Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-11-22
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON ID. c., Nov. ID, 1867.
Mr.. Editor. Yesterday the "prize fight.
ers' WHO we're exhibiting themselves just
over the river from this city came TO grief.
II has been of frequent occurrence within
the last six months that parties who had
arranged to Fist" each other, after weeks
Of training, have met over the river on the
Virginia shore and have pounded each
Other, for so much u side, until one or the
other could pound no longer; or, in the
language Of The law, in the case made and
provided, could not scratch to time. Two
n,iffs were arranged 70 come of yesterday
morning and just as they were beginning
they had the modification of seeing them.
selves, and all the spectators, arrested by
company Of military under orders aud In
charge Of the sheriff OF the County. A
few OF the spectators escaped, but about
eighty OF the sporting gentry were march
Ell off, under the stimulus Of bayonets
shurpencd at one end, TO Alexandra, about
five miles where they were piled in tho
Jail yard in heap, without regard 10 co-
or or previous social position. After an
imprisonment Of few hours, all were 70
leased. wiser II not better men. This ar
rest and drill Of spofisngcn afforded almosi
unlimited merrimo for oil the city ex
ccpting those caught, who think that they
can't see the fun Of il All lovers Of or
der and law give credit to Cen. Scofeld,
by whose orders tho arrests were mado, aud
hope that the proceedings yesterday will
eheeiually end prize hahling IN this vicini-
~. Can the exlcs fud an asylum in
Butler Co, 0hio2
Baseball games hich arc degcneratng
into sports with influences somewhat akin 20
the prgs.ring, still continue. Originally
instituted under pretenco ofaffording bodily
exercise TO those of sedentary habits, with
out any claims TO any other benefit, this
game has become the Occasion Of much
proligacy OF time which yosng men should
apply to better purposes The exercise To-
not as good Ms wood saving or walkiag
II Is too violent 10 the body and too excl
ting to tho mind, 10 say nothing Of bro
ken fingers, spSaius, bumss, and an oeca
s0nal death. An eSecllenl young man Of
the Interior Department died n iex weeks
ago In consequence OF over exeroke on the
base ball Geld. A lad belonging to this
st,y was allied by club, in town Ia
Maryland, and brought homo for burial
Aside from these results, tho game Of
ease hall ia becoming common vehicle
for gambling and baeehabalan royelries.
Young men aud old men and every body
ought 90 have exercise. II thoye is no
garden 10 hoe or wood TO saw, or corn 10
shrck, then walk or ride or skate or dance.
or do any thing but that which leads the
way to physical or moral danger
The Young Mems Christian Association
Of this city, and | think Of other cities, is
taking into their account the importance
OF providing safe amusement aud exercise
Cor young men The Association of this
city is now buildiug n house at cost of
ue4r Sl00,000, in which will be gym
napinm, where young men OF the city can
enjoy sports aud exercise aud be free from
other influences that draw towards the
restaurants and saloons. In connection
with The gymnasium will be large bath
room nc, essablo TO oil who will behave
thems rlvss, and reading room opea TO all
who will TO avail ia, mseives of iis benefits.
Il is sanl that there vii be a billiard IA.
BILE in connection with the gymnasium.
think this was Intended. but was voted
down in n recent convention OF delegates.
where the subject Of amusing games was
discussed. Billiards is acknowledged to he
in itself an innocent game. furnishing
good bodily exercise and sufficient amuse.
menl for those who need mental relaxation.
but its associations with gambling and
drinking are 80 notorious that Chri tian
assocn;ians are no, ready TO admit il into
decent company, even though ii furnishes
something 60 be- desired in their house of
innocent exercises aud amusements So
much for the corrupt ons Of evil com
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