Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1902-02-26
HAD A FREE FIGHT
TiIlnan and McLaurin Come to Blows
In the Senate Chamber.
BOTH SUSPENDED FOR CONTEMPT.
Sensational Development In the Old
Controversy Between the Senior
and Junior Senator From s. c.
Special. Washing

Washington. Special-Washing
tons birthday was signalized in the
United States Senate by fist fight.
The two Senator's from South Caro-
lima were the active participants in the
affray. MIR. Tillman. in the course of n
speech upon the Philippine tariff, made
serious reflections upon the honor of
his colleague, Mr.. McInurin. In brief
he charged that Mr.. McLaurin's vote in
support of the ratification Of the treaty
of Paris had been east through the air
of improper influences.
His statement was developed in n
cOlloquy between him and Mr.. Spooner
of Wisconsin. MIR. Tillman at first
declined to mention names but when
the Wisconsin Senator reminded him
that he owed it to himself, to The SEN
ate and TO the country Ito name tho
man." MIR. Tillman indicated that he
referred to his colleague from South
Carolina. Little imagining that his
words were likely to he prohetic, Mr.
Spooncr remaGked sententiously: Il
will leave the Senator to fight that out
with his colleague"
Mr.. McLaurin was not in the cham
ber at the time. being engaged in com
mittee work; but he was sent for and
appeared just as Mr. Tnlman concluded
his speech.
Pale as ashes, Mr.. Mcl4aurin rose to
address the Senate, speaking to a ques-
tion of personal privilege. He reviewed
Mr.. Tillman's charges briefly and then
denounced the statement made by his
colleague as "a wilful and deliberate
lie"
Scarcely had the words fallen from
his lips when Mr.. Tillman. sitting a
few seats from him. with Mr.. Teller of
Colorado between them, sprang at him.
MIR. McIaurin, who had half turned
towards Mr.. Tillman, met him half
way, and in an instant the two Sena-
tors, having swept Mr.. Teller aside.
were engaged in a rough and tumble
fist fight. Mr. McLaurin received a
heavy blow on the forehead, while Mr..
Tillman got a bad punch on the nose,
which brought blood
n
sprans over desks to reach and separ-
ate the combatants and himself re-
ceived several blows. He got between
them finally and by main strength
wrenched them apart.
senators Warren of ,Fyoming and
Scott of West Virginia. two of the most
powerful men in the Senate, leaped to
MS assistance and. pinioning the arms
or the belligerent Senators. forced them
into their seats.
intense excitement prevailed in the
senate ana IN the galleries, which were
tronged with people who had been at
tracted by the spirited debate. Everv-
body was on his feet. Not a word how
ever, was spoken. Senators stood about
the chamber. for the moment ouite
heIpless and pale to the lips. Finally
order was restored partially. and in
Ihe midst of intese excitement the
senate went into secret Legislative ses-
sion.
For two hours the Senate discussed
the event behind closed doors. When
the doors were reopened it was made
known that both of the South Caro-
una Senators by unanimous vote had
Deen declared to be in contempt of the
senate They were permitted. by n
fote oi Ihe senate. 10 make apologies
10 the senate. The statements were
listened to by both the Senators and
the people in the galleries with breath
less interest.
Senator Tillman left the canito,
when adjournment was taken for re-
cess and did not return fer the night
session. Senator McLaurin was in the
cnamber about o'clock but left early.
NelIner senator. when seen at b;s
nome, would make a statement.
The Pope's Anniversary.
Rome, BY Cable-The Pope Thurs
day entered on the twenty-ffth year
OF his pontificate. Although the main
celebration of the jubilee is postponed
until March 3rd. when the combined
FESTIVALS OF the jubilee and coronation
VIII be observed. The day was marked
by the singing of a te deum in ST
Peters, and other observances. The
Pontiff was the recipient of congratu-
lations from all sides.