Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 May 1901 — RESIGN FROM THE SENATE. [ARTICLE]

RESIGN FROM THE SENATE.

Political War Between Tillman and MeUorio Reache* a Climax. The fierce political war between Senators Tillman and McLaurin reached a climax when both sent to Gov. McSweeney of South Carolina their resignations as United States senators. Each announces that he will go before the primary for re-election. The resignations will take effect September 15. This is the second instance in the histc.y of the senate that two members of that body have resigned and appealed for vindication to the voters of their state. In 1881 Senators Conkling and Platt made a spectacular exit from the senate, their grievance being that President Garfield had ignored them in the matter of important federal appointments in New York. Neither Conkling nor Platt was vindicated, Platt returning to the senate twenty years later, when the feud had been forgotten. Senator Tillman seemed much pleased with himself after the resignation. He considered tnat he had gained an important advantage over Senator McLaurin and that he risked little, while McLaurin’s chances of coming out vindicated were one in a hundred. “McLaurin made a bluff at me,” he said, “and did not I would call him. After I had made an assault on his honesty and integrity of purpose he tried to parry that by taunting me with the assertion that I would not leave my six years’ bomb-proof position. I saw the opportunity to make & ten-strike for democracy, and was ready to take it, regardless of the personal sacrifice. I want South Carolina to say whether she wants two democrats or two republicans in the senate. If the people do not want to re-elect me I do no’t care to serve them. I shall announce my candidacy to succeed myself and shall take such other steps as I find desirable.”