New-York tribune., 1901-05-26
FlGHTIN SOUTH CAROLINA
BOTH TILLMAN AND MLAURIN RESIGN
FROM THE SENATE.
RIVALS MEET IN JOINT DEBATE AND EX-
CHANGE LIVELY PERSONAL---VERY.
APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE rnIBuHE.I

APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.
IBT TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNEl
Columbia, S. c., May Ex-senator Benjamin r.
Tillman whose term expires March 1, 1907, and
Senator John L. McLaurin, whose term expires
March 4. 1903. have resigned from the United
States Senate. This was the eliminating episode
of joint debate at Ganney to-day There
Senator McLaurin declared his Democracy and
maintained his right to think and act for the
good Of his people he saw it. while Senator
Ifllman told the people that his colleague was a
traitor. a Republican, and unworthy of conf
dence. There was in reality very little argu-
ment. McLaurn had the opening and the reply
He was moderate in his first speech, but after
Senator Tillman had handled his pitchfork in his
characteristic style McLaurin met the onslaught
in a similar manner.
TGlman declared that McLaurn had stolen the
Rev. DR.. Dykes sermon. McLaurin replied
that if half the charges true Tillman had
stolen good deal in South Carolina that was
far from sermon. Tillman was a bully and
blusterer, but he could handle him, he said. very
easily.
Tillman had said in his speech that il the
people elected McLaurin he would take it as
notice that they did not want him. If Nc
Laurin was Democrat he CTtllman was not.
The junior Senator in reply taunted Tillman
ed. benjamin the Tillmanite." he said. will
never be found resigning from anything
At this Tillman sprang up and declared that
he would resign the spot if McLaurin would
do so
That suits me-" said McLaurin.
Draw up the papers," said Tillman. "and
we'll sign now"
Agreed" answered McLaurin.
Tllman then said he would not reply to Nc
Laurin's charge that he was brutal in his treat
ment and indecent in harassng him, they
would be before the people soon.
Tillman then retired to the law office of j. C.
Otis. and drew up his resignation follows:
His Excellency Governor NJ. B. McSweeney.
Columbia.
Sir: We hereby tender our designations as
Senators from South Carolina in the United
States Senate. and ask as personal favor that
You do not appoint our successors, unless there
is an extra session OF the Senate, until the Dem
ocratc State Committee shall have ordered a
primary TO choose the men to be appointed II
you will kindly advise the State chairman Of the
Democratic party and ask prompt action in or
dering such a primary and arranging for
of the candidates. shall be under OBJ
B. r. TILLMAN.
The paper was given to Mr.. Otis TO take to
McLaurin who amended II by providing that
the campaign should be between himself and
Tillman for the long term McLaurin then
signed. Ttllman refused 10 acceue ana wrote
to McLaurin follows:
I have complied strictly with your taunting
proposition that Benjamin the Timanite took
good care not 10 put himself in any jeopardy.
You agreed 10, resign, and repeated your Will
ingness to do Now you seem TO dodge out
by putting an impossible condition. We cannot
dictate to the Governor or the executive COM
rnittee. We can only do what we said we would
and leave the rest TO the authorities. VIII you
or will you not stand by your pledge?
After further warm correspondence resigna-
tions were signed. to take effect November II.
Senator McLaurin being unable 10 stand sum-
mer campaign. This leaves the two offices open
TO all candidates without reserve. The resigna-
tlons we're mailed 10 the Governor tonight.
Tillman was reelected last summer to the
United States Senate for six years. and Nc
I.aurin has still two years to serve. Should
Tilman he sustained, McLaurins seat will be
vacant II MCLaurn is successful he Will sue
ceed TO Tillman's long term.
Under the election methods in this state the
Democratic State Executive Committee Will ar
range a campaign and the candidates will speak
in each of the forty counties of the State. At
the primary election the candidates will be voted
for directly. The General Assembly merely con-
firms the action of the primary. The campaign
will begin a year earlier than was expected but
there are half dozen candidates in the field.
Each must specify for which term he is a cam
didate.