New-York tribune., 1907-12-20
FISTS USED IN HOUSE.
DEMOCRATS DRAW BLOOD.
UviLIioms and De 4rmOnd Pass Lac
and Then Resort to Puglt'sm.
fFrnn, 1hs Tribune Bureau. ]


Washington. Dec. 19.-The visitors VINO sat IN
the galleries of the House of Representative
this afternoon to learn of the calm dignity WIN
which the laws are made were disillusionlzen
at the close of the session by one of the most
dissraceful episodes that recorded or tha'
body
They heard the lie passed. they saw two prom
inent Democratic members of Congress. leaders
of their party. fall upon each other ike wv"
tigers and exchange blow after blow, ana iater
thew beheld the pitiable spectacle of two men
,ast middle age being led bleeding from the
chamber. They were John Sharp Williams.
minority leader soon to go to the Senate and
d A De Arrnond his probable successor at the
head of the Democratic Representatives.
trivial misunderstanding TO the appoint
nent Of a Missouran on one of the House coi'l-
mittees was the cause Of the dispute us re-
s,,It inevitably will he the serious widening oil
tho breach which already exists between the
two Democratic factions of the House
As Sneaker Cannon's gavel descended marking
the closing of to-day's session Mr. Williams
r,ade his way back to the seat occupied by MI
ne armond. hating here and there 10 receive
the thanks of those Democrats who were wen
pleased with their committee assignments lie
wont at the request of Mr.. De Almond. who
had informed him a few moments before that
bo desired a conversation. The two enSageu
at first in an earnest conversation, which ordl-
narilv would not have attracted any attention
had not it been known to certain Democrats on
tho floor that the feeling between them was
mot altogether pleasant
PASSING OF THE LIE.
r,,o,, well moderated tones the conversation
gradually increased in resonance uhu' II at
,,-acted the attention of the whole House. The
he har a
her With all eyes turned toward Them MI
ne Almond lifted his voice in an angry shout;
.Jf Won repeat that statement you are llar'
NJ, Williams thought a moment and then an
swered Il do repeat it.
..Tben YOU Iier' replied the Representative
from Missouri.
Roth men Jumped to their feet and rushed AT
each other Mr.. Williams struck out ana ldhued
q glancins blow his colleagues cheek Inc
,or ct;nched for a second and then separated.
ri, excbaneed a blow Then Mr.. Williams
summoned all his energy and. graSpins the MIS-
sourian bent him across a desk and struck MIN
again and again in the face
Mr. he Almond retaated as best he could and
was soon on his feet Just before big western
,nepber could throw himself between them MI
De Almond struck the minority leader undef the
left eve and from the sash that was ihdoe ploou
began to flow lWHeuidtciS-
Nv this time a knot of members had gathered
around the fighters and dragged them apart
,ftar sor,e persuason MIR. Williams left the
chamber and sought the privacy of the cloak
room, where he allowed his friends to wash his
;;,r.d owe Mr. De Almond followed him TO
+h c,oakroom a moment later. but neither
spoke.
The departure of the combatants left sad
deped bodv of members on the floor, who seemed
+o realize the tragic phase of the brawl which
,bo,, had inst witnessed-that Of two of the
,,dest and most respected men in the Democratic
r.r,v disnIayine so little regard for the rules
and honor of the House. On the Democratic
s;da zach man has his followers, and the right
of each man was argued until for time 1t
,ootea as though more pugilism would follow.
Roth men are small in stature, Mr. Williams
be,np rather the taller. but of somewhat more
delicate physique, while Mr. De Almond has
,yirv 1.-THE figure. 1t is not probable that any
official cognizance of the affair Will be taken.
as It occurred after adjournment.
COMMITTEE LIST BRINGS FIGHT.
The statement made by Mr. Williams which
seemed to provoke the fight was In reference 20
the committee appointments of Representative
,sooher of Missouri According to the friends
of Mr. williams Mr.. De Almond some days ago
Continued On second para