The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-02-23

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est hesitation McLaurin sprans to meet
the attack half way. Tillman aimed a
wild blow at his colleague With his right
fist. 1t landed upon Mr.. McLaurin's
forehead just above the left eye, although
its force was partially spent upon Mr..
McLaurn's arm, which he had raised in
an effort to parry the blow.
Instantly Mr.. A1cLau,in's right arm
shot out, the blow landing upon
Tillman's face, apparently upon the nose.
Again Tillman struck out frantically, this
time with his left hand. The blow did
not land upon McLaurin Then followed
a wild scrimmage. both Senators clutch
ing at earn other madly. Senator'S War
rem and Scott, both of whom are pow
erful men, rushed toward the combatants
to separate them. Assistant Sergeant
alarms Layton spranG over desks in ms
efforts to reach the belliserent 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 a glancing one
and did no special harm. Mr.. Layton
tore them apart. Both Senators stlli
were striking wildly at each other. some
of the blows landing upon MIR. Layton.
DRAGGED APART.
An instant later the angry Senator'S
were pinioned in the arms of Senators
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.. NcLaurir, although very pale,
seemed to be the calmer of the two. MI.
Tillman was as white as a sheet. AS ne
sat in his seat he drew his handkerchief
from his pocket and wiped b!ood from
his face that seemingly was flowing
slightly from his nose Unul that ti'lc
if had not been supposed that blood hau
been drawn in the encounter
pU1lng the fight Senators all over the
chamber were on their feet Not a "ofd.
However. was spoken. The Senate never
il lis history had received such a SHOCK.
The president pro TEN (Alr. trye) was
TIE first TO regain coEposurc- ,th cam
a III uni1npassioned tones he dlrecIei that
tic Senate be in order. lie raped sh'1p
" two or three times, Slthough Senator'S,
having nv this time partially recovered
from, the shock, moved hurliedly about
ti,e chamber.
Mr. GalIinger was first to address the
Chair. ..Mr President he said, II ask
that the doors be closed.
Again the president pro tenn requested
the Senate to be in order and that SEN
ators resume their seats. 1t was reserved
for MIR. Pritchard, of North Carolina. IN
a measure to relieve the STRAIN uioer
which all were laboring. He desired TO
address the Senate on the pending fhll-
ippine BILL and called Tor the attention
of the Chair He SAID: IF the Senator
from South Carolina (Alr. Acl4aufli} Ads
concluded
THE DOORS CLOSED.
He was interrupted by Mr.. McLaurin,
who said very calmly: ST viii now pro-
coed with my remarks, which We're so ln-
tremendously Interrupted
II call the Senator from South Carolina
to order" interrupted Mr.. Teller.
(Which one OF the Senators?" inquired
Mr.. McLaurn, with some asperity.
This one" said Mr. Teller, Indicating
Mr.. AIcLaurn. land the other one. too.
for that matter.
.sNfr. President injected Mr.. Foraker,
~ Ioin in that Surely" he continued.
with great feeling. his face yet pale with
excitement, there is some way to pro-
tcca the dignity OF this body"
Certainly said Mr.. Burrows, who had
been entieavoring vainly to get the eye
of the chairman; "and the Senate cannot
let this thing pass. Mr.. President. :
Mr.. President" again said Mr. Gal
linger, 81 asked that the doors might be
closed
.sMr. President" said AR. Foraker who
had moved into the main aisle. II move
that the Senate go into executive session.
Without comment, every Senator LABOR
ing under the emotion which all endeav-
ored to conceal, the motion was agreed
to. and at 2:12 the doors We're closed.
.-.Sr.---7 T2t,ant go sINOIV
SENATOR'S IN. CONTEMPT.
The proceedings after the doors were
closed covered almost two hours of time
and resulted in the adoption of q reso-
luton in the form Of an order, as fol-
lows:
"Ordere7, That the two Senators from
the State of South Carolina he declared
in contempt Of the Senate on accent OF
the alteration and personal. encounter De
tween them this day in open session, and
that the matter be referred tc the Com
,nittee on Privileges and Elections, with
| instructions TO report what action shall
| be taken by the Senate in regard there
| to-
The discussion which occurred in the
! secret session was based largely upon the
| above resolution. the first suggestion OF
which was made by Mr.. Foraker. In
| presenting the resolution, Immediately
| after the doors Of the chamber were
! closed. Mr. Foraker took occasion to re-
mark that the occurrence had been an
outrage upon the dignity Of the Senate.
| of which the Senate should take cog
uizance.
| Mr. Hoar moved to amendit by orderine
that the Senators be declared In con-
tempt.
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