The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-05-04
The Romance OF the Ring.

" ANYTHING FOR A CHANGE "--EMINENT B0s-
TONIANs AND THE "MANLY YOUNG
BLOOD IN OLD BODIES.
BosToN, May 1.-Two or three years ago
public exhibitions of pugilism, wrestling,
and kindred sports were tabooed by the
police department of this city because OF
being overdone, and in consequence Of
condemnation by the press and clergy.
Since then it has been impossible to
get license TO give such shows. There
are many business and professional men
IN Boston who admire boxing and athletic
sports between individuals, and the Somer-
set, Union, Suffolk, ST. Botolph, and other
heightened clubs, are well represented
whenever private contest is quietly given.
4 number Of gentlemen of the clubs have
secured apartments in the centre Of the
city, where they go quite often to use the
foils, don the gloves, swing the clubs and
dumb-bells, or attire themselves in wrest-
ling-jackets, and their amateurish COMPETE
ton is often amusing. The title OF Crib
Club" is given the institution, and until
q short time ago the head OF the organ
ization was known as "The Boss" At
stated intervals prizes are offered for COM
petition by professionals, gathering OF
well-known citizens from the best walks
of society takes place, and the boxers and
wreStlers fight or wrestle themselves to a
stand-stil; indeed, on two occasions the
combatants, who had disputes to settle.
hammered one another until their blows
were weak and without effect, and their
hands, faces, and clothing were colored
with the "claret" which is referred TO in
reports OF ring encounters. One Of these
entertainments was gwen a few evenings
since. and the array OF professionals
was as remarkable rs the respecta-
bility Of the lookcrs-on. OF the pugilsts
there were Holden and White, who
were released from prison few weeks ago,
where they had been in confinement for
engaging in a prlze-fght in New York
State; also, six or eight of the "pro-
fessors " Of the manly art who have made
Boston their stamping-ground; and promi-
nent among all was John l.. Sullivan, the
champion heavyweight puglist Of the
world, who is at present under bonds
for breaking mans jaw in a street.
fight some evenings since. He was
accompanied by his mate, Pete Me-
Coy. Around the large room were
scattered well-kuown physicians, who
gazed with admiration on the we'll
knitted anatomy OF this or that athlete. In
one corner was seen group OF bankers
and brokers; in another the head OF "a
large dry-goodS house, with couple OF
mill-owners; here an editor and publisher
in conversation with well-known plat
form lecturer; there poet Of reputation
surrounded by city officials, all enjoying
the combats, and appauding as scientific
passes were delivered or stopped. The re-
leased prizc-iighters contested for purse of
Sl25, and Holden ian Englishman, by the
Way showed himself ableto "wipe the floor
with his antagonist" Sullivan disposed
OF Mccoy with the greatest ease, and in
wrestling he also showed great proficiency.
The spectators all remained till nearly mid
night, and would have held their places till
morning ii the programme had not been
declared at an end. Many Of them were past
the meridian Of life, but il is only just to
say that many Of them have handled uni
yersity oar or bat, or have participated in
college games OF the past, and to this day
have retained their old-time interest in all
sports, eyenahough they appear on the sur
face 20 have fallen into conservative ways
and habits and given over the folies and
frivolities OF early life.