Arizona republican., 1921-12-10
WATSON TIRE TO
 SLAP ARMY OFFICERS
 FACE AT SENATE QUIZ
IRepublican A. p. Leased wIreJ

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9-Threats by Senator Watson, Democrat of Georgia, to slap the face of an army officer sitting within touch of his el- low threw the meeting of the senate committee investigating charges that American soldiers had been illegally hanged in France. into an uproar today and brought a quick demand from Chairman Brandegee for a ser geant- at arms to prevent any phy- sical clash
 For a moment the utmost confl- sion prevailed. Above the din as some women hurried toward the door, the voice of the chairman, in strident tones, commanded the Georgia sen- ator to sit down or retire from the room. Banging the table with bare a semblance of order, but there were many heated exchanges before the meeting broke up until tomorrow noon.
 Major George W. Cocheu. attached to the general staff. was the officer on whom Senator Watson launched his verbal attack. It happened near the close of a brief but turbulent meeting at which Senator Watson's charges that the committee 'at a se- cret session had prejudged" the case. was characterized by Senator Shields. Democrat of Tennessee. a member of the committee, as untrue and wholly without foundation.
 The senator's attack on Major
 Cocheu hit the committee like a crack of lightning. There had been no intimation that anything of the kind was impeding. Major Cocheu had not testified, and his friends said later, was present in his official ca pacity as chief of the legislative branch of the general staff.
 Suddenly swinging on his feet and shaking his right hand within two feet of the majors face. the senator.
 his voice pitched high, exclaimed that flor two pennies I'd slap your jaws" The officer did not bat an
 eye.
 Instantly, Chairman Brandegee was
 on his feet, calling for a sergeant-at arms to protect the officer from "an insult" Then, declaring that he him. self had been insulted. Senator Wat son announced that he would retire 1 from the meeting.
 An insult can be given by looks, | Senator Watson declared. wheeling ! quickly again to face the officer. "Ii | he looks at me again that way IT slap his face. I won't sit here and b. | bulldoZed by these officers ! by this bull jawed brute"
 Major Cocheu looked straight ahead | at the senator, as Chairman Brande- | gee endeavored to get the proceed | ings within orderly senate bounds | After repeating his command that the ! senator sit down or leave. Chairman | Brandegee and Senator Watson had fiery exchange as to just what had 1 been promised in keeping officers out ' of the room while any of the latter'S i witnesses were testifying.
 Finally the chairman shouted to the ! Georgia senator, asking if he wanted l the officers sent away, and on being informed that he did, they were told 1 to get out.
 After that things settled down a | bit. Smiles came back to Senator ' Watson's face as he explained that he | wanted to beg pardon of the commit : tee if he had acted in ar unseemly manner. He added, however. that l the officers, sitting ther and gazing at him lin an Insolent manner had aroused his Southern blood" l The committee later decided to hear (Contlnued on Page 9