The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1889-07-25


informers are allowed to witness the
fight without paying the customary ad-
mission fee.
Sometimes the building where the
fight takes place is located in the very
heart Of the city, and at an hour when
the streets are filled with people. The
spectator is admitted through back
door, and taken up dark staircase
into darkened room. When his eyes
get accustomed to the gloom, he sees,
dimly, the arena, inclosed IN ropes,
standing ID the middle of the room.
There have been many similar events
in the room, and all the paraphernalia
is carefully arranged. The four posts
supporting the ropes are made of iron,
with ring in the top. The posts are
screwed solidly to the floor by means
OF an iron plate. When the ring is
taken down wooden pegs are driven
into the screw holes, SO that nothing
but the closest scrutiny could reveal
where the ring had been pitched. The
spectators are admitted singly and in
pairs. Seats, such as are used in Sun
day schools, are ranged around the
ring in rows. These are quickly and
quietly filled. A long wait ensues
the time being consumed in drinking
at the bar and in speculation as to the
outcome of the battle. At last, when
the patience Of the waiting men has
been almost exhausted, the dusty chan
delier is lit and each man is given a
chance to examine his neighbor. And
a good-looking and respectable crowd
they prove to be. Diamonds are fire.
quent and silk hats predominant over
derbys. Conversation is carried on in
whispers. The proprietor of the place
comes forward, and, mounting chair,
says:
CHOW, gents, we don't want no yell
ling here tonight. The referee will
take care that every thing is done
square, and no bowling will be allow
ed. The coppers is likely to pinch us
at any minute. The first hollering |
hear, douse goes the glim and the
fights over'
A temporary diversion is caused by
one of the hackers climbing over the
ropes and sprinkling powdered rosin
ON the floor. Then the seconds of
the men put in an appearance, car
rying sponges, towels and fans and
soda water bottles filled with water.
In addition to these articles piece of
corset whalebone Is used in freeing the
tongue of the pugilist from the accu-
mutation of mucus engendered by the
heat and excitement.
There is a little buzz of excitement
when the principals come to the ring
clothed only in tightly fitting trousers
and light shoes and stockings. They
are greeted by faint cheer from the
spectators, which is quickly repressed
by the proprietor. A silver half dollar
is then thrown Into the air to decide
the choice of corners. When-t this point
is settled the pugilists take their re-
spective chairs and are vigorously rub
bed by the seconds until "time' is cali
ed by the referee. Then the referee
climbs into the ring and makes lit
tie speech, informing the crowd that
he is there to adjudicate any technical
differences which may arise between
the bruisers, and warning each one
present to keep his tongue between
his teeth or take the consequences
Two pairs of ordinary kid gloves are
now produced. These are cut off al
the second nuckles with a jackknife
and pulled on by the pugilists. When
the gloves have been fitted over bone
and muscle, so that not wrinkle is
perceptible and all the preliminarie:
have been attended to-the water bot
) ties tested to see that they contain nc
J drug, and the rope thoroughly tested
the rosin crushed into powder-the
referee orders the seconds to sit out
side the ring, SO that nc one is left in
the enclosure but himself and the pug!
lists. Then ''tine' is called.
Immediately the fighters spring to
5 the center of the ring, shake hands
: and then square off in attitudes OF of
fense and defense. Quick as cats
l with eye fixed on eye, and left arm
thrust forward, they spar for an open
| ing. Suddenly an arm shoots forward
and strikes upon head, breast or stom
S ach with a loud s.spat." A red mari
is left on the skin where flesh met flesh
= Perhaps the man who is hit gets bacl
v at his adversary with return blow
: for the man who has struck first liza:
] done what is technically known a
2 "leading," and has thereby neglected
t his guard. If an advantage is gainet
] by either man a partisan is apt to juml
, up and offer to bet on his favorite
: This challenge is shouted across tn
S ring, to the discontinue OF the losing
e man. Each round lasts three minutes
e When this time has expired the refere
i calls :'tinae' again, and the men has
# ten to their corners, where the second
t put in a very lively one minutes wor
upon their bodies, by vigorously rub
+ bing and bathing them with water
: The custom of using liquor in the priz
e ring is falling into desuetude. Alcohe
n is only used in cases Of necessit,