The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-12-10
TILLMAN Tits
With M'LAuRIN.
Challenged Him to Re
sign With Him.
REFUSED THE GAGE.
McLaurin Opened Battle by An
nouncing Party Leader.
CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY.
He Had Been HumiIlated ia Public Print aud
Was Not Invited to Join the Democratic
Caucus-Mr. Hoar Doubted IL
Either Of the South Carolina
Senator's We're Entitled
to Their Seats.
CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY.
fBy Associated Prcss.)

(By Associated Press.)
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.-The Senate
chamber was the scene OF a highly
dramatic episode to-day when Senator
Tillman. Of South Carolina, challenged
his colleague, Senator McLaurin, to re-
sign with him on the spot in order, to
use his own language. that they might
be able "to wash their dirty linen at
home" Mr.. McLaurin did not take up
the gage.
The exciting clash between the two SEN
ators to-day was the direct sequel of the
very bitter controversy which arose be-
tween them in South Carolina last spring.
Mr.. McLaurin arose to a question of per-
sonal privilege and proceeded to explain
what he charged was conspiracy to dis
credit him in his own State for acts and
views which did not meet the approval
of certain Democratic leaders.
He declared that he was being humil-
lated and, according to public prints, was
to be excluded from the Democratic eau
Gus because he had acted upon certain
public issues in a way he considered were
for the best interest of the people of the
country and Of his State. He announced
himself believer in the old Democracy,
and after denouncing the new Democratic
leaders, whom, he said, had brought de-
struction upon the party, declared that
he could not be driven from his allegi-
ance into party with weL:eeh he did not
care to affiliate.
DREW ANOTHER'S FIRE.
Mr.. McEaurin's statements drew the fire
Of Senator Jones, chairman, of the DEM
ocraic National Committee who denied
that he had any "ulterior motives in not
inviting Mr.. McLaurin to enter the eau
Gus From Mr.. Tillman it brought forth
a review Of the whole controversy. in the
course OF which Mr. Hoar took occasion
to express the opinion that it was very
doubtful whether both the South Carolina
seats in the Senate were not in reality
vacant.
He conten6ed that when the resigna-
tons were offered last spring to the Gov
ernor they could not thereafter he with
drawn, but that they became Immediately
operative.
He cited a precedent. and suggested
that the Committee on Privileges and
Elections should look into the matter.
The climax came when Senator Tillman
challenged Mr.. McLaurin to join with
him in preparing their joint resigna-
tions and handing thcm to the presiding
officer of the Senate. This challenge,
he viewer Mr. MoLaurin did not accept.
and the episode was brought to an abrupt
close by a motion Of Senator Lodge that
the Senate go into executive session.
SENATOR M'LAURIN'S POSITION.
When Mr.. McLaurin arose to question
of personal privilege. he had hefore him
a huge pile of manuscript. ~ arise to a
question of personal privilege in connec-
ton with the published statement that I
lave been excluded from participation in
the Democratic party" he announced.
With evidence of considerable emotion
he proceed to explain that If such was
the case and if he was to be without