The Iola register., 1902-02-28
BLOWS In THE SENATE
Senators Tillman and McLaurin De-
gcaded that Dignilled Body with
o Bloody Fist Fight

Bloody Fist Fight
Washington, Feb 22.-Washing.
tons birthday was signalized in the
United States senate by a fist fight.
The day set apart by the nation to
afford the American people opportu-
nifty to pay fitting tribute to the MEM
ory of the first president was the occa-
sion of one of the most sensational
scenes ever enacted in the senate cham
Der.
The two senator's from South Caro-
lima were the active participants in the
atfray. Mr.. Tillman in the course of
speech upon the Philippine tariff
bill, made serious reflections upon the
honor of his collegue, Mr.. 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 improper influences.
His statement was developed in
colloquy between him and Mr. Spooner,
of Wisconsin. Mr. Tillman at first
declined to mention names, but when
the Wisconsin senator reminded him
that he owed it to himself, to the SEN
ate and to the country to "name the
man." Mr.. Tillman indicated that he
referred to his colleague from South
Carolina. Little imagining that his
words were likely to be prophetic, Mr.
Spooner remarked sententiously;
81 will leave the senator to fight
that out with his colleague"
Mr.. McLaurin was not in the cham
Der at the time, being engaged in com
mittee work, but he was sent for and
appeared just as Mr.. Tillman con-
cluded his speech.
Pale as ashes, Mr.. McLaurin rose
to address the senate, speaking to a
question of personal privilege. He
reviewed Mr.. Tillman's charges
briefly, and then denounced the state
ment as "willful, malicious and de-
liberate lie.
Scarcely had the pernicious words
fallen from his lips when Mr.. Tillman,
sitting a few seats from him, with Mr..
Teller, of Colorado, between them,
sprang at him. Mr.. McLaurin, who
had half turned toward Mr.. Tillman.
met him half way, and in an instant
these two senator's, having swept Mr.,
Teller aside, we're engaged in rough
and tumble fight.
Mr.. McLaurin received a heavy blow
on the forehead, while Mr.. Tillman
got bad punch on the nose, which
brought blood.
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Taylor
sprang over the desks to reach and
separate the combatants, and himself
received several blows. He got be-
tween them finally, and by main
strength wrenched them apart. Sen
ators Warren, of Wyoming, and
Scott, Of West Virginia, two of the
most powerful men in the senate,
leaped to his assistance and, pinioning
the arms of the belligerent senator's,
forced them into their seats Intense
excitement prevailed in the senate and
galleries, which were thronged with
people who had been attracted by the
spirited debate. Everybody was
on his feet. Not word, however,
was spoken. Senators stood about
the chamber for the moment quite
helpless and pale to the lips. Finally
order was restored partially, and, in the
midst of intense excitement, the senate
went into secret legislative session.
For two hours the senate discussed
the event behind closed doors. When
the doors were opened, it was made
known that both of the Carolina SEN
ators, by unanimous vote, had been
declared to be in contempt of the
senate They were permitted by a
vote of the senate, to make apologies
to the senate. Their statements were
listened to by both the senators and
the people in the galleries with breath
less interest. Senator Tillman left the
capitol when adjournment was taken
for recess and did not return for the
night session. Senator McLaurin was
in the chamber about O'Clock, but
left early. Neither senator, when seen
at his home would make a statement