Connecticut western news., 1888-02-08
AN ANGRY CONG MT. Thomas of Wisconsin Called a
 Lobbyist a Liar.

The incident in the corridor of the House, says a dispatch, when Representative Thomas of Wisconsin upbraided MT. John Boyd, the lobbyist of the Central Pacific Railroad, moment it looked as though tho hrst knock down of tho session was to occur. Mir. Thonl- @ Is new member of Congress, ard docs Lot look like pugilist-in fact, he has Q slender physique and modest bearing. Some time ago he introduced a resolution providing that the land grants of the Pacific Road shoull be withheld until their indebtedness to the Gov ernment should be settled. MT. Bowl. who i; known everywhere in Washington as the agent of MT. C. F. Huntington, Is alleged to have criticized this resolution as piece of political bl ckmail on the part of Representative Tbom- as. The latter was very indignant, and for several days he has been on the lookout for MT. Boyd. He did not know him by sight, as . majority of the older members of the House do, so he engaged friend to post him.
 This morning he was called into the main corridor of the House by the mutual friend, who introduced him to Mir. Boyd. Mr. Thomas then vigorously attacked Boyd, without, how ever, resorting to blows. He told Boyd that If he again attempted to criticise any action of his he would thrash him within an inch of his life, and would show mp in the House the peculiar methods adopted by the railroads to influence legislation. He denounced Boyd as liar, and said that men of his calling should be dsiv from the capital. During this one sided conversation Mir. Boyd was as meek as a lamb, having learned during his long ser, ice assister and preventer of legislation that discretion Is much the greater part of valor He stood still looking Mir. Thomas ccolly ill the eye, and soon possible left the scene.
 Mr. Boyd is one of the best known and most characters in Washington Life. Years ago he was the Assistant Doorkeeper of the House. During the Credit Mobilier troubles he Was removed from his office, the cause being his alleged activity in giving pointers to the railroad interests. Boyd was then en- gagged bp the Central Pacific Company, and eventually became the shadow of the late Charles P. Sherrill, acting in the capacity of the latters confidential assistant. During the congressional season these men were seldom seen apart. They were always to be found go- ing in aud out of committee rooms. button holing members of both Houses, hunting up old reports, reading bills. sending telegrans, and sitting in the galleries watching the pro- ceediuSs. Since Mir. Sherrill died MT. Boyd seems to have taken the work of both upon his shoulders and Is as busy bee from morn ing until night. He is peculiar man, both in manner and conduct He Is tall, very thin, with hatchet face, sharp eyes, and close-cut red beard. He invariably wears a suit of shiny black broadcloth, which gives him much the appearance of 8 country parson. He is very silent man and has no companions. When ever he talks to man at the capitol 1t is with reference to some matter of legislation, and when not engaged in this work he fits about entirely alone. He was never known to laugh, and has the reputation also of having never betrayed a secret.