The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1902-02-27
South Carolina Senators.

A disgraceful fight occurred In the
United States Senate, Saturday last, be-
tween the two senators representing the
South Carolina In that august body.
The occasion for the controversy was
the consideration of the Philippine tariff
bill and Tillman was making d speech in
opposition thereto. He was as he usually
Is abusive and became involved in lively
colloquy with Senator Spooner of Wis
consin regarding the ratification OF the
Paris treaty. He said he agreed With
the Wisconsin senator that the Influence
of Mr.. Bryan 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 1t was possible
for him to do, Mr.. Tillman asserted, the
republicans yet lacked votes enough to
secure ratification. "You know he
shouted, shaking his finger at the repub-
lican side, show those votes necessary
were secured"
"How were they secured?" demanded
Mr.. Spooner.
II know II the senator does not,n re-
piled Mr.. Tillman. Il have received in
formation In confidence from that side
of the chamber. [ know from that i'm
proper Influences were used in getting
those votes"
"Name the man, insisted Mr.. Spooner,
upon whom those influences were
brought to bear. 1t is due the senator
and the country that you name him. A
man who impeaches another in conf
dence is coward. LIZ the senator knows
~ hn hao -,
fluenced, he would name him."
81 know" asserted Mr.. Tillmap. "that
the patronage-the federal patronage
senator since the ratification of thai
treaty."
"What state" demanded Mr.. Spooner
"South Carolina shouted Mr.. Tilman
"fhen," said Mr.. Spooner, 81 leave
you to fight the matter out with your
colleague"
WELL" retorted Mr.. Tillman, 81 never
shirk the responsibility for a statement
| make. | know that he (Mr. McLaurin,
his colleague) voted for the treaty.
know that improper influences were
brought to bear. know what believe"
Soon after Tillman concluded his
remarks, Senator McLaurin arose.
"Mr. President" he began" | rise to
a question OF personal privilege. Dur
ing my absence few moments ago from
the Senate chamber, in attendance upon
the committee on Indian affairs, the SEN
| ator who has just taken his seat (Mr.
Tilman) said that improper Influences
had been used In changing the vote of
somebody on that treaty, and then went
on later and said that it applied to the
senator from South Carolina who had
been given the patronage in that state.
| think | get the sense of the controver-
sy.
II desire to state, Mr.. President, |
would not use as strong Language as [ in
tend had | not, soon after the Senate me-
replied to these insinuations and said /,
that they were untrue. | now say"
half turning toward his colleague, who
sat In the same row only three seats
away, "that the statement Is wilful,
malicious and deliberate lie."
Mr.. McLsurin got no further. Mr..
Tillman sprapg with tiger-like ferocitv
at his colleague. Mr.. Teller OF Coli RADIO,
who was sitting at his d SIX between the
two South Carolina senators, was swept
aside without ceremony. Indeed, the
Infatuated Tilmap climbed over him In
his effort to reach McLaurin.
Without the slightest hesitation, Mr..
McLsurin sprang to meet the attack hal II
way. Mr.. TiIlman aimed blow at his
colleague with his right fist. 1t landed
upon McLaurin's forehead, just above
the eye, although its force WAS partially
spent upon McLaurin's arm, which he
had raised in an effort to parry the blow
Instantly McLaurin's right arm shot
out, the blow landing upon TiIlman's
face, apparently on the nose. Again
Tillman struck out frantically, this TIM
with his left hand. The blow did not
land upon McLaurin. Then followed a
wild scrimmage, both senators cutching
at each other madly until they were
dragged apart.
Both men subse quently apologized to
the Senate but their cases were referred
| to a committee and they remain in con-
tempt of the Senate until Tuesday.