Black Day of the Indiana General Assembly

When Robertson attempted to enter the chamber he was attacked, beginning four hours of intermittent fighting that spread throughout the Indiana Statehouse.

The fight ended after Republicans and Democrats began threatening to kill each other and the Governor ordered police to get the situation under control.

Gray desired to be elected by the Indiana General Assembly to the United States Senate, but Democrats did not want him to rise farther because of his opposition to slavery and his support of rights for former slaves.

[2] Before the legislative session of 1887 began, Democrats had filed a court appeal to prevent Robertson from being seated, citing the election as unconstitutional.

[3] On February 24, the Monday following the court ruling, Robertson arrived at the statehouse to take his seat as lieutenant governor presiding over the Senate.

He was beaten to the floor and the Senate president pro tempore ordered the doormen to throw him out of the chamber and bar the door.

[3] Governor Gray had already sent for reinforcements from police of the city and county, ordering them to protect the Democrats and bring the situation under control.

[3] Governor Gray abandoned his attempt to be elected US Senator, and his promotion of a Republican replacement for himself was added to the list of issues his party held against him.