Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-02-26
THEY CAMB TO BLOWS.
Tillman and McLaurin Fight
In the Senate.
az
(Continued from First Page).

q pOrtenIlOuS tVeHI was duoul " hoP
pen. Senator Scott, of West Virginia,
moved restlessly about in the rear of
the chamber, and Assistant Sergeant
alarms B. W. Layton rose from his
seat as If to listen the better to what
was about to be said.
During my absence" continued
Senator McLaurin, "a few moments ago
from the senate chamber in attendance
upon the committee on. Indian affairs,
the senator who has just taken his seat,
(Senator Tillman) said that improper
influences had been used in changing
the vote Of somebody on that treaty,
and then went on later and said that 1t
applied to the senator from South Caro-
lima, who had been given the patronage
in that state. I think got the sense Of
the controversy"
Still controlling himself with an effort,
but still speaking very calmly and with
a carefully modulated tone, Senator
McLaurin said, and his words cut
through the senate chamber like a
knife:
IT desire to state, Mr.. President, I
would not use as strong language as
intend had I not soon after the senate
met replied to these insinuations and
said that they were untrue.
II now say" continued Senator Nc
Laurin with distinct emphasis upon ev-
cry word and half turning towards his
colleague (Senator Tillman) who sat in
the same row, only three seats away,
"that the statement Is a wilful, malic-
ious and deliberate lie."
Senator McLaurin got no further with
his statement.
Senator Tillman, who was occupying
his regular seat on the main aisle,
sprang with tiger-like ferocity at his
colleague. Senator Teller, Of Colorado,
who was sitting at his desk between
the two South Carolina senators, was
swept aside without ceremony. Indeed,
the infuriated Tillman climbed over him
in his effort to reach Senator McLau-
rim. Without the slightest hesitation
Senator McLaurin sprang to meet the
attack half way. Senator Tillman aim
ed a wild blow at his colleague with his
right fist. 1t landed upon Senator Nc
Laurin's forehead, just above the left
eye, although partially spent upon Sen
ator McLaurin's arm, which he had
raised in an effort to parry the blow.
Instantly Senator McLaurin's right
arm shot out, the blow landing upon
Senator Tillman's face, apparently up
on the nose. Again Senator Tillman
struck out frantically, this time with
his left hand. The blow did not land
upon Senator McLaurin. Then followed
a wild scrimmage, both senators clutch
ing at each other madly.
Senators Warren and Scott-both of
whom are powerful men, rushed toward
the combatants to separate them. AS
sistant Sergeant-at-Arms Layton
sprang over desks in his effort to reach
the belligerent senators.
Just as he seized Senator McLaurin
Senator Tillman aimed left-handed
blow at his colleague, which struck Mr..
Layton in the face. Fortunately the
blow was glancing and did no special
harm.
Mr.. Layton tore them apart. Both
senators still were striking at each 9TH
er, some Of the blows landing upon Mr..
Layton.
An instant later the angry senators
were pinioned in the arms Of Senators
Scott and Warren. They were dragged
further apart, although they still made
Intellectual efforts to reach each other.
Finally they were forced into their
seats.
Senator McLaurin, though very pale,
seemed to be the calmer of the two.
Senator Tillman was as white as a
sheet. AS he sat in his seat he drew his
handkerchief from his pocket and wiped
blood from his face, that seemingly was
flowing slightly from his nose. Until
that time it had not been supposed that
blood had been drawn in the encounter.
During the fight senators all over
the chamber were on their feet. Not a
word, however, was spoken. The SEN
ate never in its history had received
such shock.
The president pro tenn (Senator Frye
was the first to regain composure. In
calm and impassioned tones he directed
that the senate be in order. He raped
sharply two or three times with his gav-
ell and in few minutes semblance of
order was obtained, although senator's,
having by this time partially recovered
from the shock, moved hurriedly about
the chamber.
Senator Gallinger was first to address
the chair. "Mr. President, I ask that
the doors be closed" Again the pres
ident pro tenn requested the senate to
be in order and that senators resume
their seats.
1t was reserved for Senator Pritch-
ard, of North Carolina, in measure to
relieve the strain under which all were
laboring. He desired to address the
senate on the pending Philippine bill,
and, calling for the attention of the
chair, he said:
IF the senator from South Carolina
(Mr. McLaurin) has concluded"
He was interrupted by Senator Nc
Laurin, who said very calmly: II will
now proceed with my remarks, which
were unceremoniously interrupted"
II call the senator from South Carroll
ma to order" interrupted Senator Tel
ler
(Which one of the senators?" inquir-
ed Senator McLaurin with some asper-
ity.
This one," said Senator Teller, in
dicating Senator McLaurin. And the