The Washington herald., 1907-08-29

The night was Ike the Terrible Battle
OF the old story. There were two blows
struck. stuyvesant Fish hit President
James T. Harahan and Mr. Harahan hit
the floor.
The impact OF Mr.. Fish's blow was not
softened by the fact that for twenty
years Mr. Harahan and he were close
business associates. That was the Pc
riod when Mr. Fish was president OF the
Illinois Central and Mr.. Harahan sub
ordinate. who got his position and sue
eessive promotions through Mr.. Fish's
influence. and, it has been alleged,
against the wishes Of Z. H Hartman
TIE old friendship ceased when, last
November. Mr.. Harahan lined up with
Mr.. Hartman in the campaign TO Oust
Mr.. Fish. and was chosen president as
the laIJers successor.
The blow was a long right swing and
undoubtedly had feeling as well as all the
strength Of powerful man behind II.
Mr.. Harahan was presiding over the
meeting to-day. Nine OF the directors
were sitting languidly in upholstered
chairs around the big mahogany table in
the board room. Only routine business
had been under discussion, and there had
not been a sign Of the rancor which has
pervaded most OF the meetings OF the past
year. Mr.. Hartman was in the West
and there began 10 be a feeling that
one meeting was to end without acri-
monious discussion.
Fish Disturbs Serenity.
Mr.. Fish, who had interposed not the
slightest objection 10 any of the proceed
ings. and had been agreeable as possible
disturbed this serenity by rising and pro
eeeding TO read d resolution. The other
directors began to sit up and take notice.
The exact text Of the resolution could
not be secured to-day. Mr. Fish would
not give it out, or, for that matter,
would he make any comment on any of
the proceedings of the meeting. while
most of the others present were equally
reticent in regard to the contents of the
resolution.
One Of them did however. let it be
known that the resolution was a sharp
arraignment of the management of the
road, on the ground that it was dictated
in the interests of the Hartman lines
generally, and not in that of the Ini-
nOis Central particularly. In a portion OF
it the charge was made that the major
ity Of the directors were tools Of Mr.
Hartman.
When Mr.. Fish reached that portion of
his preamble. one Of the Hartman direct
OTs. all Of whom we're idgeting under
his remarks. suddenly made motion TO
adjourn Mr.. Harahan put it instantly.
declared It carried, and rose to leave the
meeting, the other directors also getting
on their feet
Fish Resents Interruption.
Mr.. Fish was nonplused moment, but
presently spoke out vigorously.
Gentlemen. you can't adjourn in the
middle Of matter of business" he
said This is astonishing and sur
prising. I insist that it IS contrary to
n parliamentary procedure. more
than that, an unheard-of breach of
courtesy 10 interpose motion to ad-
5ourn in the middle of a directors re-
marks. I insist that this meeting is
not adjourned, and shall proceed with
my resolution"
The meeting has been declared ad-
journed, and stands adjourned" re-
torted Mr. Harahan curtly. facing Mr.
Fish across the table.
The meeting is not adjourned Mr..
Fish came back with increasing
warmth. and declare you cannot ad-
Journ II unless you demonstrate what
have said. that you are Hartman
tools and puppets. and that the"
I'm not Hartman tool" Mr.. Hara-
han broke in threateningly, nor the
tool Of any man. Any one who saws
so lies"
Mr.. Fish is a big man. He weighs m
ward Of 210. stands over six feet and is
OF brawny build. But he has always kent
himself in perfect condition. as hard as
he is heavy, and quick te a degree that
bellies his bulk HIS weight accordingly
did not impede his movements as he
jumped across the table and swung at
Mr.. Harahan, all IN one movement
Harahan Down and Out.
Mr.. Harahan assumed a posture of
defense and looked like no mean an
tagonist Though not as heavy as Mr..
Fish, ne weighs around 100 pounds. and
has kept himself in good condition II
was a contest Of heavy weight. with M.
Fish having but a bit the best of Il in
weight and reach. though of undoubted
superiority in science.
The first and only blow was long
right hand swing with all the weight of
Mr.. Fishs 2l0 pounds behind it. and all
the added strength which a feeling of
insult and animosity impart II broke
through Mr.. Harahan's guard as if his
hands were tissue and landed with but
little diminished impact, squarely on the
point of the jaw.
Mr.. Fish followed it with a vicious
straight left, but the left missed Mr.
HaIahan was dropping and the failure
OF the left to land caused Mr.. Fish TO
fail over upon his antagonist He was
up in an instant. but Mr.. Harahan vas
not. Not exactly down and out. he was
stunned at least and evinced no inclina-
tion to continue the contest
None Of the directors interfered except
by a6m0niti0ns. The others present were
Continued ON Puua z Column 4