PRESIDENT'S GREETING, DISGRACEFUL SENATE EPISODE, AND SONS OF THE REVOLUTION

 

Prince Henry of Prussia.

Theodore Roosevelt.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, Feb. 24, 1902.

President's Greeting.

   Washington, Feb. 24.—The following messages have passed between Prince Henry and President Roosevelt:

   On Board Kronprinz Wilhelm, off Nantucket Island, via Marconi Station, Siassonset, Feb. 2.

   President Roosevelt—Hope state of health of Master Roosevelt favorably progressing with speedy recovery. Permit me to congratulate you and American nation on today's commemoration of Washington's birthday. Sorry to disappoint you so late arrival. Very heavy, persistent easterly winds which make fast progress impossible even for this beautiful vessel. I look forward to meeting you.

   HENRY of PRUSSIA.

   The president replied:

   White House, Feb. 22.

   Prince Henry of Prussia, the Hohenzollern, New York city.

   Accept my heartiest greeting on your safe arrival, I thank you for your message. In the name of the American people I will see you and I look forward to meeting you personally tomorrow.

   THEODORE ROOSEVELT.

 

School Teachers For Manila.

   New York, Feb. 24.—The United States army transport McClellan has put to sea on her long voyage to Manila by way of Gibraltar and the Suez canal. On board the McClellan are 200 school teachers, most of whom come from the Middle states and the South and West. The vessel also carries a quantity of supplies to the Quartermaster's department at Manila. It is expected that the McClellan, if she meets with favorable weather on the voyage, will reach the Philippines some time during the second week in April.

 

John L. McLaurin.

Benjamin Tillman.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

A Disgraceful Episode.

   There was a most disgraceful scene in the United States senate last Saturday. Senator Tillman of South Carolina was speaking on the Philippine matter. He referred to the treaty of Paris which closed the Spanish war and declared that this could not have been ratified by the senate but for the fact that improper influences had been brought to bear upon a senator. Senator Spooner of Wisconsin demanded who was meant, saying that it was cowardly to make an insinuation of that kind without naming the man. Senator Tillman declared that promises of all federal patronage in the state had been made and accepted before the vote was obtained. "Name the man," insisted Senator Spooner. "He is from South Carolina," finally rejoined the speaker, referring to Senator McLaurin, the junior senator from his own state.

   Senator McLaurin was not in the senate chamber at the time, being engaged in work with the committee on Indian affairs in an adjoining committee room. He was told of the charge and came to the senate chamber and addressed the chair, claiming the right to speak upon a question of personal privilege.

   Instantly a hush fell over the senate and over the people in the thronged galleries. With breathless interest the auditors, both on the floor and in the galleries, hung upon every word uttered by the South Carolina senator.

   Despite the emotion under which he was laboring, Mr. McLaurin seemed to be the calmest man in the chamber. He spoke with deliberation and his enunciation was clear and distinct. Every word he uttered seemed to be felt as well as heard in the remotest parts of the historic old hall.

   "During my absence," said Mr. McLaurin," a few moments ago from the senate chamber in attendance upon the committee of Indian affairs, the senator who has just taken his seat (Mr. Tillman) said that improper influences had been used in changing the vote of somebody on that treaty and then went on later and said that it applied to the senator from South Carolina, who had been given the patronage in that state. I think I get the sense of the controversy."

   Still controlling himself, with an effort, but still speaking very calmly and with a carefully modulated tone, Mr. McLaurin said, and his words cut through the senate chamber like a knife:

   "I desire to state, Mr. President, I would not use as strong language as I  intend had I not soon after the senate met, replied to these insinuations and said that they were untrue. I now say that the statement is a willful, malicious and deliberate lie."

   Mr. McLaurin got no further with his statement.

   Mr. Tillman, who was occupying his regular seat on the main aisle, sprang with tiger-like ferocity at his colleague. Mr. Teller (Col.), who was sitting at his desk between the two South Carolina senators, was swept aside without ceremony. Indeed, the infuriated Tillman climbed over him in his effort to reach McLaurin.

   Without the slightest hesitation, 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's forehead, just above the left eye, although its force was partly spent upon McLaurin's arm, which he had raised in an effort to parry the blow. Instantly McLaurin's right arm shot out, the blow landing upon Tillman's face, apparently on the nose. Again Tillman struck out frantically, this time with the left hand. The blow did not land upon McLaurin. Then followed a wild scrimmage, both senators clutching at each other madly.

   Senators Warren and Scott, both of whom are powerful men, rushed toward the combatants to separate them. Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Layton sprang over desks in his effort to reach the belligerent senators. Just as he seized Mr. McLaurin, Tillman aimed a left-handed blow at his colleague, which struck Mr. Layton in the face. The blow was a glancing one and did no serious harm. Mr. Layton tore them apart. Both senators still were striking wildly at each other, some of the blows landing upon Mr. Layton.

   An instant later the angry senators were pinioned in the arms of Senators Scott and Warren. They were dragged further apart, although they still made ineffectual efforts to get at each other.

