Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1902-02-27
FISTICUFFs IN THE SENATE.
A D~isgracefal Scene In which Two south
Carolina Senators Par
ticipated.

ticipated.
Washington, Feb. 23.-Washihgton's
birthday was signalized in the United
States senate by a fist fight. The
day set apart by the nation 10 afford
the American people opportunity to
pay fitting tribute to the memory OF
the first president was the occasion
of one of the most sensational scenes
ever enacted in the senate chamber.
The two senators from South Car
DINA we're the active participants in
the ARRAY. Mr.. Tillman. in the
course of u speech upon the Philip
pine tariff bill, made serious refiec-
tions upon the honor of his colleague,
Mr.. McIaurin. In brief, he charged
that his vote in support of the rati-
fication of the treaty of Paris had
been cast through the exercise of i'm
proper influences.
His statement was developed in a
colloQuy between him and Mr.. Spoon
err (Wis.). Mr.. Tillman at first de-
clined to mention names. but when
the Wisconsin senator reminded him
that he owed il to himself, to the
senate and to the country. to name
the man." Mr.. Tillman Indicated that
he referred to his colleague from
South Carolina. Little imaginging
that'his words were likely to be pro-
phetic, Mr.. Spooner remarked SEN
tentiously:
~ will leave the senator TO fight
that out with his colleague
McL.aurin was not in the chamber
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.. McTaurin
to address the senate, speaking to a
question of personal privilege. lie
reviewed Mr.. Tillman's charge briefly,
and then denounced the statement
made by his colleague as Il "wilful
malicious and deliberate lie"
Scarcely had the portentuous
words fallen from his lips, when Mr..
Tillman, sitting Il few seats from MIN,
with Mr.. Teller (Col.) between them,
sprun at him. McLaurin, who had
half turned toward Tillman, met
him half way. and in an instant the
two senators, having swept Mr.. Tel
Ter aside. were engaged in II rough
and-tlmble fight. Mr.. McLaurin re-
ceived a heavy blow on the forehead,
while My. Tillman got u bad punch
on the nose, which brought blood.
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Layton
sprang over desks to reach and sep
arate the combatants, and himself
received several blows. lie got be-
tween them finally, and by main
strength wrenched them apart.
Senator's Warren Wyo.) and Scott
CIV. Na.). two of the most powerful
men in the senate, leaped to his as
sistance. and, %pinioning the arms of
the ~belligerent senators. forced them
to their seats.
Intense excitement prevailed in the
senate and the galleries which We're
thronged with people who had been
attracted by the spirited debate.
Everybody was on his feet. Not a
word, however, was spoken. Sen
ators stood about the chamber 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
into secret Legislative session.
For two hours the senate dis
cnssed the event behind closed doors
When the doors We're opened it vas
made known that both of the South
Carolina senators, by Unanimous
vote, had been been declared to be
in contempt of the senate. They were
permitted, by Il vote of the senate, tt
make apologies to the senate. Their
statements were listened to by bOtf
the senators and the people in the
galleries with breathless interest
Senator Tillman left the capital wheI
adjournment was taken for recess
and did not return for the night SEES
sion. Senator McLaurin was in the
chamber about eight o'clock, bur
left early. Neither senator, wher
seen at his home, would make Il state
ment.