The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1902-02-25
THE LIE PASSED BETWEEN
SOUTH CAROLINANS.
TILLMAN STARTED SCRAP
Both Adjudged to Be In Contempt
Given Opportunity to Apologize
Neither Will Talk.

Washington, Feb. 22.-Washington's
birthday was signalized in the United
States senate by a fist fight.
The day set apart by the nation to
afford the American people opportun-
ity to pay fitting tribute to the mem
DRY of the first president was the oc.
casion Of one of the most sensational
scenes ever enacted in the senate
chamber. .
The two senators from South Caro-
lima were the active participants in
the affair. Mr.. Tillman. in the course
of a speech upon the Philippine tariff
bill made serious reflections Upon the
honor of his colleague. Mr.. McLaurin.
In brief, he charged that his vote in
support of the ratification of the
treaty of Paris had been cast through
the exercise of improper influence.
His statement was developed in a
%colloquy between him and Mr.. Spoon
er of Wisconsin. Mr.. T1llman at first
declined to mention names, but when
the Wisconsin senator reminded him
that he owed it to himself, to the SEN
ate and the country to name the
man" Mr.. Tillman indicated that he
referred to his colleague from South
Carolina. Little imagining that his
words were likely to be prophetic.
Spooner remarked sententiously, 81
will leave the senator to fight that
out with his colleague.' Mr.. Nc
Laurin was not in the chamber at the
time, being engaged in committee
work, but he vas sent for and appear
eu just as Tillman concluded his
speech.
Pale as ashes McLaurin rose to ad-
dress the senate. speaking to a ques-
ton of personal privilege. He review
ed Tilman's charge briefly and then
denounced the statement by his col
league as a willful, malicious and de-
liberate lie.
Scarcely had the %portentious words
fallen from his lips when Tillman sit
ting z few seats from him. with Teller
of Colorado between them sprang at
him.
McLaurin. who had half turned to-
wards Tillman, met him half way, and
in an instant the two senators, hav-
ing swept Mr.. Teller aside, were en-
gagged in a rough and tumble fight.
McLaurin received a heavy blow on
the forehead while Tillman got a bad
punch on the nose which brought
blood.
Assistant Sergeant-at-arms Legion
sprang over desks to reach and sep
arate the combatants and himself re-
ceived several blows. He got be-
tween them finally and by main
strength wrenched them apart. Sen
ators Warren of Wyoming and Scott
of West Virginia, two of the most
powerful men in the senate leaped to
his assistance and pinioned the arms
Of the billigerant senators and forced
them into their seats. Intense ex-
element prevailed in the senate and
galleries which were thronged with
people who had been attracted by the
spirited debate. Everybody was on
his feet. Not a word, however. was
spoken. Senators stood about the
chamber for the moment quite help
less and pale % the lips. Finally or
der was restored partially and in the
midst Of intense eXcitment the senate
went into secret session. Fortwohours
the senate discussed the event be-
hind closed doors. When the doors
were opened it was made known that
both the South Carolina senators by a
unanimous vote had been declared to
be in contempt of the senate, they
were permitted by a vote of the senate
to make apologies to the senate. The
statements were listened to by both
the senators and people in the CALLER
les with breathless interest. Senator
Tillman left the capitol when adjourn
ment was taken for recess, and did
not return for the night session.
Senator McLaurin was in the cham
Der about 9 o'colck but left early.
Neither senator, when seen at his
home would make a statement.