The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-02-26

while he was sorry Tor what hao oc-
Cured, he had acted under severe pro-
vocation. "I am sorry for what did,
but under the circumstances l could
not have done otherwise, and, while
/ apologize to the Senate, I have
nothing further to say
Senator McLaurin was then recog-
nized, and declared, with great earnest
ness, that he was not willing to admit
that he was in contempt, and appealed
to the Record to show that his utter
ances had violated no rules of the Sen
ate. He was proceeding to say that
these charges made against him in
connection with his vote on the treaty
had been repeated so often that he
was tired and sick of having them
thrust into his teeth. AS man Of
honor he could not hold up his head
unless he openly branded these ac-
cusations as maliciously false. Then,
for the first time, showing great ex-
citement, Senator McLaurin was pro-
ceeding to say: elf I hear any more Of
this''-here he was suddenly inter
rupted by Senator Patterson, of Colo
rado, who advised him to say no more.
It was evident that the junior Sena-
tor was worked up to the point Of deliv-
ering threat, but acting upon the
suggestion of several Senators near
him, he abruptly took his seat.
Thus the most exciting incident the
Senate has ever known ended for the
time being. Tonight the Senatorial
scrap is the one topic Of conversation
in Washington. Opinions are about
equally divided as to who had the ad-
vantage in the encounter. The apollo
giss which both Senators offered can
hardy be regarded as, due reparation
for the disgraceful indignity inflicted
upon the Senate, and many Demo
cratic and Republican Senators express
the opinion that precautions shall be
taken SO far as the commi ttee Of 'privi-
leges and elections is concerned to
prevent recurrence Of today's scene.
Way down under the surface it is
believed that the friction between Sen
ator Tillman ann Senator McLaurin is
due to the fight they are now engaged
in over the pending appointments
of Mr.. Koester, as clerk Of internal
revenue, and Postmasters Richardson,
Chaffee and Purcell, at Greenyille,
Aiken and Newberry, respectively.
All of the appointments we're made at
the instance of Senator McLaurin, and
are being held up in committee, it is
said, Indirectly by Senator Tillman.
r. NJ. L. :
THE TWO SENATORS WILL BE
PUNISHED.
Washington, Feb. 23.-The topic
of chief interest in senatorial circles
today, and in fact everywhere in Off
cial Washington, was the fight in the
senate yesterday between Senators
TilIman and McLaurin of South Caro-
lima. There have been a number Of
conferences among senators as to what
should be done to preserve the dignity
of the senate and to manifest its senti-
ment toward the two senator's who
violated its traditions. While do plan
of procedure has been agreed upon it
is learned that there will be very
deliberate action and it is said to be
more than likely that it will be not
less than 80 days before the South
Carolina senators are restored to their
full powers as senators.
This deliberation on their case
being in the nature Of punishment
they will not be allowed to address
the senate, or vote, until no longer
incontempt of the senate.
Senator Burrows is chairman of the
committee on privileges and elections
and tonight said that in advance of
any meeting Of the committee he can
not say what will be done but added
that the matter is of such serious i'm
port that it must receive careful con-
sideration. It will be day or two
before the committee meets to take up
the resolution referred to it by the
senate.
It is understood the conferences
among senators have shown the exist
ence Of a considerable sentiment that
the apologies made by the South Caro-
lima senators are not deemed sufficient
and that the committee viii require
other and more ample apologies to be
submitted to it in writing, with the
assurance that such apologies viii be
made to the effect that the senators
have sufficiently purged themselves Of
the contempt of which the senate has
adjudged them guilty.
The whole matter, as stated in the
senate debate yesterday, is without
precedent and the senate is now to
make a precedent in the matter of
punishment and in requiring sufficient
apology. The conferences today devel-
oped the fact that the senators regard
the matter with al the seriousness
with which they dealt with it yester,
day, and that they intend to take such
action as wall prevent, If possible,
similar episodes occurring in the
future.
Neither Senators Tillman nor Nc
Laurin were disposed to enter into any
discussion today regarding the hap
penings in the senate yesterday. Sen
ator Tillman, however,, did say in