The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-07
Champion Willie Ellingsworth and His Pecu-
liar Tactics-AStubborn and Bloody Con-
test with Mr.. Patrick Farley.
Perils of the Elevated Roads When the
Wind Blows at Hurricane Speed.
Gen. Hancock's Widow Annoyed by Letters
from So-Called Spiritualists-A Detect
i've Exposes One of the Impostors.
PUGILIsM IN CLUB LIFE.

AA0 ~ AhAO OAAO o
liar Entertainments.
Special to the indianapolis Journal
New YORK, March 6-Roscoe Conkling is a
candidate for reelection, next Tuesday even
ing, al chairman Of the governing committee of
the New York Athletic Club. Mr.. Conkling has
for many years had a great reputation as one of
the best amateur boxers, and the issue in the
present canvass is pugilism. The New York
Athletic Club has over a thousand members, a
magnificent ne house. a famous president in the
suffering joker. William R. Travers, and is al
together, a powerful and fashionable organiza-
ton. Heretofore, the single ticket for the an
nual election has been made out by a nominal
ing committee without developing any opposi-
ton; but lately the slugging matches held in the
clubhouse have been so notorious that the mem
bers divided in opinion whether to continue or
abolish them. The decision rests with the gov
ern;ng committee, and for Tuesdays polls two
sets of candidates are in the field for committee
men. Conkling heads the pugilistic ticket, and
appearances indicate that his side of the contro-
versy will win by a good majority.
The fighting at the Athletic Club is usually in
gloves. but often in a regular ring. under profess
sional rules. with the most exciting results in
bloodshed and bruises. IL the public exhibitions
the savage battles are between professional
prize-fghters. hired for the purpose; but equally
desperate and damaging encounters ere held pri-
vateiy by members. Here is an Instance that
has not before been reported: Willie Filings
worth has achieved distinction in amateur ath.
letics. He has a tremendous physique, with
notably long arms, and shoulders fairly bumped
by muscular development. His fist is like a
ham, and his soul is swollen by the one bound
less ambition of knocking out any man who pre-
sumes to stand in ~sparring attitude before him.
His tactics before he strikes a blow are enough
to brighten four men in five. He runs at his an
~tasonist with a snort, stops suddenly when close
to him. and then stamps wildly on the stage,
while his face goes through q series of grimaces,
before he begins to get in his fine work. He Is
the pride of the New York Athletic Club, and
yet the spectacle of seeing hin licked is fondly
anticipated as one to be memorable. An init
nation that some one has been engaged
to fight Willie will bring a thousand
men to tho house any night. The volunteer
this time was an outsider. Patrick Farley. and
the spectators were carefully restricted to mem
bers, while especial care was taken to keep the
press and police uniformed. A week prior
Willie had thumped a sturdy young giant from
a butchering establishment, leaving him insensi-
under the jaw. 1t was thought, therefore, that
Mr.. Farley was taking . large risk. The gather
ing around the ring, waiting to see Willie lay
another victim at his feet, regarded Farley with
the same contemplative air that they might
have bestowed on a sickly boy who sets out to
blow back a cyclone. A careful survey of him,
however, disclosed the fact that he lad what is
known as a fighting mug. His face was square.
heavy-jawed, low browed and thoughtful, as he
stood a veritable resurrection of Tom Hyer.
His sluggish eyes rested stolidly on the enor-
nous biceps and gnarled shoulders which Willie
barred, as he awaited his adversary's rush. 1t
came. Farley was knocked endwise against
the ropes. But he recovered. and took posi-
ton again in the middle of the stage.
Willie stamped. snorted and made another of
his headlong rushes. But somethiag unusual oc-
Cured. It was connected with Farley's right
duke. which struck like a trip-hammer on the
club champions neck, and sent him spinning
around like a top. Farley followed up his ad-
vantage, and slugged Willie with such continuity
and accuracy that he was for a minute ~fustered.
But the blood Of the fighting Ellingsworths was
hot in his veins. and his three gladiatorial broth
ers in the corner howled at him in one voice to
stand still. He braced himself, stood Farley's
blows as they came until he could get his own
arms into position again. and for the next twenty
minutes there was one of the finest exhibitions Of
hard and fast fighting that the ring has seen in
New York for many a day, Willie won. but
both men dripped with blood as they staggered
from the ring.
1t is tho savagery of such fights that has de-
termined the disliking faction to undertake their
suppression. If they succeed. the advocates of
pugilism will establish an annex club, with a
room SO closely guarded that fights can be had
without danger OF publicity.