The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-02-23


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HTASHINGTON, Feb. 22.-Washing-
w tons birthday was signalized IN
the United States senate by a
fist fight. The two senators from South
Carolina were the active participants
in the ARRAY.
Mr.. TilIman, in the course Of a speech
upon the Philippine tariff bill, made
serious reflections upon the honor Of
his colleague, Mr.. NIcLaurin. 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. McLauTin 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.. TilIman concluded
his speech.
Pale as ashes, Mr.. McLaurin rose to
address the senate. speaking To a cues
ton of personal privilege. He reviewed
Mr.. Tillman's charges briefly and then
denounced the statement made by his
colleague as a 'Wilful, malicious and
deliberate lie
Scarcely had the words fallen from
his lips when Mr.. TiIlman, sitting a few
seats from him. with Mr. Teller OF
Colorado between him, sprang at Mr..
McLaurin, who had turned toward Mr..
TiIlman, met him half way, and in an
instant these two senators, having
swept Mr.. Teller aside, were engaged IN
a rough and tumble fight. Mr.. Nc
LaUrin received a heavy blow on the
forehead. while Mr.. Tillman got a
punch on the nose which brought blood
Warren a Peacemaker.
Assistant Sergeant at Arms Taylor
sprang over desks to reach and sepa-
rate the cOmbatants and himself re-
ceived several blows. He got between
/ them finally and By main strength
wrenched them apart. Senator Warren
of Wyoming and Scott Of West Vir-
ginia, two of the most powerful men in
the senate leaped to his assistance,
and caught the arms Of the belliger-
ents, forcing them to their seats.
Intense eXcitement prevailed in the
senate and in the galleries, which were
/ thrOnged with people who had been at
tracted by the spirited debate. Every
( body was on his feet Not a word.
I however. was spoken. Senators stood
about the chamber for the moment
l
Finally order was restored partially,
and in the midst Of the intense excite
ment the senate went into secret legis-
! lative 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,
I had been declared TO be in contempt OF
t the senate.
( They were permitted, by a vote of the
senate to make apologies to the senate
I Their statements were listened to by
! both the senators and the people in the
/ galleries with breathIess interest Sen
atOr Tillman left the capitol when ad-
jOUrnment was taken for recess and
did not return for the night session
I Mr.. McLaurin was in the chamber
/ about s o'clock. but left early Neither
/ senator would make a statement.
/ Il think I got the sense Of the con-
/ trOversy"
/ Still controlling himself with an effort
! but still speaking very calmly and with
( a carefully mOdulated tone. Mr. Nc
Laurin said, and his words cut through
! the senate chamber ike a knife.
7 desire 10 state. Mr.. President, [
would not use as strong language as L
/ intend. had ! not soon after the senate
met IeDlleQ 10 luESr. liteillltcl L4J-lo anu
4 said that they were untrue
I Il now say" continued Mr.. McLaurin
with distinct emphasis upon every word
and half turning toward his colleague,
Mr. Tillman, who sat in the same row
only three seats away, that the state
ment is 2 wilful, malicious and deliber-
ate lie
Mr.. McLaurin got no further with his
/ statement.
TiIlman Strikes First Blow.
/ Mr.. Tillman. who was occupying his
/ regular seat on the main aisle, -sprang
with tiger-like ferOcity at his colleague.
Mr. Teller of Colorado. who was sitting
at his desk between the two South
/ Carolina senators, was swept aside
/ without ceremony. Indeed. the infuri-
ated Tillman climbed over him in his
effort TO reach McLaurin.
Without the slightest hesitat ton Mr..
McLaurin sprang TO meet the attack
half way. Mr. Tillman aimed a wild
blow at his colleague with his right
fist. It landed upon Mr.. McLaurin' 5
forehead just above the left eye, al