The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1902-03-04
SCRAP IN THE SENATE


WASHINGTON February 22-Wash-
ingtou's birthday was signalized I'm the
United States Senate by fist fight
The two Senators from South Carolina
were the active participants i'm the all
fray Tiilman i'm the course of speech
upon the Philippine tariff bill made
serious reflections upon the honor of
his colleague, McLaurin In brief, he
charged that his vote in support Of the
ratification of the treaty of Paris had
been cast through the exercise of inn
proper influences.
McLaurin was not i'm the chamber
at the time, being engaged i'm commit
tee work, but he was sent for, ana APP
peared just as Tillman concluded his
speech. Pale as ashes, McLaurin rose
to address the Senate, speaking to a
question OF personal privilege. He re-
viewed Tillman's charges briefly and
then denounced the statement made
by his colleague as a "Willful mali
cious and deliberate lie"
Scarcely had the words fallen from
his lips when Tilman, sitting a few
seats from him. with Teller of COlora-
do between them spTang at him. Nc
Laurin, who had half turned toward
Tilman met him half way and in an
instant these two Senators having
swept Teller aside, were engaged i'm q
rough-and- tumble fight MCLaurin re-
ceived a heavy blow on the forehead,
while TiUman got a punch on the nose
which brought blood.
Assistant Sergeant at Arms Layton
sprang over desks to reach and separ-
ate the combatants and himself receiv-
ed several blows He got between them
finally and by main strength wrenched
them apart. Senators Warren of wy
uming AMI Scott of West Virginia, two
of the most powerful men in the SEN
hi. g-fl f.aTR or 4 mi
ioning the arms of the belligerent Sem
ators, forced them into their seats. In
tense excitement prevailed in the SEN
ate and galleries, which were thrOnged
with people, who had been attracted
by the spirited debate. Everybody was
on hiSfeet Not a word, however, was
spoken. Senators stood about the cham
Der for the moment quite helpless and
pale to the lips. Finally order was re-
stored partially, and in the midst of
intense excitement the Senate went IN
to secret session.
For two hours it discussed the event
behind closed doors. When the doors
were opened it was made known that
both of thu South Carolina Senators by
unanimous vote had been declared to
be in contempt of the Senate. They
were permitted by a vote of the Senate
to make apologies to the Senate. Their
statements were listened to by both
the Senators and the people in the gal
leTies with breathless interest. Senator
Tillman left the Capitol when adjourn
ment was taken for recess and did not
return for the night session. Senator
McLauIin was in the chamber about 2
o'clock. but left early. Neither SEN
ator wien seen at his home would
make any statement.
The status of Senators Tillman and
McLau.in is that they are still in con-
tempt of the Senate and only by a
vote Of the Senate can either be re-
cognilad either to speak or to vote on
any question whatever.
On account of the occurrence Presi-
dent Roosevelt had a friend see SEN
ator Tillman and request that he with
draw his acceptance of the invitation
to dine at the White House, on the oc-
casion of the banquet to Prince Henry.
Tillman refused to do so and the Pres
ident sent a note Withdrawing the in
vitatiol Tillman had been invited as
the ranking minority member or the
Naval Affairs Committee and in his
stead Senator Martin of Va, was "res-
ent.