The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-07-03

n
tack of Senator Bailey upon
1 Senator Beveridge occurred
after adjournment, and be-
cause the session closed the day after
ward, no official notice of it was taken
by the senate. But the country noticed
it, and there is only one verdict-un-
qualified condemnation. When Tillman
attacked McLaurin there was recog-
nized provocation, involving both bellig-
erents in censure. In the later case,
the guilt belonged to the aggressor
wholly. Here is the version of the af-
The trouble began during the session of
the senate, when Bailey. discussing
charges against General Powell clayton,
ambassador to Mexico, took occasion to
reflect upon judges Pentield, the solicitor
of the department of state.
'ile is either grossly Incompetent or
shamefully Indifferent to the rights of an
American citizen in a foreign land said
Mr. Bailey OF Judge Pentield.
Both Indiana senatOrS-tne solicitor be-
ing from the Hoosier state--came to the
officials defense Mr.. Beveridge being es-
pecially earnest in his language. He
ranted attack upon Penheld. Instantly
Mr.. Bailey arose, and in the most solemn
manner declared that he would not be in
suited by any senator. lie demanded that
Beveridge withdraw the objectionable
words. but Mr. Beveridge refused to com
ply until the attack upon Judge Penfield
had also been withdrawn. This refusal
angered Mr. Bailey, and he took occasion
to make several bitter comments at Bev-
eridge's expense.
Here the matter rested for the time be-
ing. The senate went on to the transac-
tion of other business and then adjourned.
Probably ten minutes more had elapsed
before Senator Bailey walked over to
where Senator Beveridge was sitting on
the Republican side.
Senator BeVeridge," began Mr.. Bailey
speaking quietly, but with determination.
~ want yOu to withdraw that language
you used about me. 1t is very offensive to
me. ! don't propose to be put by you or
any other senator in the attitude of libel
ing government official and that is what
you have DONE
Senator Beveridge listened smilingly to
Baiey's talk. 81 did not intend any Of
fense To you, SENATOR" he replied; but,
of course, when YOU attacked an official
who is IA friend of mine and from my
state and whom know is all right, l had
to defend him.
We'll" said Bailey, ~ am answerable
for any statement make :n the senate in
the performance of my duty, and you are
answerable TO me when you make a
charge against me. What you said about
me Is different proposition from any
criticism ! make of a government official.
and II was very offensive"
Senator Beveridge insisted that there
was nothing In the language which could
be considered unparlamentary, and Sena-
tor Bailey insisted that 1t was 'personal-
ly insulting" MIR, Bailey would not be
quieted, He still asserted that the re-
mark was offensive, and grew more and
more excited. II am not asking You to
retract for what has happened" he ex-
claimed, "but for what will happen il you
don't retract."
Mr. Beveridge looked up rather won-
deringiy at this threat, but did not reply
Mr.. Bailey continued t.s demand that the
words be withdrawn. "You had better
think II over tonight and agree to with
draw the words he said, "for am going
to ask you in the morning to withdraw
them"
well" said Mr.. Beverldge, In good
temper. ~ have said | did not intend to
insult YOU and even II do think 1t over
am sure ! shall not retract. To do so
would be to say that your attack ON Judge
penlleld was warranted"
Mr.. Bailey then sprang at the young In
dianan with tremendous force, and
grabbed al his throat. Mr.. Beverldge is a
man under medium size. while MIR. Bailey
is of massive build and very athletic I'm
der the powerful assault Beveridge was
pushed against desk. Instantly Sena-
tor Bailey was seized by several of the
senators, who had been listening TO the
conversation. IL was with great difficulty