The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1902-03-04
BLOOD IN
TIE SENATE
South CaroIinans
Come to
Blows.
ITuLMAN AND
M'LAURIN FIGHT
Both Held in Contempt by the
Sena.e-The Presidents Dis
pleasure is Shown.

WASHINGTON, February 22.-Wash-
United States Senate by a fist fght.
The two Senators from South Carolina
were the active participants in the az
fray. Tillman in the course Of speech
upon the Philippine tariff bill made
serious reflections upon the honor OF
his colleague, 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 inn
proper influences.
McLaurin was not in the chamber
at the time, being engaged in commit
tee work. but he was sent for. and ap-
peared just as Tillman concluded his
speech. Pale as ashes, McLaurin rose
to address the Senate, speaking to a
question Of personal privilege. He re-
| viewed Tillman's charges briefly, and
then denounced the statement made
by his colleageu as a ''willful. mali
cious and deliberate lie
Scarcely had the words fallen from
his lips when Tillman, sitting a few
seats from him, with Teller OF Colora-
| dc between them, sprang at him. NC
Laurin, who had half turned toward
Tillman met him half way, and in an
|
swept Teller aside, were engaged in
rough -and-tumble fight. McLaurin re-
ceived a heavy blow on the forehead,
while Tillman got a punch on the nose
which brought blood.
Assistant Sergeant at Arms Layton
sprang over desks to reach and separ-
ate the combatants and himself receiv-
cd several blows. He got between them
finally, and by main strength Wrencned
them apart. Senators Warren or wy
oming and Scott of West Virginia, two
of the most powerful men in the Sen
ate, leaped to his assistance and, pm
Joining the arms of the belligerent SEN
ators, forced them into their seats. in-
tense excitement prevailed in fhe sen
ate 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 cham
Der for the moment quite helpless anu
pale to the lips Finally order was re-
stored partially, and in the midst or
intense excitement the Senate went in
to secret session.
For two hours il discussed the event
bebind closed doors. When the doors
were opened it was made known that
hoth Of the South Carolina Senator. by
unanimous vote had been declared 10
he in contempt OF the Senate Ihey
were permitted by vote OF the Sehate
70 make apologies to the Senate Thelf
statements were listened to by both
the Senators and the people In the gar
Ier-ies with -breathless interest. senator
TilIman left the Capitol when ADJOURN
rnent was taken for recess and did not
return for the night session senator
NcI.aurin was in the chamber about
o'clock. but left early. Neither sen
ator when seen at his home weulo
make any statement
The status of Senators Tillman ana
NcLaurin is that they are still In con
tempt OF the Senate and only by
vote of the Senate can either be re-
ognized either to speak or to vote on
any question whatever.
On account of the occurrence Presl-
dent Roosevelt had a friend see Sen
ator Tilman and request that he with
draw his acceptance Of the invitation
to dine at the White House, on the ee-
casion OF the banquet to Prince Henry
Tillman refused to do so and the Pres
ident sent a note Withdrawing the in
yftation. Tillman had been invited az
the ranking minority member OF the
Naval Affairs Committee and In MS
stead Senator Martin, of Va, was pres
ut