New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-04
TILLMAN TACKLES MORGAN.
HOMESTEAD BILI1-MONEY FOR
THE POSTAL CONGRESS.

Washington May 3-Senator Tillman, OF
South Carolina, was heard from briefly and
pointedy in the Senate to-day after silence OF
many weeks. and as usual his remarks served
to arouse a lively controversy. 1t occurred dur
ing the consideration of the Free Homestead
bill An amendment was offered by Mr.. Morgan
giving all public lands not taken up by home
stead entry on January l. 1890. to the several
States and Territories for educational purposes
Mr.. Morgan's proposition aroused much oppo-
sition. Mr.. Hawley characterized it as
startling reversal of the policy of the Govern
ment involving the complete disposal of all pub
lie lands with their incalcuabe wealth Of mines
and forests.
Mr. Tillman advanced down the middle aisle
until abreast of Mr. Morgan, and then in his
characteristic explosive style, with index finger
aimed at the Alabama Senator, began firing
voey Of questions on the justice Of giving all
the Government lands to States, thus deprivng
the other States Of Federal aid to education.
Don't you suppose" said Mr.. Tillman. that
we have as many poor children needing educa-
ton as you have and as a matter of decency do
you propose to gobble up all these lands?'
II am not a gobbler" returned Mr.. Morgan
so that the rules applying to gobbers do not
apply to me-
ton meant that one class of States was to gobble
up all the lands. He added that his State al
ready had done much for Mr.. Morgan's State,
peopng 1t and redeeming it from the Indians.
IF So" replied Mr.. Morgan, with a touch Of
sarcasm Il am willing TO vote to return to South
Carolina all the people she ever gave to Ala
bama."
Il have never heard ii insinuated they were
not respectable people" said Mr.. Tman.
Respectable and poor" observed Mr. Morgan.
eyes. poor. God knows" continued Mr.. Till
man, and because we are poor we protest
against your stealing what they have left
For the first time Mr.. Morgan showed signs OF
irritation and turning TO the presiding officer,
Mr.. Mantle being temporarily in the chair, he
protested against the Of the words 'gobbe"
and stealing" Without waiting for a ruling
from the Chair the coloquy proceeded
"If is not stealing it is very much akin to II"
remarked Mr.. Timan
Mr.. Morgan said it was not surprising TO near
of stealing" from a Senator who had proposed
IN relieve his State from the Federal taxes on
liquor.
eve have made the liquor laws Of South Caro-
lima so as TO benefit the poor, educate the chill
dren reduce drunkenness one-half and shut up
every barroom in the State" responded MI TILL
man He added that he would later discuss the
South Carolina liquor law, showing no" IL 'o"iu
be well applied to other States
Mr.. Morgan then said he would not have en-
tered upon this subject If he had thought IL
would lead the Senator into such an Intoxicating
strain He insisted he said the orderly con-
duct OF business of the Senate, and he was not
TO be taken off his feet by intrusions
There was no purpose TO take the Senator OH
his feet" asserted Mr.. Tlllman.
II have been here a long time continued
Mr. Morgan, land this Is the first time Senator
has attempted to take me off my feet by re,
marks personally offensive, even though uttered
I'm spirit Of levity and badinage."
After Mr. Morgan had discussed the merits oI
hia aynendment Mr. Tillman secured the floor
and disclaimed any purpose to speak hippantly
or dscourteousy 10 MIR. Morgan or To take MIN
off his feet. ,,, 10, ham Col,
This closed the incident. which had been foi-
,oyed with much interest by Senators ana spec
tatOrs IT., ouordnan,
Mr. Morgan finally WITHDREW MS aihe'oi"e"'
q, order not to embarrass the bill
!" M agreement was then reached that final
vote on the bill be taken at p IN. to-inorro"'