The daily gazette., 1883-03-28
SPORT Ar GARR0fG'S.
THE ENTERfAINMEST GIVEN
LAST NIGHT.
SEVERAL BOUTS WITH GLOVES
timely End-A Female Boxer-A Rat
and Ferret fight.

Water street, between French and King.
was yesterday and last evening the scene of
considerable "sport" not generally to be
had or seen In this city. About o'clock a
large crowd of men and boys collected to
witness the performance Of Mons. Richards,
tightrope walker, announced to exhibit
himself In front Of William Carroll's saloon,
No. 103 Water street. At 5.45 the "profes-
sor" made his appearance and went through
enjoyment of the crowd, which
extended q square on either Eside
PrepRrstory 70 the rope perform
knce four carrier pigeons were released by
Fred. Smith, the proprietor of a sportiag
house at 1922 Ridge avenue, Philadelphia.
The birds started were as follows: Red
Checker, winner of three fys, started at
sci; Big Injin Blue, wiRner of six fys,
thrown up at 5.25: Blue Checker, winner of
ten fyS, and said to have the best score on
record, having gone from Chester to Phila-
delphia in 16 minutes, left at 5.2S; Prince
Albert, winner of six 6ys, released at 5.27.
In the evening Carroll's establishment
| was crowded, an entertainment of songs
and dancing being given under the auspices
of Fred. Smith. About . o'clock, those who
had been permitted to purchase tickets, pro-
ceeded to the fourth-story of the building to
witness an exhibition of rat-killing and anna
teur sparring with boxing gloves. The
room, which is next to the roof, was
lighted with oil lamps, and rough board
seats had been erected on three sides. The
centre of the apartment was roped off, max
| ing space about 10 feet square. In the
centre of the space was a circular portable
rat Dit about five feet in diameter and three
| feet and half high.
The performance opened, In the presence
of about SO spectators, by Smith placing 16
| large rats In the pit A small and young
| brindle bitch, weighing about Is pounds,
was permitted to jump into the pit, and in
90 seconds the rats were all killed.
Another batch of rodents, eighth number
were then thrown In the pit, and nine
months-old skye terrier dog, who had never
killed rat, was thrown In. After much
coaxiDg the little fellow, in about a minute,
had killed the four-legged vermin, and was
| taken out amid much applause
A white bull bitch, Weighing perhaps 10
pounds, and very surly In disposition, was
next introduced, being restrained by heavy
chain and collar from creating a panic
among the legs of the spectators. Two
strong cigar boxes were procured, In each
one Of which was placed and nailed Sc
curely large rat. The boxes were thrown
in the pit and the dog released. In less
than a minute both boxes were broken open
and the rats killed. Then Is rats were
thrown in the pit the same dog dispatching
them in As seconds. AS an exhibition of
the tenacity and holding-on qualities of the
brute, Smith stirred the beast up with q
broom, which she seized with her teeth and
was carried, thus holding, around the en-
closure, and over the head of her owner.
A rat and ferret fight in a large bird cage
next attracted considerable attention and
was claimed to have been one of the best on
record for ferocity.
Harry Clifton gave some wonderful imi-
tations of birds, whistling with his mouth,
unaided by any appliances. After ap inter
mission Of 20 minutes, during which time
the rat pit was removed, several exhibitions
of friendly sparring were given. The first
two bouts were between Jim Good and Gus
O'Donnell and Patsy Russell and Dooney
Harris, all amatuers. There was but little
science displayed and, after three rounds,
| for each pair the gloves were donned by two
| professionals from Philadelphia introduced
as madame Clark" and "Mr. Kelley"
/ They were both dressed In tights and after
| exchanging blows for three rounds retired
amid much applause. The last and decid-
edly the best match was between Messrs.
Taper and Simmons, both from Philadel-
phia and dressed in tights. The gloves were
| well handled and some smart blows were
exchanged 10 Il scientific manner.
| One or two songs and another rat and
ferret fight concluded the performance, the
party adjourning to the first floor to listen
to more music by Smiths speciality artists.
During the whole evening the affair was
conducted In an orderly manner, not a SEM
blaRce of distul bance being tolerated for
| an instant.
Amongst the numerous guests present
were Chief Hawkins and two sergeants in
citizens clothes.