The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-02-16
Tom ochiItree Tries Pugilisln.

! Ocbiltree was present at the famous
/ fight between Jim Mace and Tom
Alien, at Kenner, ten miles west of
New Orleans. says the Philadelphia
/ Times. There was gathered to witness
/ that famous bout probably the most
| distinguished assemblage of men ever
| congregated III this country to look
upon struggle between two men.
The governor of Louisiana, the mayor,
and chief of police of New Orleans,
the entire supreme court of the state,
congressman, men prominent in all
walks of life. formed ring that rose
above the ropes. After Mace had
| been declared the victor the entire
| party returned to New Orleans and
drank many sparkling bumpers to the
continued success of the champion. In
one group in Il famous resort were
/ Col Jack Wharton, United States
| marshal of Louisiana; the late Sam"
| Hatch. who now has brother in con-
| gress from Missouri. Col George Sheri-
dan. who was one of Gov. WarmOth's
court, and VINO is now lecturing
through the country, and Col. Thomas
| Phantasma%oria Ociiltree In warmly
vOicing the praises of Mace, Col.
Jack Wharton said: Il never saw
Il man use his hands more gracefully
nor with better effect. His defense is
something phenomenal. Do you know,
gentlemen, no man has ever struck
Jim Mace in the eye, and no man ever
| will. 1t is an impossible feat"
Nonsense" said Hon. Mr. Ochil-
tree.
What do you mean, sir" said Col.
''Jack" Wharton, crimsonly.
''Just what | say. sir" replied the
red-headed warrior from the Rio
Grande. Il can hit Mace in the eye
myself"
Bet you 500 and dinner you
can't" answered Col. Jack" Whar-
ton, breathlessly.
Taken" said Hon. Mr.. Ochiltree.
Jem Mace was in the room.
He had not heard the conversation.
Hon. Mir. Ochiltree, who was well ac-
quainted with the boxer, approached
him with that urbanity of demeanor
that constitutes his chief charm, and
requested him to take glass of wine.
The great pugilist, who showed not
the slightest trace of his encounter
with Allen, graciously consented. He
and Hon. Mr.. Ochiitree clinked glasses,
the latter holding it in his left hand.
just as the wine touched Mace's lips
Hon. Mr.. Ochiltree hauled off with his
good right arm and dealt the fighter
savage blow in the left eve that made
the blood fly.
These are not the stars that Mace
saw. Nor are they the stars that Hon.
Mr.. Ochltree saw. He had not time
to see anything. They are simply put
there because words fail to describe
the scene that enSued. Four days
after, when the Hon. Mr.. Ochiltree re-
gained consciousness, he was in bed
in the St. Charles hotel. One leg,
which was in splints, was suspended
from a pulley in the ceiling. One arm
was between boards and bandaged.
his head was swathed in linen. By
his side,sat Col. Jack Wharton and
Sam" Hatch, with concern and COM
miseration upon their faces. The first
words that Hon. Mr.. Ochiltree uttered
were: did win the betP"
s'Yes, you won the bet," said Col.
''Jack" Wharton, sadly, ''but you're q
sight to see."
Tell me about it, " family whispered
Hon. Mr.. Ochiltree.
Well" said Col. Jack" Wharton,
''there isn't much to tell. You struck
Mace sQUarely in one eye, and then all
of a sudden something seemed to
happen. couldn't make out exactly
what it was, but the air seemed filled
with red hair and boot-heels. When
the cyclone had subsidized we picked
YOU up and brought you here, and
here you have been for four days"