St. Paul daily globe., 1884-09-26
Champion Wrest,i,o Match.

On Wednesday very important event
came off at the Sawyer house, no less than a
wrestling match for the championship of the
state, the participants being John Russell, a
noted waterman, who has claimed the
championship, and Judd orf, the popular
livery stable man. Russell issued a challenge
to Orff, who was averse to the contest, as his
opponent was lively muscular man, light
of foot who could dance jig on table or
roll single log across the lake without get
ting his feet wet. At last, however, he con-
sented to the trial of skill and a ring was
formed. 1t was decided to have the match
strictly in accordance with the Marquis of
Queensbury rules, collar and elbow hold, best
two in three.
In the first round the men clenched in
good order, Russell having the advantage in
activity while Orff had it in solidity and firm
ness. At the word ''go'' the work began in
earnest. They tug, they strain, but as well
try to tear the trees up by their roots or the
granite from the rocks as to move Judd Orff
from his pins. Not so his lighter opponent,
who jumps around quite lively but still comes
down like cat-feet well under. However,
at last Orff gives a sudden jerk, anG Russell
where are you? Why, on your back as fat
as possible. First round for Orff. Time 10
minutes.
After short rest and refreshments, as
well as going out to see a man, they met
again, but this time Russell acts very warily,
finding that he has caught tartar, and he
does not show off as much of his agility.
Orff is ba;
what elated by his success, and he lifts his feet
some which gives Russell many chances,
which for long time baffied all his skill
Several times Russell was nearly measuring
his length on the floor, but the center of
gravity was too strong and he kept his feet
At last, by sudden jerk forward, be brought
Orff on his knees, and as he had been so
seldom on them of late, his surprise was
supreme, and he called that fair throw, as
did not wish to get down any farther. on ac-
count of the difficulty in getting up. This
was strictly in accordance with the Marquis
of Queensbury rules. Time, minutes.
Both contestants were pretty well blown,
and their heavy breathing told of the hard
work. After going and smiling, they shook
hands and prepared for the last and trying
contest. A look at Orff would show that this
time he was on his muscle. His hair had
risen, and the muscles on his arms stuck out
like whip cord. His feet were planted in a
bracing position, as if to say, 'Come on
MacDuff." Russell was equally sanguine
that he could down Orff, and he drew his
belt tighter around him. Orft had no belt,
as he could not find one large enough. At
last the tug of war begins. The friends of
the two men are excited, and each willing to
bet his pile on his man. There is some
sparring for good hold, then they come to-
gether like engines. The attempts at trip
ping, the jerking of each other prove futile.
Tae perspiration rolls off in big
drops, falling to the floor. However,
| this makes no difference. The
champ pionship of the state is at stakes.
The former champion wishes to retain it.
and strains every nerve, while Orff wants to
get the belt, as the common ones around
here are not large enovgh and he wants q
bran new one with a silver clasp and hero
glyphics on brass plate. Suddenly Orfl
makes herculean effort, and la Sir Wal
ter Scott
''They tug, they strain, down, down they go,
Judd orff above, Russell below
Orff was declared the winner of the great
est wrestling match ever seen in this city,
and one which the audience fully enjoyed.
There was no charge for admission. The
| contestants "ere uuly sponSeu ny LneN Sec
onds and the loser ''set 'em up"
After the contest was over Russell wanted
to find some one he could throw, when he
and John Sutton, jolly boy, repaired to the
street, where they had side hold contest,
Russell proving the victor. Everything was
done according to Marquis of Queensbury
rules. 1t is rumored that there will be a
contest for the belt at an early day, or as
soon as the belt Is made, as the old belt is OF
no use to the present holder.