The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-25
AND BE A DlSC0URTEsY TO THE PRINCE
This in View of the Contempt Pro
ceedings, Says the Rough Rider. Be
fore Taking Action He Asked Sena-
tor Cockrell to Suggest to Tllman
the Propriety of Withdrawal OF
the Latter's Acceptance, But the
South Carolina Senator Refused to
do This.
(By the Associated Press }

Washington, Fe. 24-The President has
Withdrawn his invitation extended to Sen
ator Tillman, of South Carolina, to at
tend the dinne. to be given tonight in
honor of Prince Henry, of Prussia, at the
White House. 1t is stated that this ac-
tion on the part of the President was
made necessary from the fact that owing
TO occurrences on the floor Of the Senate
last Saturday the Senator from South
Carolina was declared in contempt of
the Senate. Senator Martin, of Virginia,
mans place. The invitation was extend
cd 20 Mr. Tiilman owing TO the fact THAI
he is the ranking minority member 81
the Naval Affairs Committed
There was d sensational sequel to tie
decision Of the President to eliminate Sen
ator Tiliman's name from the list of din
ler guests. The President sent for SEN
ator Cockrell, of Missouri and asked him
rs q friend, and Democrat colleague Of
Mr.. Tillman to suggest to the latter the
Tropriety OF Withdrawing his acceptance
Of the dinner invitation. The President
explained his attitude in the matter and
said that, In view of the contempt pro-
oecdinss, Mr.. Tillman's presence would
not only be an affront to the Senate but
q discourtesy TO Prince Henry. Mr. Cock
rell accepted the commission and later
telephoned TO the President that Mr. Till
man absolutely refused to withdraw his
acceptance IN response TO the Presidents
suggestion. The President then immc-
t'iately cancelled the invitation in note
re dispatched directly to Mr.. Tillman
shortly before noon today. In this note.
which was very brief and formal. the
President stated lie regretted he was
obliged to withdraw the invitation Stimuli
taneously Senator Martin. of Virginia
wss invited to take Mr.. Tilfman's place
st the dinner rs the next ranking Demo-
cratic member Of the Senate Naval Af-
fairs Committed
Tha following is tho letter from the
White House Withdrawing Mr.. Tillmln's
invitation. tc dine there tonight:
white House. February 24
The President regrets that he is COM
elled to withdraw the invitation to you
10 dine tonight at the White House.
Very truly yours,
GEORGE i. CORTEIYOT
Secretary to the President
Commenting upon the letter. Mr.. Till
man says:
"The President Of course has the right
20 invite any one he chooses to dine with
him officially or otherwise aud also has
The right to withdraw such Invitation.
Ae am not conscious Of having done
anything personal or official which gives
~, ;nf,4
am surprised at his action The invita-
ton to this dinner came 20 me unsoNsl,f
ard unexpectedly. and so far as the with
drawal is concerned il is.a matter Of ab-
solute Indifference to me. II is the mo-
tive behind which seeks 10 put me in the
condition OF unworthinoss to meet the
President and his guest before final ac-
iion by the Senate Prince Henry the
Presidents guest. comes from country
where custom makes it obligatory upon
any man who regards himself as a gen
Deman to promptly resent an Insult and
the method is BY challenge TO q dIel.
That was once the custom b,it it is now
obsolete IN the United States ara we have
been forced as q people here 70 cling 10
tho old Anglo Saxor rule Of. considering
the lie direct as the first blow and No
man could hold Up his head in decent
society should he. being nnar enouSh TO
erswer the lie with blow, not give IT,
"As for my being in contempt OF the
Senate which | presume is The excuse for
this Insult at the hands Of The President
that ] deny. have been guilty OF
breach OF the rules and the privileges OF
the Senate. The Senate WIS net sitting
as court but as a legislative assem- by.
II has the right 10 excel ne If it secs fit
and ] am ready TO abide hy lis judgment
and action. 1t has The right 10 arrest
zoe and to hold me in custody until it
makes disposition Of my case. but it has
no right to gag mo and the President ha
10 right to judge me guilty of conduct
unbeeonlins 2. gentleman unless be be-
lies ali his artecedaIta which lead one
tc believe that he would have done Just
e. / did Under nc circumstance AS to
which of US is ihe gentleman In this