The Sentinel=record., 1912-06-05
REPRESENTATIVE
 FIGHTS REPORTER
THOMAS OF KENTUCKY AND NEW YORK scRtREs INDULGE IN
 FlsTic ENCOUNTER.
Bout Ends in a General Scramble TOT Safety Among Members of
 Committee.

1 Washington, June An the calm atmosphere of the house judiciary committee was bred today a battle that failed to ruffe the Archibald inn peachment hearing but which caus- ed excitement in the corridors out side the committee room. The par ticipants originally were Representa- | tive Thomas of Kentucky, Democrat, and Joseph Amin, a 90-pound report CT for a local newspaper. Later John Kirby, connected with the Washing ton bureau of New York publica- tion, joined in the fray MT. Kirby admits to tipping the scales at 135 pounds, while the congressman is on the distant side of 200 and sturdy. The battle was declared a draw. Thomas, who is a member of the committee, entered the committee room some time after the hearing had started. He was flushed and a2par- ently laboring under excitement Waving a copy of the local newspaper he proceeded to read an account of yesterdays proceedings in the com mittee, which he construed as being direct attack upon himself. He paid his compliments to the newspaper fraternity and withdrew. A few min utes later he sent a messenger in for Mr Amin who promptly went into the hall.
 Annin's paper published wha. Thomas claimed was an untrue story. that Thomas had denounced the house iudiriary committee, and that he had infrequently attended its inquiry into the Archibald case. He had Amin called out of the hearing room and told the reporter he was mistaken.
 Liar" flashed back and forth and Kirby reinforced Amin.
 Thomas own version told in for nal statement, said Amin struck at Thomas and Thomas struck back.
 He ran, still striking at me-" add ed Thomas, "and a fellow by tEe name of Kirby ran up behind me and threw me to the floor, but I freed myself and arose and they both Gid running stunt that would do credit to the champion runner of America! I took after Kirby but he outran me, and the last I saw of him, he was still burning the wind"
 According to eyewitnesses of the affair, the following describes the pro- ceedings by rounds.
 Round 1.-Thomas spared orator. ically for an opening and advanced cautiously. Amin held his ground and watched his opponent closely, waiting for an opening. It came, and Amin swung to the jaw. They clinched and no clean blows struck Still wrestling at bell Honors even
 Round 2.-Still in clinch. Kirby jumped lightly into corridor and col lided violently with combatants Wrestling continued with Thomas as center of flying pinwheel. Capitol policemen, sought to referee bout, could not be found. Honors still even.
 Round S.-Thomas displayed amaz ing footwork but tell into trick play and went down with crash. Amin, breathing heavily through an incip- tent mustache, was thrust violently aside by Kirby, who assumed easy position astride Thomas. Thomas evidently in distress, crying, He hit me first. He hit me first!" with agi- tation and much effort Thomas felt in his pocket Kirby decided to end bout Thomas round and fight.
 Amin, seeing Thomas motion to- ward his pocket, tripped lightly into nearby corridor and disappeared, colliding violently with Samuel Comp CTS, president of the American Fed eration of Labor, who also was seek ing safety in a nearby committees room. Kirby, with equal alacrity hastened in an opposite direction pursued by Thomas.
 Kirby, in his flight. seized mail sack and dropped it as a barrier be- fore Thomas impatient feet. While Thomas executed an Indian war dance around the mail sack, Kirby vanish ed.
 It is thought no action will be talk en by the committee, although assault on a member of congress by civil ian while the former Is attending a session, is grave infraction of the constitution protection afforded mem 'bers.