, 1884-11-18
THE MODERN ARENA.
The Rage for the Boxing Glove Ex-
tends Into Wyoming.
A Knocking Out Match Affords Sum
day Entertainment.
Particulars of a Combat Between
PugiIIstlc Fame Hunters.

a prize tight would be held at aspot about
one mile west of the city, near the
Union Pacific track. Indeed, the rumor
Of the impending fight soon became an
open secret, and by 3 o'clock a crowd of
fully five hundred people had assembled
to witness two men thump each other ac-
cording to the rules and regulations said
to have been originated by the elegantand
cultured Marquis of Queensbury. The
usual rope-enclosed arena was situated
near the track, aud with a delightful con-
sideration of the wishes Of the spectators,
it was SO located that the admirers of the
art could sit on a fence and obtain an
unobstructed view of the combatants.
George A. Morrison, OF Leadville, had
contracted, bargained and agreed to knock
John Sterling, an importation from the
English metropolis, completely and ef-
fectually out of time in six rounds, accord
ing to the rules of annihilation hereinbe-
fore mentioned, and Sterling, who enter
tuinel a lively doubt of Morrison's execu-
tive ability with a pair of boxing gloves.
had engaged to demonstrate that Morrison
was more vain than vigorous. Indeed, the
men agreed to disagree, and deposited $50
as a guaranteed that they would meet, and,
by force of arms, decide the question at
issue.
Mr. Morrison was seconded by Thomas
Warren, a gentleman who il honorcd with
the distinguished title of 'Featherweight
champion of the Pacific coast and Al
McAlroy, of this city, oficiateda s Sancho
PaDza to Sterling. Mr.. John Scott was
requested to act as referee and two gen
tlemen, who modestly blush at the very
thought Of seeing their names in type.
acted as the time-keepers.
Wnen Morrison and Sterling cast aside
the fictitious apparel of peace and stepped
forward in ~gladiatorial attitude. the
ayoirdupois contrast between them
seemed almost grotesque- and the specta-
tor was wildly reminded of the pictorial
narratives Of Jack and the giants. Nor
rison was almost six feet tall, and weighed
about IT'S pounds. while Sterling, al
though chunky, looked a mere boy be-
side him. The provisions and bylaws of
the contest were supposed, however, to
take into consideration the difference be-
tween the combatants, for Sterling's sole
duty consisted in a supposed endurance
and agility which would enable him to
avoid punishment for six rounds, so that
he would be able to stand up as successful
ly as though he had only encountered a
common threshing machine or a moder-
ately demonstrative and accurate mule.
The men shook hands in accordance
with the ironical courtesies Of the prize
ring and then the battle began.
Morrison led off with his left and Ster-
ling neatly stopped the blow with that por-
ton Of his being known as his potatoe-
trap. he endeavored to return the ON
pliment but Morrison wasn't where he
struck. The men then danced and pranc-
ed around a few moments and Sterling
suddenly reclined on the sod without any
apparent provocation. Claims of foul
were made but were not recognized by
the referee.
At the beginning of the second round
Sterling hit Morrison's right hand with
his nose and at once went to his knees, in
which devotional attitude he remained for
ten seconds. Upon arising he again hit
Morrison with his nasal organ and with
great celebrity proceeded to extend himself
at full length to the ground. Sterling
then retired and received the attention
of his allies until time was called.
The third round was commenced with
a feint by Morrison, but Sterling took the
will for the deed and lay down for about
ten seconds. Upon arising he made a
rush at Morrison, swinging his arms like
the spokes of a Dutch windmill. In the
melee he jabbed his ribs so forcibily
against Morrison's gloves that he again
sank to his knees. Claims of foul
were again made, and for a lew
moments the crowd let off an excess of
steam by yelling "Foull' Go on with the
fight" mo FOUL" and other words ex-
pressiye of the individual sentiments of
the spectators. Sterling thereupon lost
his temper, threw off his gloves, and,
grabbing Morrison around the waist, en-
deavored to stand him on his head, a vio-
lation of the laws of nature which Morri-
son resisted to the utmost of his ability.
Now, in the prize ring gentlemen are, in
theory, supposed to preserve an angelic
sweetness of disposition at all times and
under all circumstances. The evidences
Of pique displayed by Sterling caused the
crowd to again cry Foul with great
vigor and harmony. But the referee had
evidently gone to the spot with the inten-
ton Of seeing a fight. Afght he proposed
to have; and. after the men had been sep
arated, he exclaimed, with a Duke-of-
Wellington-at atty Waterloo air. "Let the
fight go onl"
When time was called for the fourth
charge, Sterling appeared in that peculiar
physical condition, known, in the language
of the Grecian Art Academies, as ''grog-
gy." His nose was skinned from swollen
tip to disordered eyebrow. one cheek had
the appearance Of having caught a hot
ball straight from the bat, and an eye
stared, in a vague and perplexinV way. Mt
the southwestern horizon. He led out
with his ribs, however, and caught Nor
rison's right hand so forcibly that he as
sumed the attitude of repose- The ground
was plenty good enough for him and he
lay there until the referee declared Mori-