The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-22
FIST FIGHT
IN SENATE.
South Carolina Members En-
gage in KnOckdOwn.
McLaurin Denounced a State
ment as a Malicious Lie.
BLOW IN THE FACE.
BLOW IN THE FACE.
Tillman Went For Him Over
Backs of the Chairs.
They Clinched and Were Parted
With Great Difficulty.

Washington, Feb. 22.-In the senate
this afternoon at 2:45 a fist fight. oc-
Cured between Senators McLaurin and
Tillman, both of South Carolina. Nc
Laurin arose and said that Tillman's
statement regarding him was a ''Wilful
and deliberate and malicious lie.'
Tillman jumped over chairs and
struck McLaurin in the face. Asvicious
encounter ensued Both men clinched
and struck frantically at each other
when Assistant Sergeant at Arms Lay
ton sprang between them and several
senators seized the men and parted
them. 1t was with great difficulty that
the men were parted
As soon as the South Carolina SEN
ators were forced into their seats Mr..
Teller addressed the chair and demand
ed that the senators from South Caro-
lima be in order.
(which senator?" demanded Mr.. Nc
Laurin.
This senator" said Mr.. Teller, point
ing to Mr.. McLaurin.
Meantime Mr.. Foraker of Ohio had
rushed to the central aisle in his effort
to gain the attention of the chair. With
trembling voice he said:
Mr. President, we ought to go into
executive session. I move you that the
senate now proceed to the consideration
of executive business"
Mr. Burrows who had been trying to
gain the attention of the chair, said:
Il approve of that motion, Mr.. Presi-
dent I suggest that the doors be
closed.''
The chair without putting the motion
to the senate declared that the senate
had determined to go into executive ses-
sion and amid great excitement the gall
Ieries and the floor were cleared
During this process, the South Caro-
lima senators remained in their seats.
McLaurin still showed the mark OF
Tillmans fist upon his forehead. Mr..
TilIman had not received any injuries,
apparently, but his usually ruddy face
was ashy pale. There were number
of senators standing about to prevent
renewal of the encounter when the SEN
ate shut itself up from public view.
In accordance with a long time Gus
tom on Washington birthday the fare
well address of Washington was read IN
the senate today Immediately after the
convening of that body at IL O'CLOCK
Mr.. Burrows (M1ch-) read the immortal
document
At the conclusion of the reading at
11:5O Mr.. Lodge presented a memorial
from the Massa chusetts legislature in
favor of such an amendment to the con-
stitution as would place it within the
power of congress to enact laws regard
ing the hours of labor in the various
states.
When routine business had been con-
cluded Mr.. Tillman resumed his speech
in opposition to the pending Philippine
tariff bill. which he began yesterday
During Mr. Tillman's speech lively
tilt occurred between him and Mr..
Spooner over the part that w. j. Bryan
had in the ratification of the Paris
treaty Mr.. Tillman declared that
Improper influences were brought to
bear to secure votes for the ratification
of the treaty, and he insisted that the
Republican side knew how they got
the necessary votes.
Mr.. Spooner demanded to know what
these improper influences were and
upon whom they We're brought. He
denounced as a coward any man who
ing him.
Mr. Tillman declared that the federal
patronage of a state had been parceled
to a senator, presumably for his vote
for the treaty.
what state?'' demanded Mr.. Spooner.
'South Carolina shouted Mr.. Till
man.
'-Then 1 leave the senator to fight it
out with his colleague" retorted Mr.
Spooner.
Il know that he voted for the treaty.
returned Mr.. Tillna ian. Il know what
1 believe
No suggested Mr.. Spooner, you
simply believe what you don't know"