New-York tribune., 1902-02-23
FIST FIGHT IN SENATE.
ITLLWAN AND WLAURIN EX-
CHANGE BLOWS.
ENCOUNTER STARTED BY M'LAURIN
IN CONTEMPT, THEY APOLOGIZE.

Washington. Feb. 22.-One Of the most sensa-
tional incidents in the history of the United
States Senate took place this afternoon in the
debate on the Philippine Tariff bill fist
fight occurred between Senators Tillman and
McLaurin, of South Carolina. in which blows
were struck on both sides and the combatants
were with difficulty separated and forced into
their seats by the assistant sergeant-at-arms
and Senators who stood near. AS soon as order
could be restored the Senate went into executive
session to consider measures to vindicate its
outraged dignity resolution was adopted
declaring both South Carolina Senators in con
tempt and referring the case to the Committee
on Privileges and Elections for such action as
might be deemed necessary. The combatants
expressed a willingness to apologize and we're
permitted to 10 They stfI remain. however.
In contempt Il the Scrat,
THE CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE.
In the course Of his speech Mr.. Tilman be-
came Involved in a lively colloquy with Mr..
Spooner, of Wisconsin, regarding the ratihca-
tion Of the Paris Treaty. The South Carolina
Senator referred to Mr.. Spooner's comments in
his speech yesterday on the part taken by Will
lam j. Bryan in securing the ratification of The
treaty. He agreed with the Wisconsin Senator
that the influence OF Mr.. Bryan was potent but
insisted that even his influence was not sun-
cient TO induce the Senate 20 ratify the treaty
After he had done all that it was possible for
him 10 do. Mr.. Tillman asserted. the Repub-
hcans yet lacked votes enough to secure rati-
fication
You know" he shouted. shaking his finger at
the Republican side, how those votes necessary
were secured"
How were they secured?" demanded Mr.
Spooner
Il know, if the Senator does not" replied Mr.
Tiilman. Il have received information in conf
dence from that side of the chamber know,
from that that improper Influences were used in
getting those votes"
Name the man" insisted Mr. Spooner. upon
whom those influences We're brought to bear. 1t
is due the Senator and due the country that he
name him. A man who mpeaches another in
confidence is "A coward. If the Senator knows of
any who has been Improperly Influenced he
should name him"
Il know" asserted Mr Timan. that the
patronage-the federal patronage-of State
has been parcelled out to a Senator since the
ra ratihcation OF that treaty.
What State" demanded Mr. Spooner
South Carolina" shouted Mr.. Tillman.
Then" said Mr.. Spooner, Il leave YOU to
fight the matter out with your colleague"
Well" retorted Mr.. Tillman. Il never shirI
the responsibility for a statement l make.
know that he Mr.. McLaurin. his colleague
voted for the treaty l know that improper in
fuences were brought to bear I know what |
believe"
You simply believe" retorted Mr. spooner.
what you do not know"
This ended the incident for the time. but the
feeling engendered manifested itself later in one
of the most sensational scenes ever witnessed in
the history of the United States Senate.
M'LAURIN GIVES TILLMAN THE LIE
Mr. Til,nan finished his speech, and had
scarcely taken his seat. hen. pale to the lips
and trembling with emotion which he in vain
endeavored to control. Mr. McLaurin rose and
addressed the Senate. speaking to a question of
personal privilege. Instantly a hush fell over
the Senate and the people in the thronged
galleries The atmosphere seemed surcharged
with excitement. With breathess interest the
auditors both on the floor and in the galleries
hung on every word uttered by the South Caro-
lima Senator Despite the emotion under which
he was Iaboring Mr. McLaurin seemed to be the
calmest man in the chamber He spoke with
deliberation, and his enunciation clear and
distinct Every word he uttered seemed to be
felt as well as heard in the remotest parts of
the historic old hall.
MIR. President" he began Il rise to a ques-
ton Of personal privilege" He had spoken less
than dozen words. yet the excitement had
become intense. All seemed to realize that
something sensational about to happen.
Senator Scott, OF West Virginia. moved rest
Continued fourth pnge.
Nc llA