Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-13

ceived many interesting opinions about the
affair from correspondents. now repeat the
views of one well-informed gentleman residing
IN this city. His opinions are simply published
here because they give us an idea OF what the
lntelilgent sporting public think about the pro
posed night Says my correspon lent:
rhereare many reasons which lead me to
pelleve that Sullivan and Kilrain will never
hight. have been more or less interested in
pugillsts for over 30 years, and l confess that
the present declared intentions of Sullivan and
kilrain look more doubtful than any have
heard OF during my time. In the first place the
stake-SlOOO0 a side-is too big. Their articles
OF agreement are simply useless and no
more account than verbal promise
not want to, and he will not lose
cent In my way of thinking matters stand
like this: Sullivan. when in condition. can de-
feat kilrain. have no doubt about this. Kill
rain may be clever boxer, but it is questionable
whether or not he is game man and slayer.
With him Sullivan will undoubtedly, have an
easier task than with Mitchell. 1t is clear,
therefore, that if Sullivan can get into his best
condition he will have victory almost certain,
and if the Kllrain party find out that Sullivan
is regaining his old form they will back out.
other hand, if it is found that Sullivan is not
getting back into his old form, the Kilrain
party will most assuredly fight, but Sulliyan's
hackers won't risk their money: Altogether 1t
looks like huge game of bluff"
There may and there may not be some good
common opinions in the above. l think there
are few practical ideas Time and time again
it has been contended in this paper that the
hackers of Sullivan and Kilrain do not care
one jot whether the two men ever meet
or not 1t is not fighting or the glory that VIC
tory brings that these persons are scheming
for. 1t is the notoriety that Will bring them
and their business hourly before the public.
Were this feature absent it would be safe
wagering 500 to 81 that both Sullivan and Kill
rain would have to travel all their way through
life without have even an alleged $4,000 stake
put up for them. 1t can safely be said that
the public will be duly reminded of the exist
tence of the two parties for the next six
months Whether a battle takes place or not
the businesses of the respective parties will be
well advertised, and when that is accomplished
probably the object of the entire transaction
will have been accomplished. Really there has
already been almost more talk about Sullivan
and kilrain going to fight than there was
about all the fights OF Crib, Belcher, Sayers
and Heenan combined.
The complaint made by George Smith, the
Pittsburg sprinter relative to his last effort to
win a Sheffield handicap, opens up a very
grave question. He AYERS that the referee de-
cided against him, although he won his heat by
a half yard. The robbery was SO apparent"
says Smith, that riot almost ensued. The
Pittsburger was somewhat heavily backed by
public money, and had he gotten through the
heat in question all right would, according to
good judges, have won the handicap. 1t is un-
fortunate that such unpleasant events occur;
beside having many more evil results they
tend to strain the good relationship between
the sporting people of the two countries. 1
don't for a moment believe that George Smith
would make any dishonorable claim, but do
believe and know that Sheffield handicaps have
morally deteriorated during the the last ten or
dozen years They are now controlled body
and soul by gang of bookmakers
who are not looked up to as the best model Of
honesty in the country. Under these condi-
tions a referee would not hesitate to carry
out orders, and give favorite the worst Of it
at any stage. Smith started a hot favorite,
been heavy losers. They control the handicap,
and little more need be said. 1t is pity that
such things happen. Recently Americans have
entered the handicap in large numbers. The
Smith affair will likely discourage future en-
tries.
Speaking of the international foot racing of
a professional kind reminds me of the COM
paratively good feeling existing between the
amateurs of England and those of America.
Every year these international amateur con-
tests are becoming more numerous and popu-
lar. This year they promise to be more SO,
and it may be that something like the interest
which existed when George and Myers first
contested against each other will be revived.
The Americans are determined to leave
no stone unturned in the way of try
ing to secure the best possible talent
to compete against the English. The
entire United States is to be searched |
and good inducements offered to competitors.
On May Is the National Association Of ANA |
ueur Athletes of America will hold scratch |
meeting at the Manhattan grounds, at which |
the English championship programme will be |
decided This will include Is events. The win |
ner of each event will be entitled to go to |
Europe on the N. A. A of A. international team |
for 1889. The scratch meeting-that is where |
everyone will start on equal terms-will be open
to all amateur athletes in America. The idea
is to secure the very best Of course, the ex-
penses of the team going to Europe will be
paid. The whole plan is good one and worthy |
of support. There is a large number of first |
class amateurs in the country at present. |
Surely two or three champions can be secured |
from the list PRINGLE.