The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-22
FIST IN PLACE
OF PIICHFORK
Tillrnan and McLaurin of
South Carolina Pugilize
in the Senate.
Ben Had Accused His Col
league in Connection With
Paris Treaty.

Washington, Feb. 22.-In the senate this
afternoon at 2:45 p. NJ. ia fist fight oc-
CURED between Senators McLaurin and
Tillman, both of South Carolina.
The trouble began during speech by
Tillman on the Philippine bill. A lively
tilt occurred between him and Mr.. Spoon
er over the part w. j. Bryan had in the
ratification of the Paris treaty. Mr.. TILL
man declared that improper influences
We're brought to secure votes for ratiftca-
tion and insisted that the republican side
knew how they got the votes.
Mr.. Soooner demanded to know what
those improper influences were and upon
whom they were brought. He denounced
as a coward any man who would impeach
senator without naming him.
Mr.. Tillman declared that the federal
patronage of state had been parcelled
out to senator, presumably for his vote
for the treaty.
What state?" demanded Mr.. Spooner.
"South Carolina shouted Mr.. Tillman.
Then leave the senator to fight it
out with his colleague" retorted Mr..
Spooner.
II know that he voted for the treaty."
returned Mr.. Tillman. II know what I
believe"
NO." suggested Mr. spooner, you
simply believe what you don't know"
.tYou .Lie'-BiR!
McLaurin arose and said that Tillman's
statement regarding him was "wilful
and deliberate and malicious lie."
Tillman jumped over, chairs and struck
McLaurin in the face. A vicious encoun-
ter, ensued. Both men clinched and strck
frantically, at each other, when Assistant
Sergeant-at-Arms Layton sprang between
them and several senators seized the men
and parted them.
1t was with great difficulty that the
men were parted.
were forced into their seats, Mr.. Teller
addressed the chair and demanded that
the senator from South Carolina be in
order.
(which senator?' demanded McLaurin.
This SENATOR" said Mr.. Teller, point
ing to Mr.. McLaurin. Meantime Mr.. For
aker of Ohio had rushed to the central Isle
In his effort to gain the attention Of the
chair. With trembling voice he said:
Mr.. President, we ought to go into ex-
ecutive session. I move you that the SEN
ate now proceed to the consideration OF
executive business
Mr.. Burrows, who had been trying to
gain the attention of the chair, said:
q approve of that ruotion, Mr.. Presi-
dent. l suggest that the doors tie closed. !"
| The chair, without putting the molten
to the senate, declared the senate had
determined to go into executive session
and amid great excitement the galleries
and the floor were cleared.
During this process the South Carolina
senators remained in their seats.
McLaurin still showed the mark OF Mr..
Tiilmans fist upon his forehead Mr..
Tillman had not received any injuries, APP
| parently, but his usually ruddy face was
ashy pale. There were a number OF
senators standing about to prevent re-
newal of the encounter when the senate
shut itself up from public view.
In executive session, the senate took up
| the startling encounter and resolution
was offered referring the matter to the
J committee on privileges and elections to
report as to what method the senate
should pursue. Meanwhile both Tillman
and McLaurin should be committed to he
custody of the sergeant alarms to pre-
vent any hostile meeting between them.