The Savannah morning news., 1901-12-10
TlLLMAN- M'LAURIN.

a
Tillman, but he arose for a moment to
reply to Senator Jones to say that he
did not desire that there should be
anything personal in his charge that
there had been an Interior purpose"
in anything he had done. II thought I
was justified in saying what 1 did"
said he. II accept his disclaimer"
Il disclaim nothing replied Mr..
Jones. without rising from his seat.
Il simply contradicted."
Il thank the senator for his cour-
tesy," obsered Mr.. McLaurin, bowling
with mock Difference as he took his
seat.
Mr.. Hoar of Massachusetts, addressed
himself to the legality of the resig-
nations which the South Carolina sem
ators had sent to the Governor of their
state. He declared that the resigna-
ton of legislative officer vacates the
Office at once and that he doubted
whether such designations could be
withdrawn. He said that Speaker
Blaine had so held upon one occasion.
Blaine had so held upon one occasion
in the House contrary to the English
notion that a legislative Office cannot
be resigned. He said that a man could
not be kept in Office against his will,
and raised a laugh by observing that
in his opinion neither of the South
Carolina senators had a right to sa-
dress the Senate if the statements made
by Mr.. Tillman were correct.
In reply to the sally Mr.. Tillman
said he had himself been of the same
opinion, although he was not a law
yer, and in Withdrawing his resigna-
ton from the governor of the state he
added that he withdrew it ''if it was
lawful to do So" He suggested that
the Judiciary Committee should look
into the matter as he should enjoy
nothing so much as washing the dirty
linen at home.
Mr.. TilIman's Challenge.
Jumping to his feet, Mr.. McLaurin
Iecdy to meet his colleague at any
place - at any time for the discussion
of the issues between them. There
upon, in the nlNst dramatic fashion, Mr..
Tillman challenged his colleague to re-
sign on the spot.
Let us draw up the papers now"
said he, land tender them to this man"
pointing with outstretched arm toward
the presiding officer, "and that will se--
tie it,
All eyes were turned upon Mr.. Nc
Laurin as Mr.. Tillman paused as if
waiting for his colleague to accept the
looking him steadily in the eye, did
not rise from his seat or make reply.
HOar Recalls an Incident.
Mr.. Hoar again took the floor and
explained in detail the occasion upon
which Speaker Blaine had held that a
resignation Immediately vacated a seat
in the House. A resolution for the ex-
pulsion of a member from South Caro-
| lima was about to be voted upon, and
the member, knowing that the reso-
luton would be adopted sent his resig-
| nation to the chair with the intention
| of addressing the House and then
offering it before the vote on the reso-
luton was taken. AS soon as Speaker
Blaine saw the nature of the communi-
cation sent to him he Immediately de-
clared the seat vacant, thus putting an
end to all further proceedings. Mr..
Hoar contended that if the facts hear
ing upon the case of the South Caro-
lima senators had been correctly stated,
it was doubtful whether they were en-
titled to seats upon the floor of the
Senate at this time He thoght the
committee on Privileges and Elections
should inquire into the matter.
Mr.. Tillman said he was glad that
his own legal instinct had been backed
up by such an eminent authority as the
chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
If his colleague would prepare any doc
ument that would vacate his seat as
well as his (Tillman's) he would be
glad to sign it. AS long as he repre-
scented the people on the floor. he said
in conclusion, he proposed to represent
them honestly and not in a fashion
which was a disgrace to his state.
Mr.. Lodge at this point arose and
announced with a smile on his face
that while the designations were pre-
pairing he would move that the Senate
go into executive session. The motion
was carried.
After half an hour behind closed
doors the Senate adjourned.