Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1902-03-01
FIST FIGHT IN THE SENATE
Senators TilIman and McLaurin
Come 10 Blows.
McLAURIN MAY BE ExONERATED

MELAUNiN Mr. d. LNObLH ~
An Investigation WIN Follow and Senate win
Likely Adopt Resolution Of Censure-
McLaurin's Conduct Considered
Jusii6abIe.
Washington. d. c.. February "a -
In the Senate Saturday afternoon at
2 AS fist fight occurred between SEN
ators MeLaurin and Tillman, both Of
South Carolina. McLaurin arose and
said that Tillman's state ment regards
ing him was a "wiliul. deliberate
and malicious lie, ;" Tillman jumped
over chairs and struck McLaurin in
the face. A vicious encounter ensu
ed. Both men clinched and struck
frantlcally at each other. when Assls-
liant Sergeant-at Arms Layton sprang
between them and several Senators
selzed the men and parted them. 1t
was with great difficultv that the men
were parted.
AS soon as the South Carolina SEN
ators were forced into their seats. Mr.
Teller addressed the chair and de-
manded that the Senator from South
Carolina be in order.
(which Senator?' demanded Mr..
McLaurin.
This Senator, said Mr.. Teller,
pointing to Mr.. McLau1n. Meantime
Mr.. Foraker, OF OHIO. had rushed to
the central aisle in his efforts to gain
the attention of the chair With
trembling voice hs said
"Mr. President. we ought to go IN
to executive session. i move that
the Senate now proceed TO the con-
sideration of executive business.
Mr.. Burrows, who had been trying
to gain the attention of the char.
said:
II approve of that motion, Mr..
President. l suggest that the doors
be closed. =
The chair. without putting The mo-
tion 20 the Senate, declared that the
Senate had determined to 20 into ex
ecutive session, and amid great excite
ment the galleries and the foo were
cleared
During this process the South Car
olina Senators remained in their
seats.
McLaurin still showed the mark of
Mr.. Tillmans fist on his forehead.
Mr. Tillman had not received any
injuries apparently, but his usual
rudy face was ashv pale There
were a number of Senators standing
about to prevent any renewal of the
encounter when the Senate shut it.
self up from pablo view.
During Mr.. Tillmans speech a live
ly tilt occurred between him and Mr..
SDooner over the part that w. J. Bry-
an had in the ratification of the Paris
treaty Mr.. Tiilman declared that
improper Influences were brought to
bear to secure votes for the ratifica-
ton of the treaty, and he insisted that
the Republican side knew how they
got the nece ssary votes.
Mr.. Spooner demanded to know
what those improper influences were
and upon whom they were brought.
He denounced as a coward any man
who woula impeach Senator with
out naming him.
Mr.. Tillman declared that the fed
eral patronage OF a State had been
parceled out to Senator, Dresuma-
bly, for his vote for the treaty..
"What State?'' demanded Mr.
Spooner.
"South Carolina, shouted Mr.. Till
man.
"Then | leave it to the Senator to
fight it out with his colleague, re-
torted Mr.. Spooner.
Il know that he voted for the trea-
ty, returned Mr.. Tillman. II know
what believe"
"No. suggested Mr.. Spooner. ''you
Simply DeileVo Wudb Ju uOu huoW.
Speculation is being INDUCED in as
to what the outcome OF the fracas
will be, both as to the probable action
the Senate will take, and to the per-
sonal result as affecting the two prin-
ciples.
South Carolinians in Washington
who know both men intimately saw
they fear further trouble. Mr.. Nc
Laurin was in consultation with his
close friendin the Senate. Mr.. Pritch-
ard. of South Carolina, but the re-
suit of their talk is not made public.
1t was announced that the Commit