The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-12-10
HIGHLY DRArlATIC SCENE
in THE SENATE CHAr1BER
Senator Tan of South Carolina Challenges His Colleague,
Senator McLaurn, to Resign With Him After Brief but
Bitter Controversy Concerning Their Respective Policies

he (Jones) had said that he himself would
see the Senator from South Carolina
Il met him in the cloakroOm, said
Jones, land, recalling the fact that he
had not attended Democratic caucus
for more than two years, asked him
what his status was. He replied that his
relations with the party were SUCH that
he thought it would be embarrassing for
him to enter the Democratic caucus. 1
then said to him, You do not wish to be
invited, then? and he replied, Certainly.
As to the charge of Interior motive on
my part" continued Senator Jones, Il
am content to treat it with the contempt
Tillman of South Carolina was on his
feet when Jones concluded. In his char
acteristic way he answered that while
his name had not been mentioned, he was
the cause of it all. He would not at this
time make an extended reply. Briefly he
reviewed the controversy between himself
and Senator McLaurin which led to the
joint tender of their designations to the
Governor of South Carolina last spring,
and told of the Governors suggestion
that the designations be withdrawn
Tillman said he contended that the Gov
ernor was simply "a box into which he
had put letters for the Legislature" and
that they could not undo the act, but Nc
Laurin had FASTENED TO withdraw his let
ter. Tillman said he had examined the
record, and that of about 200 cases in the
history of the Government where Sen
ators had resigned McLaurin enjoyed the
distinction of being the only one who had
withdrawn his resignation after offering
it.
McLaurin made no reply to Tillman, but
in replying to Senator Jones said that he
did not desire that there should be any
thing personal in his charge that there
had been an ''ulterior purpose" in any
thing he had done.
Hoar of Massachusetts addressed him
self to the legality of the designations
which the South Carolina Senators had
sent to the Governor of their State. He
declared that the resignation of a legis-
lative officer vacated the office at once,
49, i
nations could be withdrawn. In his opin-
ion neither of the South Carolina SEN
ators had right to address the Senate
if the statements made by Tillman were
correct.
Tfllman said he had been of the same
opinion himself, and he suggested that
matter, as he should enjoy nothing so
much as washing the dirty linen" at
home.
Tillman Again Proposes to Resign.
Jumping to his feet McLaurin declared in
ringing tones that he was ready to meet
for the discussion of the issues between
them. Thereupon. in most dramatic fash
ion, Tillman challenged his colleague to
pap on sPd he and ener up
to this man pointing to the presiding Of
f1cer), and that will settle it,"
All eyes were turned upon McLaurin,
but the latter did not rise from his seat
or make reply.
Hoar explained in detail the occasion
upon which Speaker Blaine had held that
a resignation Immediately vacated a seat
In the House, and said a resolution for the
expulsion of a member from South Caro-
lima was about to be voted upon, and the
member, knowing that the resolution
would be adopted sent his resignation to
the chair, with the intention of address,
ing the House and then offering it before
the vote on the resolution was taken. AS
soon as Speaker Blaine saw the nature of
the communication sent to him he imme-
| diately declared the seat vacant, thus put
| ting an end to all further proceedings
Hoar contended that if the facts bearing
| upon the case of the South Carolina SEN
| ators had been correctly stated it was
| doubtful whether they were entitled to
| seats upon the floor of the Senate at this
| time
Tillman said if his colleague would pre-
pare any document that would vacate his
! seat as well as his (Tillman's) he would
! be glad to sign 1t.
Lodge at this point announced smiling
| ly that while the designations were pre-
pairing he would move that the Senate go
into executive session. After a half-hour
behind closed doors the Senate at 2:55
p. m. adjourned