Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1902-02-28
THE SENATORIAL FIST.
H Plays Important Part I'm Senate
Session Saturdny-TiIimnnn and
McLnurin Indulge in n Fight.

ioio uiC DCODlC ODDblbu-
nifty to pay fitting tribute to the mem-
ory of the first president was the |
occasion of one of the most sensa-
tional scenes ever enacted in the SEN
ate chamber.
The two senators from South Caro-
lima were the active participants in
the affray. Senator Tillman, in the
course of speech upon the Philip
pine tariff bill, made serious rehec-
tions upon the honor of his colleague,
Senator McLaurin. In brief, he
charged that his vote in support of
the treaty of Paris had been cast
through the exercise of improper in
fuences. His statement was devel-
oped in a colloquy between him and
Senator Spooner wis.,. Senator
Tillman at first declined to mention
names, but when the Wisconsin sena-
| tor reminded him that he owed it to
himself, to the senate and to the
country to "name the man." Senator
Tillman indicated that he referred
to his colleague from South Carolina.
Little imagining that his words were
likely to be prophetic, Senator
Spooner remarked sententiously:
81 will leave the senator to fight
that out with his colleague"
Senator McLaurin was not in the
chamber at the time, being engaged
in committee work, but he was sent
for and appeared just as Senator
Tillman concluded his speech Pale
as ashes, Senator McLaurin rose to
address the senate, speaking to a
question of personal privilege. He
reviewed Senator Tillman's charges
briefly, and then denounced the
statement made by his colleague as
"willful, malicious and deliberate
lie."
Scarcely had the portentious words
fallen from his lips when Senator
Tillman, sitting a few seats from
him, with Senator Teller (Col.), be-
tween them, sprang at him. Senator
McLaurin, who had half turned to-
ward Senator Tillman, met him half
way, and in an instant the two sem
ators, having swept Senator Teller
aside, were engaged in rough and
tumble fight. Senator McLaurin re-
ceived heavy blow on the forehead
while Senator Tillman got bad
punch on the nose which brought
blood.
Assistant Sergeant at Arms Lay
ton sprang over desks to reach and
separate the combatants, and HIM
self received several blows. He got
between them finally, and by main
strength wrenched them apart. Sem
ators Warren (Wyo.) and Scott CIV.
Val, two of the most powerful men
in the senate, leaped to his assist
ance and, pinioning the arms of the
belligerent senators, forced them into
their seats
The chamber and galleries, which
were crowded to their fullest capac-
ity, were the scene of great excite
ment. A dozen or more republican
senators crowded into the space in
front of the presidents desk and
talked excitedly. They did not spe-
| officially or directly address the pres
ident, but what they said could be
, heard distinctly in the galleries.
They were protesting against the vio-
: lent episode which had just occurred
and demanding that steps be taken
to preserve order. Senator Spooner
. (Wis.) could be heard saying: "This
is n great outrage. Its indecency
{ surpasses anything 1 have ever
known"
While the excitement was at it's
height Senator Foraker drew the cur
tain on the episode by moving that
, the senate proceed to the considera
ton of executive business. Instantly
the galleries were cleared, all the
5 doors closed, and the senate proceed
ed to discuss the rowdyish affair
which had interrupted its delibera
Q tions. The discussion lasted fol
nearly two hours, and at the end o.
the time, when the doors were re
opened, it became known that boil
Tillman and McLaurin had been ad
:. judged in contempt of the senate b.
/ unanimous vote and that their case
y had been referred to the committe
e on privileges and elections for tn
y purpose of determining whether ei
It ther or both shall be expelled from
e the senate.
e Both made apologies to the senate
5. but were permitted to do so onl
II with the understanding that thei
q apologies did not purge them of cor
t. tempt. The apologies were detian
IT and only half-hearted, and were no
l. addressed to each other. They wer
ID addressed only to the senate.
l. 1t is understood the conference
among senators have shown the e,
istence of a considerable sentimen
IL that the apologies made by the Sout
IF Carolina senator's are not deeme
is sufficient and that the committee wi
n require other and more ample apolo
" gies to be submitted to ii in writing
,r with the assurance that such apolC
le gics will be made to the senate b'
e. fore report will be made to the e
n feet that the senators have sufficien
d. ly purged themselves of the contemI
le of which the senate has adjudge
them guilty.