Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1902-02-27
FIST FIGHT IN THE SENATE.
SENATORS TILLMAN AND McLAuRIN Ex-
CHANGE BLOWS.
For the First Time In the History Of the
senate a Rough and Tumble Fight
Is Indaige ed In Both the Par
Elephants are In Contempt.

Washington's birthday was signal
lied in the United States senate by a
fist fight. The two senators from
South Carolina were the active partici-
pants in the affray
Mr.. Tillman in the course of speech
upon the Philippine tariff bill made
serious reflections upon the honor of
his colleague, 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.
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 concluded
his speech.
Pale as ashes, Mr.. McLaurin arose
to address the senate, speaking to
question of personal privilege. He re-
viewed Mr.. Tillman's charges briefly
and then denounced the statement
made by his colleague as .wilful, ma
llclous and deliberate lie."
Scarcely had the words fallen from
his lips when Mr.. Tillman, sitting a
few seats from him, with MIR. Teller OF
Colorado between them, sprang at Mr..
McLaurin, who had turned toward Mr..
Tillman and met him half way, and in
an instant these two senator's, having
swept Mr.. Teller aside, were engaged
In rough and tumble fight. Mr.. Nc
Laurin received heavy blow on the
forehead, while MIR. Tillman got
punch on the nose which brought
blood.
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Taylor
sprang over desks to reach and sepa-
rate the com batants and himself re-
ceived several blows. He got between
them finally, and by main strength
wrenched them apart. Senators War
rem of Wyoming and Scott of West
Virginia, two of the most powerful
men in the senate, leaped to his assist
ance and caught the arms of the bellig-
erents, forcing them to their seat.
Intense excitement prevailed in the
senate and in the galleries, which
were thronged with people who had
been attracted by the spirited debate
Every body was on his feet. Not a
word, however, was spoken. Senators
stood about the chamber for the mo-
ment quite helpless and pale to the
lips.
Finally order was restored partially,
and in the midst of the intense excite
ment the senate went into secret Leg
islative session. For two hours it dis
cussed the event behind closed doors.
When the doors were opened it was
| made known that both of the South
| Carolina senators, by unanimous vote,
had been declared to be in contempt of
| the senate.
They were permitted, by 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 breathless inter-
| est. Senator 1'illman left the Capitol
when adjournment was taken for the
nights session. MIR. McLaurin was
| in the chamber about o'clock but left
early. Nither senator, when seen,
would make a statement.
The status of Senator Tillman and
| McLaurin is that they are still in con-
tempt of the senate, and only by a
vote of the senate can either be recog-
nized either to speak of to vote on any
| question whatever. The senate Is
privileged under a clause of section 5,
| article /, of the constitution, which re.
cites.
Each house may determine the rules
| of its proceedings, punish members
| for disorderly behavior. and with the
| concurrence of two-thirds expel a
| member.