Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 September 1907 — FISTICUFFS AT THE POST-OFFICE [ARTICLE]

FISTICUFFS AT THE POST-OFFICE

“Comrade* ’ Fox, the mail carrier figured in the short end of a fight Thursday night in the post-office, and Bert Hopkins, the junior member oi the Babcock & Hopkins elevator firm, got the decision of the referee in the short but decisive one round affair. As nearly as can be ascertained “Comrade” has been on unfriendly terms with former postmaster F. B. My ere and his wife, the latter being the sister of Mr. Hopkins and during Mr. Myers’ incumbency of the post-office, the assistant Since Mr. Murray has been postmaster Mrs. Myers has also frequently assisted in the office at busy times, and was at this time taking the place of the regular deputy, Bruce Porter, who was fishing up at the Kankakee. Mrs. Myers was in the post-office Thursday when “pomrade” came in and they at once disagreed abbot the privileges of a mail carrier behind the post-office railing/ It is alleged that. Vyera ordered him to go out and that he swore at he# and struck ’titt*, 1 " st 'itnoclj:ing: her ddwiii 1 Mr. Myers was site, sefit from the cityaridMfs. Myers naturally appealed to her'brother, Bert Hopkins, relating the story of Fox’B conduct, ifert came down town at once to look; Comrade up and found him in the post-office. Comrade started to explain but did not evidence any remorse at his conduct and Bert let fly With his right and caught FCfc squarely in the eVe and sent him to the door. Fox is somewhat heavier than Hopkins and so Bert followed up his advantage by jumping on top of him and giving him a few stiff jolts about the head and then pushed his head against the floor a few Mines.

At this janctare Postmaster Murray arrived and hauled Mopkins off, aud while he was trying to settle the difficulty Fox stalled in again and Hopkins again downed him. Postmaster Murray then took more effective means of, separating them and held “Comdown with |one foot on his neck while be hauled Bert o&

Comrade was bleeding about the side o{ the head anct has a black eye, while Bert received a - slight scratch on tbs forehead by striking the iron railing as he went down on top in the second scrimmage. Comrade was able to tain his Pleasant GroVa'mAil tills Friday morning and Beit is doing bosixieu at thß elevator iost as nothing had happened ~ > “It Was my duty to defend my sister against the insults’ of Fox,” said Mr. Hopkins, '“and I have no regret at my action.” Unless Complaint is made to postal authorities about the action of Fox it is quite probable the incident will close without further trouble.