Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-06-16

ST.. LOUIS, June ia brief telegram
from an eye witness says the fight be-
tween McCoole and Allen took place on
Fosters island, about twenty miles below
the city. Their "castors" were SHE'D
into the ring about half past one, but the
fighting did not commence until three
o'clock. McCoole knocked Allen down
on the first round. The fighting was very
severe until the ninth and last round,
when both men were slow in responding
to the call, the noise and excitement be-
ing 80 intense the referee could not be
heard, and the combatants approaching
each other and engaging in terribly close
quarters. In few seconds they clenched
and rolled over side by side and in close
conflict, and while both were hugging
mother earth, Allen placed his hands Cd
the eyes Of McCoole, gouging them des-
perately, when the cry Of foul was
raised from McCoole's corner. The
ropes we're cut, and the widest excite
ment prevailed for few minutes, but the
crowd soon after dispersed toward the
boat.
The referee was afraid to give his deci.
sion, several pistols being presented at
his head, and be refused to decide the
matter until be reached St. Louis. Allen
out-fought McCoole all the way through,
and to all appearances would have won
the eight if it had been allowed TO proceed.
McCoole was much blown and badly pun
ishel, and was in reality whipped. The
6eht lasted about twenty minutes. The
brief accounts SO far received have been
nut on the street, and extras are selling
with wopderfal rspidity. Great excite
ment exists, and much Disappointment
expressed at the evident inability of
McCoo,e to cope with Allen. The boat
with the party will not be here before
eight o'clock, and nothing further can
therefore be learned at present.
LArER--The steamer Louisville, with
the prizs-fghting party, arrived here
about eight o'clock. 1t seems to be the
general opinion Of those present at the
fight and competent to judge that. there
was neither foul blow struck nor any
gouging done by Allen. 1t is also quite
general belief that MoCoole's friends
determined from the outset that Allen
should neither win the fight nor get the
money. 1t is also freely said that Nc
Coolies friends acted in the most shame
fol aud disgracefnl manner, displaying
knives aud pistols with view OF intimi-
dating Allen, and in other ways showing
that they intended to have everything
their own way. The rope is stated to
have been cut as early as the sixth round,
but as Allen was evidently master of the
situation, neither he ner his friends made
q point of it. The conduct Of the whole
affair was so outrageous that it is de-
nounced by many Of the roughs them
selves, who say that prize-6ghting has
sunk so low that it is swindle and
cheat, and q mere struggle for spoila.
The second round was not in favor Of
McCoole, as previously reported, but, on
the contrary, Allen punished his an.
tagonist very severely, and from that
time it was evident that McCoole was no
match for Allen. 10 the third round,
MeCoole lost control Of himself, became
angry, fought wildly, and to the end of
the battle was at the mercy Of Allen.
Persons.who have witnessed prize fights
say they never saw 8 man whipped so
quick. When the rope was cut, on the
last rounds, McCoole's friends crowded
into the ring, and, with pistols and knives
drawn, demanded Of the referee a deci-
sion in the giants favor, and it is said
by some that Mckinney declared for
McCoole; but this is stOutly denied, aud
il is nov stated that the referee will pub
lish his decision 10 the morning papers,
aud that be was afraid to decide in the
ring against a few for fear Of being
killed.