   Finally they were forced into their seats. Mr. McLaurin, although very pale, seemed to be the calmer of the two. Mr. Tillman was as white as a sheet. As he sat down in his seat he drew his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped blood from his face that seemingly was flowing slightly from his nose. Until that time it had not been supposed that blood had been drawn in the encounter.

   During the fight senators all over the chamber were on their feet. No word, however, was spoken. The senate never in its history had received such a shock.

   Senator Frye as president pro tempore was in the chair. On motion of Senator Foraker the senate went into executive session and the galleries were cleared. For two hours the matter was discussed as to what should be done with the two senators. Finally the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

   Ordered, That the two senators from the state of South Carolina be declared in contempt of the senate on account of the altercation and personal encounter between them this day in open session, and that the matter be referred to the committee on privileges and elections, with instructions to report what action shall be taken by the senate in regard thereto.

   Both senators afterward apologized to the senate for their action, but are not yet purged of their contempt. They are bitterly hostile to each other and there are apprehensions as to what may occur whenever they meet again. This was the most disgraceful scene that ever occurred in the senate.

 

 Nathan Lewis Miller.

REVOLUTION'S SONS DINE.

MANY PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES REPRESENTED AT THE BANQUET.

State Comptroller Miller Eulogizes the Work Done for Independence by Philip Livingston—Many Distinguished Guests at Delmonico's.

   The New York Times of Sunday, Feb. 23 says: In the large banquet room at Delmonico's last night the Sons of the Revolution in the state of New York celebrated the one hundred and seventieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. The hall was decorated handsomely with groups of silk flags, banners of the society, and roses.

   To each of the more than 300 diners was presented a reproduction of the famous silver Red Jacket medal, which was given by Washington in 1792 to the Indian Chief Red Jacket and afterward remained in the custody of the Seneca nation until it recently came into the possession of the Buffalo  Historical society. The medal souvenirs were worn about the neck by the diners, many of whom also wore medals of two or more patriotic societies.

   On guard at the door of the banquet hall stood a lone continental soldier, clad in the blue and buff uniform of the Revolutionary army. Patriotic and popular songs were sung throughout the evening.

   Frederick S. Tallmadge, president of the Sons of the Revolution, served as toastmaster and at the guests' table were seated Edmund Wetmore, president of the American Bar association; Hugh Hastings, state historian; Nathan L. Miller, state comptroller; the Rev. Henry Emerson, Hovey of the New Hampshire society of the sons of the Revolution; Frederick de Peyster of the Society of Colonial Wars; Robert O. Ogden of the Pennsylvania society, Oliver H. Perry of the society of the war of 1812; Theodore M. Banta of the Holland society and George DeForest Barton of the military order of foreign wars. Among others present were Samuel P. Avery, E. L. Bonynge, H. H. Brockway, the Rev. Percy S. Grant, Henry V. Keep, Robert Olyphant, A. M. Thornburn, Admiral J. R. Tryon and Philip Rhinelander.

   Throughout the speeches the proceedings were interspersed with cheers for George Washington, which were followed several times by cheers for Prince Henry, and impromptu exclamations of "Hoch der Prinz," which evoked applause.

   Edmund Wetmore, the first speaker, eulogized the name and personality of George Washington and roused great enthusiasm by crediting the United States with having attained such a position that "the proudest and most ancient powers of the world are vying for our friendship."

   State Historian Hastings followed Mr. Wetmore and paid a tribute to the career and character of George Clinton. State Comptroller Miller then responded to the toast, "Philip Livingston." He said, in part:

   "What Patrick Henry was to Virginia and Samuel Adams was to Massachusetts, Philip Livingston was to New York. From Virginia came the first suggestion of armed resistance, from Massachusetts the first talk of union, and from New York the first note of independence. 'Twas a fateful choice these colonies made, leaving but an alternative of success or treason. Who at that day could have foreseen that from those struggling patriots could arise a state that in the beginning of the second century has become the dominating nation of the world?"

   The dinner closed as it began with the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner."

 

BREVITIES.

   —Cortland Lodge of Perfection will meet this evening at 8 o'clock.

   —The Primary union will meet tomorrow afternoon at 4 o’clock in the First M. E. church.

   —A regular meeting of the Royal Arcanum Council will be held Tuesday evening, Feb. 25, at G. A. R. hall at 7:30 o'clock.

   —New display advertisements today are Bingham & Miller, Clothing, page 8; Baker & Angell, Shoes sale, page 8; New York Family Liquor store, Liquors, etc, page 7; C. F. Thompson, Molasses, page 5; R. W. Mitchell, Meats, page 5; C. F. Brown, Spices, page 7.

   —A wagon was seen picking its way down Main-st. on the car track this morning between the snowdrifts. It looked as though the driver was rather forcing the season, and he was certainly likely to get into a peck of trouble if he got off the car tracks and tried to go anywhere.

   —The change in the weather yesterday was very acceptable and the bright sunshine and mild air made one think that spring might actually be near. A fine opportunity has been afforded today to clean the walks clear down to the foundation. Some have taken advantage of it, but more have not.