The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-07-09
CHAMPION JOHN L.
The Pride of Boston Wins the Great
Slugging Match After Seventy
five Good Rounds.
Kilrain Finding Himself Overmatched
Tries the Falling and Running
Dodge With Some Success.
The Baltimore Boy Secures First Blood
but Leaves the Ring Badly whipped
Man Mourning In Maryland.

NEW ORLEANS, July s.-The big igh
is over. kilrsin has been fairly, squarely
honestly and honorsbly whipped in a con
test in which the beaten man has no caus
TO be ashamed Of his defeat. There is N
manner of doubt that Jake Kilrains is
game man and q good fighter, and tn
men who saw him fight to-day will put uI
their money on him the next time be enter
a ring against any living man except Sui
lIvan.
No account of this much-talked-of con
test will be complete unless the thread oi
the narrative is taken up at the time of the
departure of the first train from New Or
leans Monday morning, at 1:30 O'Clock.
The greatest difficulty was experienced
by the management in keeping the people
| without tickets off the train, and force OF
detectives was provided in each car. Some
venturesome people, who had no money,
risked their lives on the roof OF the cars.
Just before the train was finally made up,
| Attorney General Rogers came aboard with
Adjutant General Faires and Col. Glenn
| Walker, of the governors staff, and stated
the fight must positively not take place on
| Louisiana soil. At first no answer was
made. but the officials were finally told
tie men would not fight in Louisiana. 1t
was expected the troops would appear at
the depot, but of two companies in the city
one could muster but forty men
and the other only a bakers dozen.
In reply to the governor for train accom-
modations for troops, the railroad people
replied that the state could not be accom-
modated, since all the rolling stock had
been chartered. The governor was, how
ever, offered transportation with his men
on the regular train.
At I:sO the first train of twelve coaches
pulled out and the conductor and engineer
were given instructions to go straight
through to the battle ground without a
stop. Aboard the train the information
was furnished officially that both Sullivan
and Kilrain had reached the battle ground.
There was scarcely any betting on the
train; the passengers simply talked over
the merits of the two men and slept On
the train were the chief OF police of New
Orleans, the commissioner OF public build
ings, and, in fact. most of the prominent
officials of the city. The attorney general
and staff were left at Slidell, and stood at
the railway station until morning, waiting
for a returning train.
Richburg where the fight took place, is
ninety-two miles from Meridian and l03
from New Orleans. The town is virtually
owned by Mr.. Rich, and the place covers
over 10000 acres. extending over three
counties of Mississippi The battle-ground
was on sawdust and seats were provided
for 500 people.
The first special train reached Richburg
at 7:40. The ring was built about an
eighth of a mile from the railroad track,
in pretty spot, with tall pines all around,
perfectly level and covered with green
turf. The ring was made OF heavy ropes
rlIn through driven -
ground.
There was great excitement at the ring
side as Bud Renaud, Mike Donovan and
Johnny Murphy made their appearance at
$50, and it became apparent the fight was
actually to occur. On the tOss-up for posi-
tion kilrain's representative, Mike Dono-
van, won, and selected the northeast cor
ner. and MuldooD, Sullivan's representa-
tive, chose the southwest corner. At this
juncture the sheriff of the county made his
appearance, and in the name of the state of
Mississippi commanded peace and retired,
this being the only effort on the part of the
authorities 20 interfere with the fight The
flag of Sullivan, brought from Boston, was
placed in his corner amidst great enthusi-
asm. The sun having gone behind a cloud
there was no perceptible advantage in
either corner.
Kilrain was the first to make bis appear
ance, accompanied by Mike Donovan and
Charlie Mitchell. He was greeted with
applause, but wore very serious air, as If
fully realizing the work before him. As
the crowd recognized the stalwart form Of
the big fellow as he jumped into the ring
the cheers were deafening. He looked in
marked contrast to kilrain, seeming TO be
perfectly at his ease regarding the termin-
alton of the contest
The name of Pat Kenrick, of New Or
leans, was offered by the Kilrain side as
referee, but he was not acceptable TO the
other side, the representative of Sullivan
araf IS
New Orleans, saying: 81 want the
fight to-day TO take place on the merits
of the men, and may the best
man win. have only one name to pre-
one is known throughout the state as an
upright, just and honest man. l name
John Fitzpatrick, of New Orleans. tGreat
applausel.
man just named, but think il the other
side wantto fight the one we have named
ought to satisfy them Chas- johnson
would not agree, saying IL the kilrain party
not want 70 fight At this juncture Mitch
ell proposed they toss up 20 see
which of the above named gentlemen
would act as referee, but this did not seem
to be the wish of the Sullivan side. though
the crowd favored the idea. Then Prof.
Butler proposed the name of q New York
man, but after considerable wrangling over
the matter Charley Mitchell finally said
they were willing to accept Fitzpatrick.
and the announcement was received with
cheers.
Mitchell here went over and examined
the spikes in Sullivan's shoes, CIeary doing
the same TO Kilrain.
Fitzpatrick-I am not very conversant
with the rules. This will be fair contest
of two men and l will do the best can.
In regard TO the question as to what time
the 80 seconds between rounds shall CON-
mence, decide, from the time q man falls
- - oea o..
KilraIn, and, placing 1000 in his hands,
told him il was sent by Mr.. Fox for him TO
bet with Mr.. Sullivan kilrain at once
went over TO Sullivan and offered 10 bet
him that sum he would win the fight The
bet was Immediately taken up by Sullivan
and the money, $1,000. deposited in the
hands of the referee. Both being zow
stripped, IL was apparent 70 everyone pres
ent the great superiority possessed BY Sui
Ivan over his antagonist in the matter of
size and development. the muscles of his
arms standing out in big welts, his driving
power appearing tremendous, and he seem
ing in the very best Of spirits.
THE FIGHT By ROUNDS
At 1910 the principals and seconds ad-
vsnced 70 the center OF the ring and formed
q Maltese cross in shaking hands, the latter
retiring outside the ropes and the princi-
pals 20 their respective corners. At the
call of time Kilrain and Sullivan advanced
20 the center of the ring. the latter wearing
q confident smile. kIlraIn looking serious,
and the great battle for the worlds cham
pionship began
Round IeKiIrain Immediately made
rush for Sullivan, teinting him with his
| left, and suddenly clinched Sullivan and
threw him heavily 70 the turf, securing the
first honors amid loud applause.
Round 2-Both men advanced pEomptIv
II the call Of time, Sullivan immediaraly
leading with his left, catching KiIrsir,
heavily on the ribs The men then cIiuched
and sullivan secured the second fall amid
loud cheers from his psrtisans.
Round S-kilrain rushed at Sullivan st
once, clinchi1g and catching the dig fellow
srodnd the neck. but the latter immediste-
ly broke away and got in q short arm blow
on the neck In this round Kilrain srruek
~ least haf dozen apparently foul blows
below the belt. which the referee from his
I position could not see but which were
greeted with Kisses by the crowd, il sp-
pesring and being 80 claimed By Sullfvan's
friends that Kilrain wanted to lose on q