Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1860-06-22
From the London News, May 81
John Heenan and ThOs. Sayers
The Reconciliation,

Those gentlemen who find the day hang
heavy OR their hands, and who complain that
the smoky metropolis of Britain is far too com
mercial and business like, and affords but few
opportunities for the slaughter of time must
have reioiced greatly at the sight of an adver-
tisement, which, for the last few days has
adorned our columns and those of our cotem-
pornries. This aifiche, modest indietion and
elegant style, headed after the American fash
ion, By subsequent hyphen-connected senten-
ces, announces the reconciliation and final
settlement of the great contest for the cham
pionship, and the presentation OF the two belts
10 Messrs Heenah and Sayers, would take
place at the Royal Alhambra Palace, at nine
o clock last evening" The advertisement pro
ceeded to inform the public tlhS appropriate
speeches will he delivered, and remarks made
upon the pleasing and satisfactory adjustment
.oftheexcitiug question, prior to the delivering
of the belts by the speakers, and the handing
luver of the stakes by the referees. An in
strumenta band of most eminent artistes Is
engaged, and pleasing refined, classical and
musical entertainment will take place during
| the evening"
The performances commenced by an over
ture from the band after which the African
opera troupe gave selection from their enter
I IL.
Then the "eminent artistes" in the orchestra
blew and seraped louder than ever, and two
footmen entered the ring, bearing table and
some chairs, which they at FIRST placed in the
extreme corner, but upon the people clamor
ing, the furniture was moved into the middle
of the arena, and the complaisant Jeameses
were awarded with n round Of applause =
| Then, amidst tremendous cheering, Mr.. Johr
c. HesAau and Mr. Thomas Sayers advanced
followed by Mr.. T. T. Smith and other gentle
men less known to fame Both the nobl'
champions looked surprisingly uncomfortable
and, after bowing q, the people, shook hand
in a wooden and automaton-like manner
This was the great business OF the evening
Whenever there was little pause or hitcl
in the order Of proceedings the boxers shool
shook hands, and each time elected thunder
of applause The programme stated that th'
eombatants would be introduced, and "plae
themselves in position az for battla,' irop
which we may infer that the true pugilisti
position is to place the hands on the hips, /
hang the head bashinlly and 10 kick Til
ground, in nervous manner--at least TIL
was the attitude assumed by both the combat
tants. ss'.rete.a -sfr.
After pause, spry-looking, white-haire
gentleman, very fluent and selipossessed, an
who, on his name being called for, announce
himself as Censor" of Wilkes Spirit Of III
; Times, stepped forward and introduced Messi
Heenan and Sayers as tho two brayest me
since the days Of Wellington-"or, rather b
\ should say, since the days Of Wellington an
e Napoleon" proceeding to show a compariso
! greatly to the credit Of the deceased general
r The speaker then stated his opinion, the fgl
= had done more to strengthen the bonds b.
!, tween England and America than the Atlal
J tic cable would have done; and after relatiu
= some choice anecdotes Of hisown early yout
showing his precocious love Of pugilsm
!. introduced the pugiliSts by pointing TO the
with his finger and utttering their names, an
sat down. Up, then, rose the referee, the e
re itor of Bells LIFE, a particularly quiet al
unsporting.lookipg gentleman, and in Il
name of the people of England presented n
!, John c. Heenan with an elaborate lookii
- silver covered belt which Mr. Heenan p'
round his waist, first taking off his coat, ~
y when invested with II, looked remarkably
though he had just been the subject Of son
painful surgical operation The referee rel
an address 10 Mr.. Heenan of a very comp
mentary nature, the noticeable part OF whi
l' was an expression that Mr. SayeFs was abo
to 'retire from the active practice of his pl
fession" which, when we consider that
y merely means giving up the punching
heads, must be allowed to be prettily put
= but the English speaker was nothing TO
American gentleman who Immediately 81
ceeded him, Mr.. Wilkes, the editor OF |
Spirit Of the Times, who spoke about
or "glittering trophy, with it, resplendent midd
Of recording Sayers sixteen hard ught-battle
who mentioned that "a manly rivalry ami'
Il generous people added only another trophy
m the friendship Of the brave and alluded
" the recent contest as ''chiyalry revived" ]
elegant trophies and,bold metaphorsoft this g
tleman were received with the greatest delig
but when he -iated that Keenan, had be bs
victorious, never intended TO take away
Ie, belt, but meraly 10 borrow i for a few we'
ar, 10 show his friends, and then return IL a 8
ps, tleman in the upper gallery met the assert
Fry with steDtorian cry Of Walker, which \
raj loudly responded TO- Mr. Sayers, then in o
are wer TO a suggestion 10 peel away, Tom, t.
of his coat, and put on the belt, and then
aud Heenan walked arm IN arm around