The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-02-25

arms D. w. LdytOn EOSc ifOIn ms seat
as IL to listen the better to what was
about to be said.
During my absence" continued Sen
ator 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
CTillman) 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 got the sense of the contro-
versy"
TiIlman Given the Lie.
Still controlling himself with an ef-
fort. but still speaking very calmly and
with a carefully modulated tone, Sena-
tor McLaurin said. and his words cut
through the senate chamber like a
knife:
II desire to state. Mr.. President-I
would not use as strong language as I
intend had I not soon after the senate
met replied TO these insinuations and
said that they were untrue.
II now say" continue Senator Nc
Laurin with distinct emphasis upon
every word and half turning toward
his colleague. Senator Tillman, who sat
in the same row only three seats away.
that the statement is a willful. mali
cious and deliberate lie."
Senator McLaurin got no further with
his statement.
Personal Encounter.
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
the infuriated Tillman climbed over
him in his effort to reach McLaurin.
Without the slightest hesitation Mo
Laurin sprang to meet the attach half
way.
Senator Tillman aimed wild blow at
his colleague with his right fist. 1t
landed upon McLaurin's forehead just
above the left eye, although it's force
was partially spent upon McLaurin's s
arm which he had raised at an effort
to parry the blow.
Instantly Senator McLaurln's right
Tillman's face. apparently upon the
nose.
Again Senator Tillman struck out
froro hi &c. lnfr 1oY
The bow did not land upon Senator Nc
Laurin. Then followed a wild scrini-
mage, both Senators cluthing at each
| other madly.
Senators Warren and Scott, both OF
| whom are powerful men, rushed toward
| the combatants to separate them.
| Assistant Sergeant-at-ArmS Layton
| sprang over desks in his effort to reach
| the billigerents. Just as he seized SEN
| ator McLaurin Senator Tillman aimed a
| left handed blow at his colleague which
| struck Mr.. Layton in the face. Fortu.
| nalely the blow was glancing and did
| no special harm. Mr.. Layton tore them
| apart. Both senators still were strik-
| ing wildly at each other, some of the
| blows landing upon Mr.. Layton.
| An instant later. the angry senators
| were pinioned in the arms of Senators
| Scot and Warren. They were dragged
| further apart, although they still made
| Intellectual efforts to get at each other.
| Finally they were forced into their
seats.
Senator McLaurin. although very pale
! seemed to be the calmer Of the two
| Senator Tillman was 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 tina
blood had been drawn in the encounter.
Intense Excitement.
During the fight senators all over the
| chamber were on their feet. Not a
| word, however, was spoken. The SEN
ate never in it's history had received
| such a shock.
The president pro tenn (Frye) was the
| first to regain composure. In calm and
| unimpassio tones. he directed that
| the senate be in order. He raped
| sharply two or three times, although
| senators. having by this time partially
| recovered from the shock, moved hur-
| riedly about the chamber.
Senator Gallinger was first to address
| the chair. MIR. President" he said, Il
| ask that the doors be closed"
Again the president pro tenn request
! ed the senate to be in order and that
senators resume their seats.
Senator Pritchard Relieves the
| Strain.
1t was reserved for Senator Pritch-
| ard. of North Carolina, in a measure to
! relieve the strain under which a.! 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 so unceremoniously interrupted"
Il called the senator from South Car
olina to order" INTERRUPTED Senator
| Teller.
| Which one Of the senator's" inquir-
| ed Senator McLaurin with some as per
| ity.
This one" said Senator Teller. indi-
| eating Senator McLaurin. And the
other one. too, for that matter"
"Mr. President" interjected Senator
Foraker. 81 join in that. Surely" he
continued with great feeling. his face