National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-09-22
THE DOG FIGHT.

HOW THE POLICE INTERRUPTED THE
SPORT-THE BOYS COME HOME DIS
GUSTED.
Shortly after the dog fight at Rosslyn, which
took place few weeks ago, and at which Balti-
more was we'll represented by the admirers Of
this SPORT discussion arose between the visitors
from the Monumental City and those of this place
as to the merits Of the successful purp," and his
ability to cope with from their city that could
be named. This talk had the appearance Of bust
ness, and the opportunity was embraced by those
flushed with the victory Of the day to get another
match for their dog. Consequently when the dis
cussion was about ripe the proposition was made
to them to name dog, not to exceed q certain
weight, for 400 o side. They gave the challenge
in q somewhat brsvado spirit, but the gauntlet
was so promptly picked up that it had the effect
of silencing their enthusiasm.
However the match was made, and yesterday
named as the day for the fight, and Fox's Ferry,
opposite Alexandria, Va, and on the Maryland
and District line, as the ground for the contest
1t was arranged that those desiring to witness
the sport should leave here on the o'clock ferry
boat, and at that hour probably two hundred per
sons were en- route for the grounds. On arriving
&C Alexandria they were joined by goodly mum:
Der, and all crossed the river.
Everything was got in readiness for the hght,
but those who had travelled from far or near to
witness it were to be doomed to disappointment,
for Just before the dogs were pitted, Lieut.. Aus
tin, with a force OF policemen, appeared on the
scene, quickly followed by Sergeant Redway and
six mounted men, which was the signal for the
fight to cease. Some proposed to step out into
Maryland and let the sport continue, but to their
surprise the men found that Lieut.. Austin Dos
sessed q paper from the Governor Of the State
appointing himself and men deputy sherifs to act
for the county.
Finding matters becoming somewhat complt-
Gated and all prospects of the fight gone, most Of
the party recrOssed the ferry to Alexandria.
There were some, however, pretty we'll under the
influence, and as the dog fight had been spoiled
they made an attempt to get up general melee
among the crowd, but the prompt action of the
police put Quietus on the affair and arrested the
following for being drunk and disorderly: James
Hogan, VIM. Smith, John Fox, proprietor Of the
restaurant at the ferry,) John A. Nightingale
and John Jones. They were brought to the city,
confined in the Eighth precinct station and will
have hearing in the Police Court to-day.
A few days before the time set for the fight
Major Richards received information that it was
on the taps, and the location of the ground. He
determined, ifpossible, to cheekmats the parties
and prevent its occurrence. The authorities of
Maryland were consulted, and the power given TO
the officers sent from this city to make arrest
should the owners Of the dogs attempt to fight
them in the State. To Lieutenant Austin, OF
the Eighth precinct, was assigned the duty Of
breaking up the sssemblsge and preventing the
fight, He concluded to divide his men into two
squads. One, consisting of Sergeant Roadway and
six officers, mounted, were sent round by the road
while the Lieutenant in person, accompanied by
Sergeants Pierce, Boiler, HOllinburger and six
teen men, went by the river. The Lieutenant
procured = stesm-launch at the navy yard, and
the captain Of the watch, O'Key, who was on duty
at the yard, accompanied them.
The mounted police came over the hill in sight
first, and while witnessing their approach the
lieutenant and his squad effected landing and
came up from the river. The sudden and unex-
pected arrival Of so much authority quickly and
concusively settled all prospects of the continu-
ance Of the fight. One Of the party, arrested for
disorderly conduct, named VIM. Smith. jumped
overheard from the launch while hOmeWard
bound, and was rescued with some dificulty and
brought to the city with the other prisoners. The
Baltimore party took their dog and went home
last night, and for the present all prospects Of q
fight are at an end. 1t isrepOrted that they were
exceedingly happy over the interruption by the
police, as their dogs chances for success were
very poor, he having in his training sprained one
Of his forelegs, which was badly swollen and full
OF fever.