New-York tribune., 1920-04-01
Senator Ready
For Fist Fight
Over Anderson
Ihompson's Apology When
Walker Angrily Starts
Toward Desk Averts Bat
: tie in Upper House
''Dry" Insults Resented
Gage Enforcement Bill
May Be Amended to
Permit 8. 3.5OPer Cent Beer
From a Stat CORRESPONDENT


derson. Of the Anti-Saloon League,
whose presence in the Assembly Cham
Der yesterday caused riotous scenes at
the beer and wine hearing, again was
the cause of trouble in the Legislature
day. An exchange of blows between
two Senators narrowly was averted in
= debate in which Anderson was the
main topic.
Senator Frederick B. Pitcher, Of
Watertown. member of the Senate
Judiciary Committee, before which the
hearing was held yesterday. rising to
motion of personal privilege. attacked
the hearing as one of the most dis
graceful proceedings the Legislature
ever had experienced. He said he had
stayed only a few moments and there
fore was not recorded in favor Of let
ting Anderson speak.
senator James j. Walker, the mi
nority leader. replied that Senator
Pitcher shirked his duty in not staying,
and that while he also regretted the
disorder. there was good reason for
the resentment expressed against An
derson because of his bulldozing tao
tics.
HE has heaped insult after insult
upon members of this Legislature"
said Senator Walker.
Thompson Dares Walker
"Well, just what did Anderson saw"
inquired Senator George F. Thompson,
Of Niagara.
"The whole world knows, and this is
the first time I ever have known that
YOU haven't been kept informed on
everything that Anderson does" re-
piled Walker.
you to quote from anything Anderson
said retorted Thompson
DO you mean that?" shouted
Thompson's desk. DO YOU mean
that he repeated threateningly. Then
not sound was heard until Walker
~as within six feet of Senator Thomp-
son.
We'll. I will take that back" the
latter then said
"You took that back just in time!"
shouted Walker as he went back to
his seat
The Lieutenant Governor then di-
rected the members to address the
chair.
Senator Walker continuing his
speech declared that "the uncouth en-
thusiasm of some of those in the As
sembly Chamber yesterday was more
honest than the sneaking, snakelike
attacks that Anderson has made on
members Of this Legislature"
And will say that outside" he
added, where | am not under the pro-
lection | am under here. | would say
that to Anderson were he six times
as big as he is physically and ten
times bigger mentally"
Senator Walker said that when An
derson referred to Ransom H. Gillett,
introducer of the beer and wine bills.
as a booze agent and fake hero, he did
an injustice to a legislator that justi-
fed his being prevented from speaking
yesterday.
Attack. Made on Hero
after reading one Of the letters in
which Anderson attacked Colonel Gill
lett, Senator Walker declared:
II contend that is a vile, malicious
slander on d member of this Legisla-
ture and a man who went to France
and fought for his country and came
back manned while Anderson was
bowling around here at home"
Colonel Gillett announced this af-
ternoon that he intended to move to
discharge the Excise Committee from
further consideration Of his $50 per
cent beer and 10 per cent wien BILL
1t was said to-day that the Excise
Committee may report out the Gage
prohibition enforcement bill which
continues the Excise Department, and
that an effort will be made to amend it
on the floor so as to permit $50 per
cent beer. Assemblyman Gillett said
he would not object to such a move.