Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-02-24

arm, which he had raised in an effort to
parry the blow. =
Instantly McLaurin's right arm shot
out, the blow landing upon Tillman's
face, apparently on the nose. Again
Tillman struck out frantically, this
time with his left hand. The blow
did not land upon McLaurin.
Then followed a wild scrimmage,
both senators clutching at each other
madly.
Senators Warren and Scott, both of
whom are powerful men, rushed to-
ward the combatants to separate them.
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Layton
sprang over desks in his efforts to
reach the belligerent senators. Just as
he seized McLaurin, Tillman aimed a
left-handed blow at his colleague,
which struck Mr.. Layton in the face.
The blow was a glancing one and did
no special harm.
Layton tore them apart. Both senators
were still striking wildly al each other.
some of the blows landing upon Layton
An instant later they We're pinioned in
the arms of Senators Scott and Warren.
They We're dragged further apart, al
to get at each other. Finally they were
forced into their seats.
McLaurin, although very pale, seemed
to be the calmer of the two. Tillman
was very white as he sat down he drew
his handkerchief from his pocket and
wiped blood from his face. This, SEEM
ingly. was flowing slightly from his nose.
Until that time it had not been supposed
that blood had been drawn in the encoun-
ter. During the fight, senators all over
the chamber were on their feet, but nos
a word was spoken. Never in its history
had the Senate received such a shock.
The President pro tenn, Frye, was the
first to regain his compoSure. In calm
tones, he directed that the Senate be in
order.
He raped sharply two or three times
with his gavel and in a few minutes a
semblance of order was maintained, al
though senators. having by this time par
tially\recovered from the shock, moved
hurriedly about the chamber.
Gallinger was first to address the Chair.
Mr.. President" said he. Il ask that
the doors be closed"
Again the President pro tenn requested
that the Senate be in order and that SEN
ators resume their seats. 1t was reserved
for Pritchard IN. c. to somewhat relieve
the strain under which all We're laboring.
He desired to address the Senate on the
peIlulnS fIlllpDluS dllu GAZING loi
the attention of the Chair he said:
IF the senator from South Carolina
(McLaurin) has concluded
He was interruptes by McLaurin, who
said, very calmly, 81 will now proceed
with my remarks which were so uncere-
moniOusly Interrupted.
Il call the senator from South Carolina
to ORDER interrupted Teller.
(Which one of the senator's" inquired
McLaurin. with some asperity.
This one" said Teller. indicating Nc
Laurin, land the other one. too, for that
matter"
Il join in that. There is some way to
protect the dignity of this body
Certainly said Burrows. who had
been endeavoring vainly to get the eye
of the Chair, land the Senate cannot let
this thing pass, Mr. President"
Mr.. President" Gallinger again said.
81 ask that the doors may be closed
Mr.. President" said Foraker who had
moved into the main aisle. II move that
the Senate go into executive session.
Without comment the motion was
agreed to and at 2.52 o'clock the doors
were closed.
senator's remained in their seats. Mr..
Laurin still showed the mark of Till
mans fist upon his forehead. Tillman
had not received any injuries apparently.
but his usually rudy face was aShy pale.
There were a number of senators stand
ing about to prevent renewal of the en-
counter when the Senate shut itself up
from public view.
In executive session the Senate at once
took up the startling encounter and a
resolution was offered, referring the mat
ter to the committee on privileges AMI
elections to report as to what method the
Senate should pursue.
Meanwhile both Tillman and McLaurin
had been committed to the custody of the
sergeant-at-arms 20 prevent any hostile
meeting between them.
The Senate voted in executive session
that both the South Carolina senator's
were in contempt and referred the mat