The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1902-02-28
The SENATE SHOCKED
Tillman and McLaurin Exchange
Blows on Floor Of Senate.
Both Parties Held in Contempt, But Al
lowed to Apologize-Senate May Take
Further Action-BIoodshed Feared.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22.-When rou-
tine business had been concluded in
the Senate today Mr.. Tillman resumed
| his speech in opposition to the pend
ing Philippines tariff bill, which be-
gan yesterday.
In the course of his speech Mr.. Till
man became involved in a lively col
loquy with Mr.. Spooner of Wisconsin
regarding the ratification of the Paris
treaty. The South Carolina Senator
referred to Mr.. Spooner's comments in
his speech yesterday upon the part
taken by w. j. Bryan during the rati-
fication of the treaty. He agreed with
the Wisconsin Senator that the influ-
ence of Mr. Bryan was potent, but in
sisted 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, Mr.. Till
man asserted, the Republicans yet
lacked votes enough to secure ratif1-
cation.
You know" shaking his finger at
the Republican side of the house, how
those votes necessary were secured
How were they secured?" de-
manded Mr.. Spooner.
81 know, if the Senator does not"
replied Mr.. Tillman. 81 have re-
ceiYed information in confidence from
that side of the chamber. 1 know
from that that improper influences
were used in getting the votes
Name the man." insisted Mr..
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 confidence is a coward. If the Sen
ator knows of any man who has been
improperly Influenced he should name
him"
81 know" asserted Mr. Tillman,
that the patronage Federal pa
tronage-of a State has been parceled
out to a Senator since the ratification
of the treaty"
what State?" demanded Mr.. Spoon
er.
South Carolina" shouted Mr.. Till
man.
Then" said Mr.. Spooner, 81 leave
you to fight the matter out with your
colleague"
This ended the incident for the time,
but the feeling engendered manifested
itself later in a thrilling and sensa-
tional scene.
Soon after Mr.. Tillman concluded
his remarks.
Thrilling Scene.
Scarcely had he resumed his seat
when there was enacted one of the
most sensational scenes ever witnessed
in the history of the United States
Senate.
Pale to the lips and trembling with
the emotion which in vain he endeav-
ored to control, Nix McLaurin of
South Carolina arose and addressed
the Senate, speaking to question of
personal privilege. Instantly a hush
fell over the Senate and the thronged
galleries. The very atmosphere seemed
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
Carolina Senator. Despite the emo
ton under which he was laboring, Mr..
McLaurin seemed to be the calmeSt
man in the chamber. He spoke with
deliberation and his enunciation was
clear and distinct. Every word he ut
tered seemed to be felt, as we'll as
heard, in the remotest part of the his
toric old hall.
Mr.. President" he began, 81 rise
to a question of personal privilege"
He had voiced less than a dozen words,
yet the excitement by this time had
DCCOll6 l1lCESC. AL SCCIuCu W ICdllLC
that a portentous event was about to
happen.
During my absence" said Mr.. 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
influences had been used in changing
the vote of somebody on that treaty,
and then went on to say that it ap-
piled to the Senator from South Caro-
lima, who had been given the patron
age of that State. 1 think l got the
sense of the controversy"
81 desire to state, Mr.. President, 1
tend had l not, soon after the Senate
met, replied to these insinuations and
said that they were untrue.
Il now say" continued Mr.. McLau-
rim, with distinct emphasis upon every
word, and half turning toward his col
league, Mr.. Tillman, who sat in the
same row, only three seats away, that
the statement is a willful, malicious
and deliberate lie"
Mr.. McLaurin got no further with
his statement.
Mr. Tillman, who was occupying his
regular seat on the main aisle, sprang
with tiger-like ferocity at his col
league.
Wild Blows Aimed.
Mr.. Teller of Colorado, who was sit
ting at his desk between the two
South Carolina Senators, was swept
aside without ceremony. Indeed, the
Infatuated Tillman climbed over him
in his effort to reach McLaurin. With
out the slightest hesitation Mr.. Nc
Laurin sprang to meet the attack half
way. Mr.. Tillman aimed a wild blow
at his colleague with his right fist
1t landed on Mr.. McLaurin's forehead,
just above the left eye, although its
force was partially spent upon Mr..
McLaurin's arm, which he raised in
an effort to parry the blow.
Instantly McLaurin's right arm shot
out, the blow landing upon Tillman's
face, apparently upon the nose. Again
Tillman struck out frantically with his
left hand. The blow did not land
upon McLaurin. Then followed wild
scrimmage, both Senators clutching at
each other madly.
They were dragged further apart,
although they still made Intellectual
efforts to get at each other. Finally
they were forced into their seats.
BIooded TiIIman's Nose.
Mr.. McLaurin, although very pale,
seer1cl TO be the calmer of the two
IL. Iillman was as white as a sheet.
AS he sat down in his seat he drew his
handkerchief from his pocket and
wiped blood from his face that SEEM