The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-01-08

Ross is the man who introduced sword
cOmbats in this country, and more than
any other man has built up the reputation
of those old-time gladiatorial tournaments.
The idea was first suggested to him by the
Marquis of Lorne. He does not know how
many matches be has fought, but the list is
very large. Ross ras an advantage over his
less fortunate opponents, in that ne is man
of considerable means. lie was born in
Scutari, Asiatic Turkey, instead of Glas
gov, Scotland which has been his ac-
credited birthplace. He will he SO years
old in March. When years old his parents
moved to Glasgow, and there he lived until
he came to this country.
AS CHARLES, THE WRESTLER.
On account of his superb figure and his
education he was selected to play Charles,
the Wrestler with Adelaide Nelson and
Mrs. Scott Sddous, and it was in this role
that he first got before the public His
history as a wrestler and athlete is well
known.
As a swordsman Ross is now the champion
of America. The fact that he was nearly
killed by Sergt. Walsh in one of their com
bats is well known, and he still bears an
ugly scar across his head which is half con-
cealed by his hair At one of bis combats
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee acted as referee. and
Ross declares that he is the best man who
was fought at Richmond and Ross antag
onists were Capt Mansfield, an ex-Confed-
crate officer on Stonewall Jackson's staff,
Sergt. Walsh and Capt. James Daily.
FIGHT IN UTAH.
One of his most exciting experiences was
out in Mormon Utah. He had been matched
against Gen. Agramontie, the ex-Cuban
rebel, who had charge Of the cavalry in
Chicago during the riots in 1870 He and
his brother afterward took such an import
ant part in the Cuban re3elion that when
it was ended they left the country
At the time of the fight the Cuban was
United States Registrar for Utah Territory
The combat WAS to come off at Beck's Salt
Springs six miles from Salt Lake City, on
the Denver and Rio Grande River railway
1t was to be fought on foot for $3.50 side
To this sum man named Beck, the hotel
proprietor there, after whom
the place was named, was to add $500. The
money was up and big crowd gathered to
see the fight.
AMONG THE MORMONS.
The Mormons backed Agramontie heav-
lily but he proved a mere weakling in Ross
hands. At each charge he went down.
When the combat was nearly over the
crowd set up howl of rage, and pistol balls
began to whiz past the Scots ears. lie
saw that the locality was an IN
healthy one for him, and mak.n g
a break he darted through the crowd nearest
him and gained the roadway. A horse was
tied to fence close by, and once mounted
he gave rein across the valley. A dozen
bullets came flying after him but he escap
unhurt. THAT" said Ross after he had
told the story, "is the narrowest escape
ever had. and | was glad when got to a
safe spot"
HIS MEETING WITH THE GREEK.
Greek George, whom Ross wrestled Fri
day night, is not satisfied with tine result of
the match. He wants TO wrestle the Scot
again catch-as -catch-can, three rounds, two
falls out of the three, for $500 a side, and
will meet him in Savannah any night after
tomorrow night, or he will wrestle a mixed
match, the first two rounds GRECO Roman
and catch-as-catch-can, the third to be
decided by a toss up, but to be either one or
the other of the last two STYLES. The Greek
says if Ross thinks he can down him he
win meet him at Turner Hall the same
night that SerGt. Walsh wIestlcs the
Frenchman, Pierre Selo, for money or for
fun. He says that Ross must wrestle him
or give up the championship.
The Greek left last night for Atlanta and
will meet Muller there Tomorrow night