The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-08

him a considerable reputation, which he
naturally forteits by his complete incapacity
his bloody calling. 1t would be difficult
to describe how thoroughly popular antici-
patton has been disappointed by the result.
The soundest judgments and the coolest
calculations had settled beforehand that
the American could not fail to win. Not
only were the advantagesin betting wholly
upon his side, but even the friends of his
antagonist by their acts, if not in words,
a sense of inferiority. How prediction
and expectation were ultimately over
turned, plain narrative of the events of
the day will show.
Heenan was first stripped. A single
glance was sufficient to show that, how
ever massive and brawny his present ap-
pearance, it contrasted ill with the recol-
lections of his gigantic power in the MEM
orable fight with Sayers. There were,
indeed, the same broad frame and sinewy
limbs, the same muscles that thrObbed
with nervous force at each movement of
the active body, the same depth of chest
and reach of arm, the same splendor of
physical proportion. His action, also, at
the outset was the same, wildly recalling
the triumphant air with which he threw
his outspread arms from his sides, and
heaved his enormous chest as if to inhale
fresh vigor from the morning breeze; but
the perfection of symmetry which three
years ago struck all behOlders with ad-
miration seemed now impaired, and a
shade less of elasticity appeared to ami
mate his frame. Three years and upwards
in the life of prize fighter leaves traces
that even in man still young, like Heenan,
cannot fail to be distinguished. His ad-
vantages over King, as the latter appeared
half naked, were, however, too evident to
change in the slightest the flow of opinion
around the ring.
King rose from his corner with a singu-
lar air of doubt and anxiety. Every move
ment, even before the fight began, seemed
cautiously taken but there was certainly
nothing in his appearance to warrant pre-
mature exultatiOn from the opposite party:
More finely trained than Heenan, ne
showed less bulk and weight; bat there
was scarcely less development of those
qualities which make up real fighting
strength.
There was great uproar round the
ring, and men with forehead villainously
low came trampling past with bundles of
notes in their hands, shouting again that
they were ready with EGO to CT on Hee-
nan; out they found but few takers, for
the American was already considered the
winner beyond all chance of accident.
Amid the cries of betters, the efforts of
outsiders trying to get place in front,
some calling oct that the police were COM
ing, some that the fight was sod and
would not come off at all, Heenan and
King, each with his two seconds, crossed
the ring and shook hands. With the Sec
ords it was mere formality, but not so
with the principals. They at least seemed
to shake hands cordially, and spoke or
seemed to speak for an instant, then each
drew back.
The fight then began, not as most peo-
pie see fight-a mere rough and tumble
street scramble, in which there is more
noise than hurt, more danger from the
pavement than the worst the combatants
can do-buta quiet, good humOred, deadly
scientific fight, where the men looked long
at each other, and then advanced slowly
nearer, with the right arm held close
across the body, the left just raised now
and then as if to feel the way. Both stood
easily, shifting their ground and warily
watching the other, lightly poised upon
their toes, ready to spring in upon
the least opening or drawback from dan
ger. Now and then there was rapid
feint, quick glancing of the arms as the
body was threatened, and the stop was
there, and then both smiled broadly, as if
they understood each other better, and
again changed ground, keeping still near
enough to hit if chance should offer !;
but by no means so near as to throw a
chance away. 1t was really wonderful
sight, this fencing match with hands, both
men so cool and SO good tempered, while
all around the ring echoed with advice,
taunts or invective.
In spite of all his seconds could do-in
spite of all the loud entreaties of his
friends, King suffered himself to be out
Unanswered by the American, and left his
corner, facing round on Heenan, with the
glare of the level morning sun full in his
eyes. 1t was a dreadful disadvantage, of
which Heenan seemed inclined to make
the most; but there was danger in the
quick eye and long, formidable arm OF
King, who strobe out now and then as his
antagonist came near, and warned him
back in way that Heenan, all-powerful
and clever as he was, did not dare to dis
regard. go in; he'll stand it!" ''Finish
it with blow!" was cried from Heenans
corner, and in another second, like flash,
blows were offered; there was a slight
close, and Heenan stood upright in the
ring with his antagonists head held in a
grasp, like that of vice, beneath his arm.
From every side came cries to King to
"Get him DOWN." to Heenan to "Hold
fast and fall on him !! ID" Yet still, as if in
| ignorance of the tremendous advantage he