The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1886-05-29 00:00:00

THE ALL EGED PRIZE FIGHT IN
LAMBETH.

On Tuesday afternoon, at the Lambeth Police
-
court, before Mr. Chance, James Kendrick, 23,
William Goode, 22, John Harper, 39, Thomas Tully,
36, Robert Kirby, 29, John Jones, 17, James Goode,
17, John Jones, sen., Robert Habbijam, 30, Thomas
Trew, and Henry Windrett were charged on remand
with being concerned in conspiring to hokl a certain
prize fight between Goode and Kendrick. There was
a further charge against therm for having unlawfully
and riotously assembled to disturb the public peace.
Mr. Poland now appeared to prosecute, instructed
by the Solicitor to the Treasury, and Mr. Keith Frith
again defended, and asked that all witnesses on both
sides should leave the court.

Mr. Poland said the two last named prisoners had
surrendered that morning. He then proceeded to state
that the affair took place at the Lambeth School of
Arms, behind some stables belonging to one of the
prisoners (Jones). Some 250 persons assembled to
witness what was termed a glove fight for £5O, and,
with the exception of the wearing of the gloves, it was
a regular prize fight, each man desiring to knock his
man out of time. He then proceeded to read the
"articles of agreement" as reported last week. In-
stead of the limit of 12 persons to be present on either
side being kept, it no doubt was thought that a good
thing might be made of it, and consequently the
gathering was as large as stated. According to the
Marquis of Queensbury's rules, there should be a 24f t.
ring.
Mr. Chance said he thought it would be no less a
prize fight whatever the size of the ring, in certain
circumstances.

Mr. Poland said some twenty rounds had been
fought when the police came up and first found a
number of orange boxes packed in front of the
entrance. He then proceeded, in support of the case
for the prosecution, to quote "The Queen v. Coney."
In these cases all persons aiding were liable, but a
mere spectator would when persons, however, as in
this case, went to a place fitted up, without doubt,
for the purpose of a fight, and paid for seats to see it.
It had been further held that parties might engage in
a friendly encounter, but not under conditions like
those embraced in the agreement found in the place.
There had been several of these fights of late, and it
had been found necessary, in order to put a stop to
it, and let persons know they were acting illegally
that proceedings had been taken. After alluding to
a decision in the High Court of Justice as to a tight
in a chapel in Tavistock-place, Mr. Poland said he
would call evidence and then would ask his Worship
to send all the defendants to take their trial. _

Detective-inspector Chamberlain was then called
and stated that after repeatedly knocking at the gates
and not being admitted, the gates were forced. There
was a deal of shouting and confusion inside, and several
shouted "Put out the lights." Upon the approach of
witntss and other officers, *here was a rush to escape.
The witness then proceeded to describe the fitting up
of the place, which has already been mentioned. He
saw Kendrick and Goode in the middle of the ring.
They were stripped to the waist, with drawers and
light shoes on. He also saw James Goode, Habbigam,
and Harper at the corner of the ring. William Goode
seemed in a very exhausted condition, and his left eye
very much swollen. On his chest there a great many
abrasions and marks, as from scratches of the glove.
He was very weak, and sat down when witness
approached him. Witness saw a tin of water,
sporge, towels, ice, bottle of fluid, and a tin can
containing some powdered resin. He believed he
saw Trew and Windrett come out of the referee's
box. They came out with a rush, and witness saw a
sheet of paper drop, which he picked up afterwards,
and found it to be the "article of agreement" already
mentioned, and which he handed to Chief Inspector
Chisholm. He saw the younger Jones in the ring,
and he had boxing-gloves on. Kirby also was there
and had gloves on, and Jones said, "We were just
going to have a spar. They have only just finished."
Goode added, "We have had a glove fight under the
rules." James Goode, when Tully laughed, made
some remark and added, "It was a bad job." Witness
found Tully at the bottom of the referee's box doubled
up. Witness asked him what he was doing there,
and he replied, "What do you think? Why, to get
out of your way." (Laughter).
Mr. Frith: Hiding himself like an ostrich. (Re-
newed laughter).
Witness continued to state that some one went off
with the clothing of the men, who were stripped. He
afterwards assisted in taking several Other.defendants
into custody, and James Goode said he thought it had
all blown over. _ _

Cross-examined: Had seen sponges and pails of
water before at glove matches. Believed that shoes
or boots with spikes were not allowed. Had never
seen strengthening plasters used at such encounters.
Had been present at many such encounters, but then
only three mulles took place. Was told in this case
that only three rounds took place.
Chief Inspector Chisholm was then called, and re-
peated the evidence given by him last week, and
spoke to the taking in custody of the prisoners.
Mr. Benjamin H. Benton, of Great Ormond-street,
journalist, stated that he was present at the place
mentioned as the School of Arms. He arrived there
between seven and tight o'clock. He paid nothing to
go in. He saw the two men Kendrick and Goode
enter the ring. It was, he believed, about half-past
eight o'clock when they started boxing. He did not
know how many rounds they had. He saw several
rounds, and remained there some time. It might
have been some three-quarters of an hour that it was
going on. There might have been over 10 rounds.
There might have been some 15 and perhaps 20
rounds. There was a time-keeper, as he supposed,
and heard "time" called. There was supposed to
be a minute between each round. There were several
persons in each corner of the " ring " be supposed
were "seconds." He believed some present paid a
sovereign, others ss. and 2s. 6d. He should not call
it fighting, but a scientific display. Had a watch
when be entered, but when he was on the way home
he had not got it. (Laughter.)
Mr. Frith objected to the latter matter being men-
tioned.

Mr. Chance said he should admit it, the object
being to show it was a disorderly meeting, likely to
cause a breach of the peace. It did not go to the
extent that the defendants were dishonest.
In answer to Mr. Frith, the witness added, amidst
some laughter, that when the police arrived he got
through a skylight in order to escape. Should say
the Marquis of Queensbury's rules were ttbserved.
Had seen much greater damage done in five minutes
at other places than was done on this occasion.
Mr. Poland said he had other witnesses to call, but
thought he had proved sufficient to ask his Worship
to send the case for trial.
Mr. Benton said he wished before leaving the Court,
to deny that he had written the account of the fight
for the Sporting Life.
Mr. Chance said he was prepared to send the case
for trial. _ _ . . _ _ _ _

Mr. Frith asked that as points of law might arise
that the matter should be tried at the Central
Criminal Court. _

..... _
Mr. Poland said he could see no reason why the case
should not, as in an ordinary case, go before a jury at
the Surrey Sessions.
Mr. Frith was proceeding to urge his point in favour
of the prisoners, but Mr. Chance said he could see no
reason why the case should not in the ordinary
course go before any other tribunal than the Surrey
Sessions.

Mr. Martin, the chief clerk, then read over the
depositions, and the / risonere, who reserved their de-
fence, were fully committed for trial, Mr. Chance
agreeing as before to accept bail for them.
The Court was crowded during the hearing, and
a deal of interest was manifested in the proceedings.