The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-12-10

Opposed to Sectfonalism.
Continuing, Mr.. MeLaurin said he could
be silent did he not fear that the move
ment against him was one to keep alive
sectionaliSm. For many years the people
Of the South had realized that they had
not obtained their fair share of the Ea-
tional benefits. Mr.. McLaurin recalled
the fact that although Samuel j. Randall
had advocated protective tar1ff, ne haa
been voted for in a Democratic national
convention for president. Hancock, al
though he declared that the tariff was a
local issue, had been nominated Cor pres
ident, and David B. Hill, although he
opposed the income tax, had not been
read out of the Democratic party.
The holding of such views by North
western men, no matter how diverse, dla
not endanger the position of certain po-
litieal leaders and consequently they were
immune from attack. But when South
ern man tried to get. the benefit OF the
tariff for his people, those whose political
career might be ended by the success OF
his efforts were ready to crush and hui
initiate him. He had contended that if
the tariff were robbery his section
should share in the booty. Upon the Is
sue of that speech he had later gone into
campaign in South Carolina, and al
though his Democracy has been attacked
upon the stump the people of his state
had Endorsed him.
Not Bought by Patronage.
Now the principal charge against him
was that during the Mckinley administra-
ton he had been bought by patronage,
and that he had renewed his former con-
tract with President Roosevelt Enter
tanning the high personal regard that he
did for both the late president and his
successor, Mr.. McLaurin said it would be
unnecessary for him to say that neither
would stoop to so ignoble an act He
paid high tribute to the late president,
whom he characterized as broad
statesman and Christian gentleman.
While without official knowledge of
the charges brought against him by his
Democratic colleagues from the newspa-
pers, he understood that the principal
charges were that he had not opposed
the ratification Of the treaty of peace
with Spain, that he had upheld the adj
ministration in its efforts to restore or
der in the Philippines and to that end
had voted for an increase in the standing
army, and that he was in favor of the
upbuilding of the American merchant
marine.
eff these are the only charges said
he dramatically, they are true and
glory in them" He said the dictates of
reason and conscience should not be
stifed by the party lash.
In conclusion Mr.. McLaurin said he
did not propose to be driven from his
own party nor to be forced into afiilla-
ton with the party with which he did
not care to ally himself, and that on
great public questions he would act ac-
cording to the dictates of his own con-
science and best judgment.
When Mr. McT,aurin took his seat Mr.
Jones (Ark.) said some of the statements
made by Mr.. McLaurin he considered
a reflection upon himself, and went on to
explain the cloakroom incident. He had
no hesitancy, however, in saying that in
a recent conversation with leading mem
! Der on the other side he said to him that
he did not think the Democratic caucus
could undertake to provide committee as
signments for the senator from South
Carolina.
PitchfOrk Orator Heard.
Mr.. Tillman was on his feet when Mr..
Jones concluded. In his characteristic
way he announced that while his name
had not been mentioned, he realized that
he was the cause of it all. He would not
at this time make an extended reply.
Briefly he reviewed the controversy be-
tween himself and Senator McLaurin,
tCAANeOA
designations to the governor Of South
Carolina last spring and told of thu scv-
I errors suggestion that the designations
be withdrawn. Mr.. Tillman said he con-
tended that the governor was simply
"a box into which be had put letters
for the legislature and that they could
not undo their act, but Mr.. McLaurin
has FASTENED to withdraw his letter. Mr..
Tillman said he had examined the rec
o,,I So in, no ctfNrIy
of the government where senators had
resigned Mr.. McLaurin enjoyed the en-
viable distinction of being the only one
who had withdrawn his resignation after
offering it.
AS to Mr. McLaurin's charge of a con-
spiracy to humiliate him by barring him
from the Democratic caucus, Mr.. TIL
man called attention to the fact that he
had not been in Washington during the
extra session of the senate last spring.
This conspiracy he said, lis dream
conjured up by him. It is the creation
! of his own BRAIN
Challenged to Resign.
Mr.. McLaurin made no reply to Mr. Till
man, but in replying to Senator Jones,
| said that he did not desire that there
| that there had been an Interior purpose
in anything he had done.
| Mr.. Hoar, Massachusetts. raised a laugh
| by observing that in his opinion neither
| of the South Carolina senators had g
right to address the senate il the state
ments by Mr.. Tillman were correct.
/ Mr. Tillman said he had been of the
same opinion, and in withdrawing his
resignation from the governor of the state
had added: IF it was lawful to do so. u
He suggested that the judiciary commit
| tee 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 he was ready
to meet his colleague at any place OF
| at any time for the discussion of the is
| sues between them. Thereupon, in mos
dramatic fashion, Mr.. Tillman challenged
his colleague to resign on the spot Lei
Us draw up the papers now said he
| land tender them to this man (pointine
to the presiding officer, and that will set
tie it, All eyes were turned on Mr. Me.
| Laurin, but the latter did not arise from
| his seat nor make reply.