Vidal Gore — Eighteen Seventy [3018]

A sudden roar from every side of the chamber, and the battle was joined. Members of both houses were on their feet. Finally a New York congressman was recognized. He objected to the returns favouring Hayes. A Californian and an Iowan each objected to the returns favouring Tilden. — Vidal Gore, Eighteen Seventy, 3018

Note

The casual manner of Senator Ferry’s question belies the tense atmosphere, creating dramatic irony as the reader anticipates the brewing conflict.