The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-05
CONGRESSMAN AND
 REPORTERS FIGHT Thomas of Kentucky and Joseph Amin Battle LATTER REINFORCED Battle Was Draw Until Thomas Reached for His Pocket Upon
 Which There Was an Im-
 mediate Scattering

Washington, June 4.--In the calm att mosphere of the House judiciary commit tee was bred today a battle that failed to ruffle the Archibald impeachment hear ing. but which caused excitement In the corridor outside the committee room. Tho participants originally were Representa- tive Thomas of Kentucky. democrat, and Joseph Amin, a 90 pound reporter for local newspaper Later John Kirby, connected with the Washington bureau of a New York publication, joined in the fray. Kirby admits to tipping the scale at 1S5 pounds. while the congressman ia on the distant side of 200, and sturdy. The battle was declared draw.
 MT. Thomas. who is member of the committee, entered the committee room sometime after the hearing had started l f5e 'vas flushed and apparently labofing under excitement. Waving a copy of the local newspaper. he proceeded to read an account of yesterdays proceedings in the committee. which he construed as being direct attack on himself He paid his compliments 10 the newspaper fraternity and withdrew. A few minutes later. he sent messanger in for MT. Amin, who 
 promptly went into the hall.
 Short and Ugly Word
 Annins paper published what Thomas claimed was an untrue story that Thomas had denounced the House judiciary com mittee. and that he had lnfrequently at tended It's inquiry into the Archibald case Thomas Is a member of the committee He had Amin called out of the hearing room and told the reporter he was mis- taken Liar" flashed back and forth and Kirby reinforced Amin.
 Thomas own version told in a for nal statement. said Amin struck al Thomas, and Thomas struck back.
 He ran. still striking at me-" added Thomas, "and a fellow by the name of Kirby ran up behind me and struck me on the back of my head. They both abbed me, and threw me to the floor but I freed myself and arose and they both did a 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 10 eyewitnesses of the af  ceedlngs by rounds:
 By Rounds
 Round 1--Thomas spared oratorical- ly for an opening and advanced eau tlously Amin held his ground and watched his opponent closely. waiting for an opening II came and Amin swung to the jaw. They clnched and no clean blows struck. Still wrestling at bell. Honors even.
 Round 2-Still in cllnch. Kirby Jumped lightly into corridor and col Iided violently with combatants center of flying pin wheel. Capitol po- licemen, sought to referee bout. could not be found, Honors still even.
 Round 3-Thomas displayed amazing footwork. but fell into trick play and went down with crash. Amin, breath ing heavily through an incipient mus tache, was thrust violently aside by Kirby who assumed easy position astride Thomas.
 Thomas. evidently in distress. crying: He hit me hrsti He hit me frstf with agitation and much effort Thomas felt n his pocket Kirby decided to end the bout. Thomas round and fight.
 General Flight
 Amin, seeing Thomas motion toward his pocket ripped lightly into a nearby corridor and disappeared. colliding heavi- fly with Samuel Gompers. president of the American Federation of Labor. who also was seeking safety in nearby com mittee room. Kirby, with euua1 alaeritv, hastened in an opposite direction. pursued by Thomas.
 Kirby, in bis flight, seized a mail sack and dropped it as barrier before Thomas impatient feet While Thomas exectued an Indian war dance around the mail sack Kirby vanished.
 It is thought no action win be taken by the committee. although assault on a member of Congress by a civilian while the former is attending a session. is d grave infrection of the constitutional pro- lection afforded members
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