Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1902-02-24
SENATORS USE FISTS.
1illman and McLaurin of South Caro-
lima Astound colleagues.
BOTH MADE TO APOLOGIZE.
UcLaurin Gives the Lie 10 Other
6Outh CnrOlinian and Rough and
Tumble Bout Ensues-EHch
Declared In Contempt.

Washington, Feb. pa fisttight has
occurred in the senate chamber he
tween Senators Benjamin X. Tillnah
and John J.. McLaurin. both Of South
Carolina, and the chief topic of CONVEX
Dation in the capital is the possible re-
suit Of this clash between the two
eOutherners. whose personal enmity to.
ward each other is well known to lie
u long standing.
Immediately after the alteration the
senate went into an executive session.
and the southerners were declared to
be- in contempt. and a resolution WAS
offered referring the matter to the com
mittee on privileges and elections. to
report as to what method the senate
should pursue. Meanwhile both Till
man and McIaurin were committed to
the custody of the sergeant at arms TO
prevent another hostile meeting be-
tween them.
McI.aurin and Tilman were after
ward given "n opportunity to apoio-
Gize to the senate. which each did from
his seat.
How the Trouble started.
The trouble started during a speech
by Mr.. Tiilman Oh Tie Philippine tariff
bill. in the course Of which a Lively
tilt occurred between him and Mr..
Epo0ner over the part that w. j.
Bryan had in the ratification Of the
Paris treaty.
Mr.. Tillnan declared that improper
influences were hrcu ght to bear to So
cure votes for the ratification of the
treaty, and he insisted that the Re
publican side knew how they got the
necessary votes Mr.. Spoocr demand
ed u know what those improper ilu-
ences were and upon whom they Wcr"
brought He denounced rs u coward
any man who would ilnleach . senator
without naming him
Mr.. Tilllnan declared that The federal
patronage Of Il state had noen palocj"d
ont to Il senator. presumably for his
vote for the treaty.
What state:" demanded MI Spoon
CT.
south Cardinal" shouted Mr.. TIL
man.
Then leave the senator 10 fight il
out with his colleague" retorted Mr.,
Epooner.
II know than he Senator McI.aurili
voted for the treaty" returned Mr.,
Tilman. Il know what aeiieye."
No" suggested Mr.. Slwouor: you
simply believe what you don't know"
That ended the incident for the time
and soon aflerward Mr., Tillman con
cluded his remarks. Scarcely had he
resumed his seat when there was en-
acted one of the most sensational
sceues ever witnessed In the history OF
tie United States senate.
8 I'sfr to tie lips and trembling with
The emotion which in vain he endeavor-
ed to control. Senator McLaurin rose
and addressed the senate. speaking TO
a question Of personal privilege. IN
etanlly a hush fell over the senate ana
over the people in the thronged CALLER
les. The very atmosphere Sttnied sur
charged with excitement. With breath
less interest the auditors both on the
floor and in the galleries hung upon
every word uttered by the South Caro-
lima senator
G. Question Of Personal Privilege.
Mr. President he began. II rise 10
a question Of personal privilege. He
had voiced less than a dozen words, Vet
the excitement Ivy this time had be-
come intense. All seemed to realize
that a portentous event was about to
happen.
During my absence continued Mt.
McIaurin, "a few moments ago from
the senate chamber in attendance upon