Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-02-24
DlSGRACEFUL SCENE
Continued from page ~


fication of the Paris treaty.
The South Carolina senator referred
to Spooner's comments in his speech of
Friday, upon the part taken by VIM. j.
Bryan in securing the ratification of
the treaty. He agreed with the Wis
consin senator that the influence of Mr..
RryaT was potent, but insisted that
even his influence was not sufficient to
induce the Senate to ratify the treaty.
After he had done all that it was
possible for him to do, Tillman assert
ed, the Republicans yet lacked votes
enough to secure ratification.
You Know" he shouted, shaking his
finger at the Republican side, ''how
those votes necessary were secured"
How were they secured?" demanded
Spooner.
II know if the senator does not" re-
piled Tillman.
Il have received informa ton in con-
fidence from that side of the chamber.
know from that that improper infiu-
ences were used in getting those votes.'
Name the man. insisted Spooner,
upon whom those influences were
brought to bear. 1t is due the senator
and the country that he name him. A
man who impeaches another in conf
dence is a coward. If the senator
knows of any man who has been i'm
properly influenced he should name
him."
Il know" asserted Tillman, that the
Electromagnetic federal patronage-of a
state has been parceled out to a sena-
Of hot
treaty.
What state?" demanded Spooner.
South Carolina" shouted Tillman.
Then" said Spooner, Il leave you
to fight the matter out with your COL
league"
"Well.'' retorted Tillman, II never
shirk the responsibility for statement
make. l know that he (McLaurin.
his colleague), voted for the treaty.
know that improper influences were
brought to bear. l know what 1 be-
ieve"
You simply believe" retorted
SpOoner, what you do not know"
This ended the incident for the time.
but the feeling engendered manifested
itself later on in a sensational scene.
Scarcely had he resumed his seat
when one of the most sensational
scenes ever witnessed in the history of
the United States Senate occurred.
Pale to the lips and trembling with
the emotion which he in vain endeav-
ored to control, McLaurin, S. c., rose
and addressed the Senate, speaking to
a question of personal privilege.
Instantly a hush fell over the Senat e
and over the people in the thronged
galleries. The very atmosphere seemed
surcharged with excitement. With
breathless interest the auditors both on
the floor and in the galleries hung upon
every word uttered by the South Caro-
lima senator.
Despite the emotion under which he
was laboring, McLaurin seemed to be
the calmest man in the chamber. He
spoke with elaboration and his enun-
citation was clear and distinct. Every
word he uttered seemed to be felt, as
well as heard, in the remotest parts of
the historic old hall.
Mr.. President" he began, 'I rise to
question of personal privilege" He
had voiced less than a dozen words, yet
intense. All seemed to realize that an
exciting event was about to happen.
Scott, w. Va, moved restlessly about
in the rear of the chamber, and Assist
ant Sergeant-at-Arms b. w. Layton
rose from his seat as if to listen the
better to what was about to be said.
During my absence" continued Nc
Laurin, "a few moments ago, from the
Senate chamber, in attendance upon
the committee on Indian affairs, the
senator who has just taken his seat
(Mr. Tillman) said that improper in
fiuences had been used in changing the
vote of somebody on that treaty, and
then went on later and said that it APP
piled to the senator from South Caro-
lima, who had been given the patronage
in that state. think / get the sense
of the controversy"
Still controlling himself with an eff
fort, but still speaking very calmly and
with carefully moderated tone, Nc
Laurin said, and his words cut through
the Senate chamber like a knife:
Il desire to state, Mr.. President, ]
would not use as strong language as
intend, had l not soon after the Sem
ate met replied to these insinuations
and said that they were untrue. / now
say" McLaurin went on, with distinct
emphasis upon every word, and hall
turning toward his colleague. Tillman
who sat in the same row, only three
seats away, that the statement is a
wilful. malicious and deliberate lie."
McLaurin got no further.
Tillman, who was occupying his regu-
lar seat on the main aisle, sprang with
tiger-like ferocity at his colleague.
Teller, Col, who was sitting at his
desk between the two South Carolina
senators, was swept aside without cere-
mony. Indeed. the Infatuated Tillmar
climbed over him in his efforts to reach
McLaurin.
Without the slightest hesitation Nc
Laurin sprang to meet the attack half
way. Tillman aimed a wild blow at his
colleague with his right fist. 1t land.
ed upon McLaurin's forehead, just
above the left eye. although it's force
was partially spent upon McI.aurin's