Omaha daily bee., 1889-08-08
THE WRESTLING MATCH.
One OF the Most Interesting Exhibi-
tiOnS Eyer Seen in This CITY


In the neighborhood of twelve hundred
to witness the wrestling match between
Evan Lewis, the Stranger, of Detroit, and
ID. A. McNIillen, the Strong Man of San
Francisco, and well they We're repaid, for
the exhibition was the notwithstanding and
exciting of all the sporting events that have
taken place in Omaha within twelve month.
The match was catch catch-c can, the
shoulders on the carpet constituting fall,
three best in five, for purse of $500, hung
up by the Coliseum management.
After couple of very tame BIZ
cycle races tho two gladiators made
their appearance ana were introduced
to the spectators by Manager Prince. They
were received with voclferous applause. 1t
was plain to be seen that neither man was in
condition. Lewis, who is model of manly
strength and symmetry, looked soft and
flabby, ana carried an aldermanic paunch
that did not resemble the formidable strang-
Ter when at himself He complained of the
Missouri river water, and said that twelve
hours of it had completely upset him.
McMillen, who is great big, raw-boned
Hercules, was also out of fig, his huge pro-
portious being covered with scars and abra-
sions and contusions from his famous battle
with Shellenbarge at Milwaukee last Friday
night, which he won after fourteen consec-
utive hours of herculean effort.
Notwithstanding these drawbacks, no
cause for complaint could be found in last
nights struggle. 1t was great.
The sporting editor of TIE BEE was finally
selected upon as referee, and time called, and
Lewis went right at 1t as II determined to
push fast fail. McMillen, however, seemed
equally determined to remain on his feet. BY
the use of his powerful arms, which resem-
BILE those of some of the monstrous quadru-
mana we read of in equatorial Africa, he
kept the Stranger from getting leg hold
for fully four minutes They grappled stand
ing up for fully this length of time, when
finally Lewis got a lock around Macs leg,
and he went to his hands and knees. The
Stranger iquickly pulled him over, however
by his powerful leg hold, and skated him
round the mattress on his head. Then
McMillen, by marvellous acrobatic feat, in
which he turned complete back sommer-
sault he regaiued his feet and the two men
alternated on the defensive for "A moment or
so. Finally Lewis got leg hold with his
right and half-Nelson with his left. He
threw the weight of his body on his oppo-
nent, and Mac suddenly collapsed and went
to the carpet, both shoulders down. Time
S.35.
After fifteen minutes rest the two ath-
letes reappearod and lost no time in getting
TO work. Contrary to expectation, McMil-
len took the initiative, and hustled his wiry
and powerful antagonist in the liveliest kind
of style, The most thrilling feature of the
bout occurred after they had been wrestling
fully ten minutes. McMillen secured full
looked as il the Strangler's neck must
be broken. His head was iammed
down on his chest, and the Strong Man
tugged and pulled trying TO break hlm
down. BY a gigantic effort Lewis raised to
his feet but after a full minute Of ferocious
struggling fell to the mattress again, sue
cumbing 70 the dangerous lock in 14:l0
The third bout was another tough one and
was also won by the Californian, although
his previous efforts seemed TO have told on
him more than they had upon hls 1.-THE and
willowy adversary. He again rushed the
Stranger, and, securing half-Neison,
pushed Lewis on ono shoulder. He WAS near
the edge of the platform and did not dare
erect himself, as no would had they been IN
less dangerous position. He could not
make bridge, ana Mac continued to tug
away until the other shoulder went down.
lime-1l:O5.
The fourth bout was replete with brilliant
locks and breaks and ingenious manmuyrcs,
aud kept the big crowd III an unceasing ti-
multi. Lewis worked at McMlllGu's legs,
getting him into many critical conditions,
from which be only escaped by the most mar.
yelous aud deXterous Whirls ana head SPINS
They rushed about the stage, and il was biff,
bang, now up, now down, hurry scurry, hel.
| ter skelter, for three minutes. Lewis was
| the aggressor all through this bout He
| seemed bent on getting quick fall. OF
| course Mac dId his best TO balk him, but
| il was no go, and by his famous neck lock
| the Stranger pulled both shoulders over ON
the carpet in exactly 8 minutes and 10 sec
| onds,
The final bout, which was won by Lewis,
| was one Of The most magnificent exhibitions
| of wrestling ever seen upon any platform
| The men We're slow in getting good hold
| but finally Lewis got half-Nelson and a
leg-lock, forcing Mcmillan TO a bridge nnd
| breaking him down. This was the Longest
bout Of the series and lasted 1880 Exceed
| ingly clever and skillful work was dis
| played by both contestants in getting out o.
dangerous locks, and altogether II was al
| exhibition such as has been seldom wit
messed here The men were both tumult