National Republican., 1877-03-01
4 PUGILIsTIC LEGISLIrOR.

Congressman willis Attempts tn Thrash n
Doorkeeper--TheD Doorkeeper Claims First
Blood, and After One Round, In Which
Both are Punished, tho Combstants with
draw.
There was q speck OF "wah" at the Capitol
yesterday. Tho stalwart Congressman Willis, Of
New York, he Of the Mephistophcican eyebrow,
undertook to discipline doorkeeper named
Harris according to the rules Of the London prize
ring. 1t was square out and out, rough and
tumble tight, but luckily did not involve the
country In anything more serious than having q
legislator with black eye 1t was said about
the Capitol that the scrlmmsge was only q part
Of the programme ofthe hlibusters, and intended
to divert attention from the electoral count and
prolong the debate. But this is but q mere
speculation and we only give 1t for what 4. Is
worth.
THE FAcTs OF THE cLss
are these
Congressman Willis, who is q sort OF Jack Fal.
staff In bodily proportions, heard that friend Of
his had asked the doorkeeper at the north or
main entrance to the aoor OF the House to take o
card to him. The doorkeeper, acting under In.
structions not to convey any cards to members
during the debate on the Presidential count, 70.
fused to carry this visitors card to Willis. When
the latter learned Of the refusal he was very
angry, and about three o'clock went out into the
lobby to settle with the doorkeoper in person.
feOple VINO Witnessed inc eHcOuntor gay tnht
NO WORDS WERE PASSED
between the combatants. Willis went straight
TO the doorkeepcr, whose name is Harris, and who
was sitting in the lobby, chewing tobacco and
squirting the juice on the marble floor, and rudely
pushed him OF his seat. Harris was nel allow to
gather himself up, but he had no sooner half re.
sumed his equilibrium than the bellcose Wills
struck him aheavy blow on the chest, which sent
Mr.. Harris sprawllng on tho tiles. Harris, who
proved himself nimbie fellow, sprang up very
quickly, and in good style let ny his LEFT mauley
at his Congressional adversary, striking him reg.
ular "caulker' under the left eye. Willis
Notwithstanding his ponderous avoirdupois
dropped like n bundle Of rags, his fall shaking
the building to its foundation. Mr.. Harris was
about to follow his advantage, when Congress
man Burchard opportunely interferred, nud no
tracted to the spot by the encounter, but 1t was
over so quickly that very few Of them saw any.
thing except
Harris, who Is . slender man, from North Caro-
limo, bore away no marks from the ARRAY
but soon retired from his post, having gained
sufficient honor for one day. Willis
received two scratches on tho LEFT cheek, from
which blood flowed quite freely. He withdrew TO
the floor Of the House. and disappeared n the
sloak-room, where his wounds were bathed.
When he reappeared on the floor, the marks leit
by Harris fists were scarcely noticeable. Willis
vas greatly excited during the rest OF the after
noon and evening.
Harris friends expect that Wills will mako an
attempt to have him ousted, but they claim that,
In that event, there will bo strong fight for
Harris on the part OF the Southern Democrats,
and Willis will not hnve strength enough to oust
him.
LATRR.-It is understood that Mr.. Harris has
ihtimated that he Will challenge Mr.. Wills II he
10 removed from his position.