The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-10
DRAMATIC EPISODE.
FROM FIRST PACED


were such that he thought il would be en-
barrassing for him 10 enter the Democratic
caucus. 1 then said 10 him: You don't
wish TO be invited then?' and he replied,
Certainly AS to the charge of Interior
motive my part" continued Senator
Jones, Il am content to treat II with the
contempt it deserves. 1t is a notorious
fact, which everyone seems to understand
except the senator from South Carolina,
that there has been no Democratic caucus
at this session of Congress. L have no
hesitancy. however, in saying that in re-
cent conversation with a leading member
on the other side, said 10 him that did
not think the Democratic caucus could un-
dertake 10 provide committee assignments
for the senator from South Carolina"
Mr.. Ttllman. of South Carolina, was on his
feet when Mr.. Jones concluded. In his
characteristic way ne announced that while
his name had not been mentioned he real
lied that he was the cause of IL 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 resig-
nations TO the Governor Of South Carolina
last spring and told of the Governors sug-
gestion that the resignation be withdrawn
Mr.. Tillman said he contended that the
Governor was simply "a box into which
he had put letters for the Legislature"
but Mr.. McLaurin had fastened TO with
draw his letter. Mr.. Tillman said he had
examined the record and that of about 200
cases in the history Of the government
where senators had resigned Mr.. McLaurln
enjoyed the enviable distinction of being
the only one WHO had withdrawn his resig
nation after Offering it. AS to Mr.. McLau-
rims charge of conspiracy TO humiliate him
by barring him from the Democratic caucus
Mr. Tillman called attention TO the fact
that ne had not been in Washington dur
ing the extra session of the Senate last
spring. This conspiracy" he said, sis
dream conjured up by him. 1t is the crea-
ton of his own brain"
Mr.. McLaurin made no reply to Mr..
Tillman, but in replying 10 Senator Jones,
said he did not desire that there should be
anything personal in his charge, there
had been no ''ulterior purpose" in anything
he had done.
VIEWS OF MR.. HOAR
Mr.. Hoar addressed himself to the legality
of the resignation which the South Caro-
lima senators had sent to the Governor of
their State. He declared that the resigna-
ton of a legislative office vacated the Of
fee at once and he doubted whether such
designations could be withdrawn. He said
Speaker Blaine had so held on one occa-
sion in the House contrary to the English
notion. He said 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 the right
to address the Senate if the statements by
Mr.. Tillman were correct
Mr.. Tillman said he had been of the same
opinion heretofore, and in withdrawing his
resignation from the Governor of the State
na0 2OQeO, II was lawful 10 90 so. lie
suggested that the judiciary committee look
into the matter, as he should enjoy nothing
SO much as washing the dirty linen" at
home.
Jumping to his feet, Mr.. McLaurin de-
clared in ringing tones that ne was ready
to meet his colleague at any place or at
any time for the discussion of the issues
between them. Thereupon, in most dramatic
fashion, Mr.. Tillman challenged his col
league TO resign on the spot. Let us draw
up the papers now said he, land tender
Il, init 10 q h.
ing officer) and that will settle it,"
All eyes were turned upon Mr.. McLaurin.
but the latter did not rise from his seat or
make reply.
Mr. Hoar, explaining in detail the occa-
sion upon which Speaker Blaine had held
that a resignation Immediately vacated a
seat In the House, said 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 addressing
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 Immediately
declared the seat vacant, thus putting an
end TO all further proceedings. Mr.. Hoar
contended that il the facts bearing upon
the case of the South Carolina senators
had been correctly stated, II was doubtful
whether they were entitled to seats upon
the floor of the Senate at this time He
thought the committee on privileges and
elections should inquire into the matter.
Mr. TiIlman said If his colleague would
prepare any document that would vacate
his seat as well as his (Tillman's) he would
be glad to sign IL. AS long as he repre-
sented 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 announced smil-
ingly that while the designations were pre-
pairing he would move that the Senate go
into executive session. After half an hour
behind closed doors the Senate at 2:55 d. m.
adjourned.
Before the McLaurin-Till debate be-
gan there was the usual preliminary bust
numerous petitions, memorials, bills and
a reprint of the document relating to
| ecclesiastical holdings in the Philippines
He said there was a great public demand
for this publication. The reprint was or
dered.
Mr. Stewart, apropos OF the Preside ut S
| recommendation on the subject of irriga-
ton, called the attention of the judiciary
| committee TO what he said was a defect
| in the jurisdiction OF the United States
and presented joint resolution for a con-
stitutional amendment to cure the defect
| The presentation Of the resolution provoked
/ some discussion. and Mr.. Teller expressed
| the opinion that no constitutional amend
/ ment was necessary.
A Joint resolution was passed appropriate
/ ing SIS 600 in aid OF the South Carolina In
/ terstate and West Indian Exposition at
/ Charleston. The appropriation is required
\ 10 be used for the transportation and in
stallation OF a government exhibit at