The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-04-16

that tmoral suasion'' is far more rational as
well as reputable method of convincing an adver-
sary than physical force, and that arguments
addressed 10 mems understandings are of an in
fnitely higher order than the logic of blows and
knocks; but after all is said, it must be conceded
that-in the popular estimation, at least-the
highest type of the hero is the fighting man. In
all ages, and in all states of society, whether
savage civilized, the warrior has ever occupied
the foremost place. In history, not less than in
poetry and romance, the deeds of famous soldiers
and captains constitute the master-theme, whilst
those of the greatest philanthropists briefly
recorded and soon forgotten. The most striking
display of passive courage attracts but little at
tention and ELECTS small applause; and although
in the Angels Book of Life the name of ABoU
BEN ADHEM, because he loved his felow-men, may
head the list of the wel-deserving, it would
scarcely be thought worthy of passing notice
in the annals of his time and race. 1t may be
bat melancholy commentary upon the boosted
civilization and refinement of the age to be COM
PEELED to admit that the story of well-fought
battle still retains its ancient power to stir
the blood ''like the sound of trumpet, -
and that, whether the combatants be many or
few, we trace the shifting current of the fight
with hopes elated or depressed, according as our
sympathies incline towards either side. 1t is in
vain that morasts denounce every species OF
fighting as brutal, bloody and barbarous, and
that religion counsels meekness and forbearance.
Such conflicts and contests for the mastery will
take place, and men will enter upon them with
ardor, and read of them with interest. Theoret-
ically speaking, this may be all wrong; but we
must take facts us we find them, and leave the
conclusions to take care of themselves at APP
''pears to me-" said Sir WALTER ScoTT, on one
occasion, "that what is least forgiven in a man
''of any mark or likelihood, is want of that ar
'ticle which is blackguardly called pluck "
Now, this same thing called 'pluck" has,
under different names, been made the test
of manliness from time immemoral II
implies courage, spirit, hardihood, and tenacity
of purpose-all- of which are qualities that are
embraced within the definition of the term
"heroic'-and whether it is displayed on the
tented field or in the narrower circle of the Prize
Ring, it has never yet failed to receive its
tribute of admiration. The popular interest which
has been excited with respect to the result Of
the fight which is to take place to-day,
between SAVERS and HEENAN, is thus sus-
ceptible of ready explanation. At bottom, ii
springs from the same causes which led us to
watch, last summer, the movements of hostile
armies on the plains of Lombardy, and to exult
with the Italians over the browning victory OF
Solferino. This fight for the Championship has,
besides, acquired additional Importance from its
having assumed, in a measure, an international
character. HEENAN and SAVERS have thus been
elevated to the rank of representative men.
HEENAN's colors are those of the American flag;
SAVERS sports t'the British Lion rampant" His
motto, 'may the best man win," expresses a
sentiment in which all who take any interest what
in this display of pugilisc skill and personal
courage will heartily concur. That the fight will
be fairly conducted we see 70 more reason tc
doubt than that the struggle for the victory vii
be severe and protracted Both men, it is said
will come out of the trainers hands in thu
best POSSIBLE condition. HEENAN has the adj
vantage of youth and height on his side. SAVERS
though on the other hand an older and staler man
brings with him into the Ring the prestige of
dozen victories, and the reputation of indomiab
pluck. For science and courage combined, h
has not of late years met with his match in En-
gland. Whether the Benicia Boy is destined II
wear the aurels which no English hand has beer
able to pluck from SAVERS brow, or whether TIN
Champion is to preserve his "ten pound interest in
that belt" is question which will, in all proba-
bility, be settled to the satisfaction of at least one
of the parties concerned, before the sun goes down
to-day. HEENAN demanded on his first arrival in
England "a fair field and no favor" and it is to be
hoped that he will obtain both. If men will fight il
is far better that they should pummell each Other
with their fists until the weakest gives in than that
they should resort, our American Gladiatory
generally do to the knife, the slung-shot, or tho
revolver. Pugilism, as conducted in England
rarely leads to the loss of life, and the commones
street fight is governed there by rules of fair play
which cannot be violated with impunity There
are sensitive persons, no doubt, who will always
regard these exhibitions with disgust, and from
their early training or perhaps from constitution
al aversion to scenes of violence, it is quite natu-
raj that they should do so; but there are many
whoare willing to overlook the repusive features oil
such encounters for the sake of the courage dis
played, and from well-grouuded fear lest their
repression should lead to the adoption of other
modes of fighting, and other manifestations OF
brutality, infinitely more barbarous and bloody.
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