on each side.

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