New-York tribune., 1902-02-23
FIST FIGHT IN SENATE.
Continued from first page.

lessly about in the rear OF the chamber. and the
assistant sergeant at arms B. W. Layton, rose
from his if to listen the better 70 what
was about TO be said
During my absence" continued Mr.. McLau-
rim, "a few moments ago from the Senate Cham
! Der in attendance upon the Committee on Ind
| ian Affairs the Senator who has just taken
| his seat (Mr. Timan) said that improper in
| f1uences had been used in changing the vote OF
| somebody on that treaty, and then went on
| later and said that it applied to the Senator
| from South Carolina who had been given the
| patronage in that State. l think get the sense
of the controversy"
Still controlling himself with an effort. but
| still speaking calmly and with carefully modu-
! lated tone Mr.. McLaurin said. and his words
| cut through the Senate Chamber like a knife:
! Il desire to state, Mr.. President, l would not
! use strong language intend had not
soon after the Senate met replied to these in
| situations and said that they untrue.
Il now say" continued Mr.. McLaurin, with
distinct emphasis every word and half turn
| ing toward his colleague. Mr.. Tillman, who
sat in the row only three seats away,
'.thnt the statement is IL wiIfuI, malicious
| and deliberate lie
Mr. McLaurin got no further with his state
! ment.
| Mr.. Timan, who occupying his regular
/ seat the main aisle. sprang with tigerlike
] ferOcity at his colleague
BLOWS GIVEN AND TAKEN
Mr.. Teller, who was sitting at his desk be
tween the two South Carolina Senators.
swept aside without ceremony. Indeed. the in
| furated Tilman climbed over him in his effort
! 10 reach McLaurin.
Without the slightest hesitation Mr. McLaurin
! sprang to meet the attack half way. Mr.. Till
man aimed a wild blow at his colleague with his
! right fist. 1t landed Mr.. McLaurin's fore
head. just above the left eye although its force
! was partially spent on McLaurins arm, which
he had raised in effort to parry the blow.
Instantly McLaurins right arm shot out the
! blow landing Tillman's face, apparently
the nose. Again Tillman struck out frantcally.
this time with his left hand. The blow did not
land on McLaurn Then followed wild scrm-
mage both Senators clutchng at each other
madly.
Senators Warren and Scott. both of whom are
powerful men, rushed toward the combatants to
separate them. The assistant sergeant-at-arms
Mr.. Layton, sprang over desks in his effort 70
reach the belligerent Senators. Just as he
seized McLaurin Tillman aimed a left handed
| blow at his colleague. which struck Mr.. Layton
in the face. Fortunately the blow was glancing
and did no special harm.
Mr. Layton tore them apart Both Senators
still were striking wildly at each other some of
the blows landing upon Mr.. Layton. An instant
later the angry Senators were pinoned in the
arms of Senator'S Scott and Warren They were
dragged further apart. although they still made
Intellectual efforts to get at each other Finally
they were forced into their seats
Mr. McLaurin. although very male seemed N
he the calmer Of the two. Mr. TllIman was as
white as a sheet. As he sat down in his seat
ne drew his handkerchief from his pocket and
wiped blood from his face that seemingly was
howing slightly from his nose. Untn that time
it had not been supposed that blood had been
drawn in the encounter.
MIR. FRYE RESTORES ORDER.
During the fight Senators all over the chamber
were on their feet. Not a word was spoken
however The Senate rarely in it's history had
received such shock.
Ihe President pro tempore, Mr. Frye was the
first to regain composure In calm and unim-
passioned tones. he directed that the Senate be
IN order. He raped sharply two or three times
with his gavel, and in a few minutes a sembIance
OF order was obtained. although Senators hav
ing by this time partially recovered from Tho
shock, moved hurredly about the chamber
Mr. Galnger was the first TO address III.
Mr. President" said he, Il ask that the doors
Again the President pro tempore requested the
senate to be in order. and that Senators re-
sumo their seats.
1t was reserved for Mr.. Pritchard. of North
carolina, in measure relieve the strain
under which all were laborng. He desired 10
address the Senate the pending Philinnina
pill and calling for the attention of the Chair.
, fifth, IF the Senator from South Carolina CMr Nc
Laurin) has cOnCluded'-
He interrupted bv Mr. NcTaurir v,bo
said calmly "''
Il will now proceed with my remarks. which
were so unceremOniousy interrupted
4 call the Senator from South Carolina n
order Interrupted Mr.. Teller.
Which one. Of the Senator's" inquired Mr.
McI1aurlp with some aspsrity.
This one. said Mr. Teller, indicating Mr.
McLaurin. and The other one too for that
Mr. President" intertected Mr. Foral,or .r
JOIN In that Surely he continued. with great
feeling, his face pale with excitement there is
some way 10 protect the dignity of this bodv
Certainly" said Mr.. Burrows who had been
endeavoring TO get the eye of the Chair and
me me senate cannot let this thing pass Mr..
Mr President" again said Mr.. Gallinger. u
asked that the doors might be closed"
Mr. President" said Mr. Foraker who had
moved into the main aisle. Il move that the
senate go into executive session.
ing unSer tbs coent nroti6 every Senator labor
conceal the motion was agreed to. and the doors
were closed. ~
BOTH DECLARED IN CONTEMPT
The proceedings after the doors were closed
covered almost two hours of time. and resulted
in the adoption OF resolution in the form or an
order, follows:
Ordered, That the two Senators from, the state
OF South Carolina be declared in contamDt of
lhe senate on account of the alteration and
personal encounter between them this dav T., |
open session. ard that the matter be referred TO
the Committee on Privileges and Elections with
instructions to report what action shall bo talTel
pN the Senate in regard thereto
The discussion which occurred in the sacre, |
session based largely on the above reso,,-
uon. the first suggestion Of which was made |