The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-02-27
TilIman 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. G.

United States Senate by q fist fight.
The two Senators from South Caro-
lima were the active participants in the
atfray. Mr.. Ti!!mar. in the course OF a
speech upon the Philippine tariff, made
serious reflections upon the honor or
his colleague. Mr.. McLaurin. In brief
he charged that Mr. McLaur!n's vote in
support of the ratification Of the treaty
of Paris had been cast through the air
Of improper influences.
His statement was developed in
colloquy between him and Mr.. Spocaer
of Wisconsin. Mr.. 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 the
man" Mr.. Tillman indicated that he
referred to his colleague from South
Carolina. Little imagining that his
words were likely to be prohe;ic, Mi.
Spooner remarked. sententiously: i
will leave the Senator to fight that out
with his colleague
Mr.. McLaurin was not in the cham
Der at the time, being engaged in com
mittee work: but he was sent for and
appeared just as Mr.. Tillman concluded
his speech.
Pale as ashes. Mr.. McIGuril rose to
address the Senate, speaking to Ques-
ton 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
few seats from him. with Mr.. Teller OF
Colorado between them, sprang at him,
Mr.. McLaurin. 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 rough and tumble
fist fight. Dir. McLaurin received
heavy blow on the forehead. while Mr.
Tillman got q bad punch On the nose,
which brought blood.
Assistant S2rgeaAt-at-Arms Layton
sprang over desks to reach and sapar-
ate the comhatants. and himself re-
ceived several blows. He got between
them finally and by main strength
wrenched them apart.
Senators WarreH Of Wyoming and
Scctt OF West Virginia. two Of TIE most
powerful men in the Senate, ieaped ID
his assistance and. pinioning tha arms
of the belligerent Senators, forced them
into their seats.
Intense excitement prevailed in the
Senate and in the galleries. which were
throngcd with people who had been at
tractcd by the spirited debate. Every
body was On his feet. Mt word, how
ever. was spoken. Senator'S stood a5ouc
the chamber. for the mo..enJ quite
helpless and pale to the lips. Finally
order was restored partially, and in
the 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 rcopened it was made
known that both Of the South Caro-
lima Senators by unanimous vote had
been declared to be in contemp: OF the
Senate. They were permitted. by a
vote of the Senate. to make apologies
to the Senate. The statements We"
listened to by both the Senators and
the people in the galleries with breath
less interest.
Senator Tillman left the capitol
when adjournment was taken for re-
cess and did not return foc the night
session. Senator McLaurin was in the
chamber about s O'Clock. but left early.
Neither Senator. when seen at his
home, would make a statement.
Another Account.
The Washington correspondent of
the Charleston News and Courier gives
the following account Of the alterca-
ton between Senators Tillman anG Nc
Laurin in the Senate Chamber on Sat
urday:
Senator Tillman and Senator McLau-
rim came to blows in the Senate Satur-
day afternoon. McLaurin called Till
man malicious liar. Tillman sprang
at his young colleague. dealt him Sc
we're blow in the face and McLaurin
retaliated with an upper cut on Till
mans jaw. The belligerants were sep
arated, the doors closed. and. IN eXecE-
tive session. the two South Carolina
Senators were declared to b. in con-
tempt of the Senate. and their cases
were referred to the committee On
privileges and elections for such action
| as may be deemed necessary. After the
executive session the two Senator's in
| contempt were permitted to apologize
| to the Senate and it is probable that
| the incident is closed for the present.
The coarse and vulgar performance
| Of the South Carolina Senators sur