New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-12-02
T H r RIZE RING
"BRUTAL EXHIBITIONS MOCKERY
THE SPECTATORS sw1ND1ED

| tHo AnIStS VI d NclN udHP uty Hdu Denun
clear away. Few or no questions wer
asked, for almost every man seemed full
posted as to what was in progress. Thi
congregation was composed of all sorts G
men, the better class greatly predominatlns
Faces familiar in high places were seen mex
to men whose occupations are known to b
bad, and whose habits are the reverse 9
moral.
These early risers were bound on seein.
the great prize fight between Jem Mace an,
Joe COburn, men renowned in the fisti
arena. 1t was known that excursionist
were to take the cars on the New Orleans
Mobile and Texas railroad, but where til,
exact point of destination was few under
stood. That was matter of little impor
tance, for all were willing to wait and watch
Ten large cars soon thundered along til,
track, ard dash Was made for seats. anG
before whistle sounded note nearl,
every place was filed.
| Passengers were rather jolly, and, con
sequently, there was no manner of inter
ruption. The rougher element, in splendid
minority, did not develop itself. Cold
lunches and black bottles were closely in
vestigated soon after the train moved off
Had a stranger jumped on at way station.
he could not have discovered anything un..
usual, further than he might have noted an
entire absence of ladies. Men who know
| much about prize fighting in this country
and in England bear evidence to the excel
ont Of Of oit
tended the prize fight Notwithstanding
there was an outward good behavior,
doubtless ninety-nine men out of every
hundred were armed with deadly weapons
and had quarrel arisen, blood would have
flowed.
Everything was serene until the cars
arrived at Montgomery's station, short
distance this side of Bay St. Louis. As by
one impulse each man left his seat and
struck out for a point amid pine trees. not
far from the railroad track. in a small
clearing, where the ground was smooth.
hard, but rather moist from the late raius.
The air was chilly. and men built fires out
OF pine knots. sitting in groups until the
ring was arranged. then a rush for front
seats-''inner ring" men securing the best
locations by virtue of a bit of red ribbon
which had cost two dollar note.
Soon after the ropes were stretched a
cap was seen flying into the ring, and
Cohurn. i'll citizens toss. appeared. All
eyes were centered on his figure Imme-
diately atterward Maces cap was SHE'D in.
Jem following ii close. The congregation
became animated. Then i, was learned
that the pugilists had Just arrived from
Bay ST. Louis. where they had slept the
previous night Both looked ready for
scrImmage. Peeling their oater clothing in
their corners. they stood in proper attire for
a contest OF muscular strength and prize
ring science. Mace won choice of corners.
which did not amount to much either way.
Coburn offered to bet Mace six hundred
dollars that he would win the battle; |
taken. Mr.. Rufus Hunt was called for, |
and on stepping into the ring was chosen |
referee. although he declared that as he |
was stakeholder he preferred not 10 act in |
any other capacity. Being urged. he ac-
cepted.fend gave it as his opinion that, if |
the crofd would remain quiet, they would
witness a rare good fight and see sights.
Betting was three to one on Mace. 1t was
noon before all preparations were perfected.
Tom McAlpin and Tom helly were seconds
or Coburn James Coburn, umpire Tom
Allen and James Cusch seconds tor Mace:
Al Smith, umpire. The combatants each
weigh about 10, pounds.
Alter the preliminary Land-shakns. time
vas called at 1920 ?. NJ, and Mace and
Joburn came to the scratch
First Round-From the start Coburn
'vldeuced disposition to keep on the de-
ensive, retreating ali the while to his cor
ler but ottsetting his apparent reluctance
o meet Mace at the central by almost in
-arlabiy leading M the blows. Cautious
PAIRING was indu1sed in. During the thirty
minutes which were occupied by the round,
he first hit came from COburn, who
cratched Mace's left shoulder. First blood
Fas claimed for Coburn. but not awarded
.oburn pitched one under Mact's ribs, at
he hight of the left breast. Mace coun-
cred with his left on Coburns chest, which
rought right hand fell of digits on his
wn chest. Smiling and chatting they ,,
commenced their cautious sparring.
lnally, Coburn reaches for Mace's
|
he chest. Mace, who is using his
1T entirely, drives a beautiful blow at | s
'oburn's lett ear, which is as beautifully a
aTrled, and both chuckIe at their prowess. I
lace lets IN one gently on Coburn's breast.
Is here that already those who have been +
lsposed to depreciate the science of Coburn \
eSin to discover their egregiOus mistake.
nj II must at this moment also have be-
,me apparent to Mace that he was dealing t
|
II men. Mace forces Coburn to his corner, Il
ut Coburn, with graceful teint, drives t
I'M rapidly away, and in a few seconds 5
aces chest is streaked with the cherry p
aces OF Columns knuckles. Occasionally {
le men take "a rest, prolonging the round il
the disappointment of the crowd, who n
ant them to fight and to give sparring "
ihibltIon. Mace rubs his ribs complacently. ri
exchange of shots follows, Mace landing b
vice on Coburn's neck, and Coburn's left a
md falls on Mace's check bone. The II
lendid condition of the larter's skin
ows no swelling from this, but only a IL
'ppled spot. Another pass; Coburn deals
'e from the left and one from the right to o,
G chest, and receives in exchange a shot d.
| the right eye; they clinch, and Coburn al
rows Mace over the lower rope, Mace's
OK striking painfully across the rope: 81
Second Round-BOth came up sprightly, a,
It the sparrng and lodging is carried on
before, without effect on either side; e,
Hing expOstulations from the crowd, who al
y they have come to see fight The e,
n are cool, and needless Of outside re- re
arks. COburn is determined to damage la
e frame OF his antagonist, and with right
d left aims continually at Mace's chest ST
d ribs, finally reaching him heavily with ia
night. Several passes ensue without I'll
'ious damage until Coburn, almost cor