Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1889-08-18
KNOCKED OUT.
Slugger Sullivan Not as Big a
Man as Governor Lowry.
The Majesty of the Law in MISSISSIPPI
is Maintained Against Prize
Fighters.
John L: is Not an Orator, He Says, but He
Makes a Plea for Mercy in
Humble Manner.
Excitement Over sullivan's Sentence.

Excitement Over SullivEn's Sentence.
New YORK, Aug 1.-THE statement that the
champion, John L. Sullivan, had been SEN
fenced to twelve months Imprisonment in Mis-
sissippi for prize fighting caused good deal OF
excitement among the sporting fraternity OF this
city. 1t is the general opinion that if Sullivan
is compelled to serve twelve months IN that cli-
mate his health will be so impaired he viii never
regain his present form.
WHAT LUAiLEY SAYS.
New YORK, Aug. I7.-Arthur Lumley, editor
of the Illustrated News, of which paper John L.
Sullivan has been the sporting editor for some
time, said to-day in regard TO the Sullivan SEN
tence: 1T was most unjust. The great and
good state of Mississippi would do well to look
a3ter its own fight. John L. Sullivan has done
more to do away with the knife and pistol
than any man living. He has taught men to uss
natures weapons and not to shoot and carve.
don't think Governor Lowry himself viii ap-
prove OF the severe sentence. John did every
thing in the world to facilitate his trial did
not give the officers of Mississippi any trouble.
He did not run away, but quietly accompanied
surprise to all fair minded men. Many people
wished for the extreme penalty, but If they got >
chance to hide themselves behind a tree and see
the giadlators meet they would do So sullivan
will fight the sentence. He will appeal to the
highest courts in the state. -
AN APPEAL FOR cLEMENcY.
PURvIs, MISS, Aug. I.-To-day in court Judge
Calhoun asked that, by an agreement with the
district attorney, sixty days be allowed in which
to file bills of exceptions to the verdict against
Sullivan. He also announced that Gen. Ferd
would read petition for clemency which was
signed by the grand jury and petit jurors, and
the best citizens of the vicinity. He also In
tended to make few remarks and thoughtshis
client also desired to make statement
Very well, - answered the court, and Mr..
Ford then read the Solowing:
1.-THE undersigned members of the grand jury
impanneled at the present term of the court
and of the petit jury who tried the case of the
State vs.. John L. Sullivan, convicted OF prize
fighting, respectfully show to the court that in
view of the fact that this is the first conviction
for the ofense named in this state, and for other
TO
quest that your honor will impose no higher
penalty than fine of $1,000 and that no imprlson-
ment be inflicted. -
Ed Davis was the only petit juror who refused
to sign. The grand jurors all signed as also did
all merchants in the city. and a number Of farm
erS round about, as well as the sheriff, clerk and
other officers of the court, the justice OF the
peace before whom the case was first tried, aud
many others. Gen. Ford supplemented the pc
tition by few remarks.
Judge Calhoun also appealed for the clemency
of the court. There was pause, then there
stir in the audience, and the champion
turned up before the bar and speaking in a loud,
clear and steady voice, said:
SULLIVAN SPEAKS.
t'Your honor, 1 desire to make few remarks.
I can only ask for your clemency in this matter.
No doubt I have done something wrong, but,
my counsel told you, was ignorant of the laws.
l am not as oratorical or as distinguished the
attorney on my right or my counsel, who have
addressed you, and therefore beg to remark
that am your humble servant, John l.. SuIl-
van. -
He then sat down and there was another
pause, when was broken Dy JuQSe 1erre4 say
ing in his quiet way:
''Stand up, Sullivan
The court did not say Mr.. Sullivan this time.
Sullivan stood up quickly. He threw out his
chest and looked the court in the face, and had
evidently determined upon perfect self control.
Judge Terrell spoke slowly as follows:
THE SENTENCE.
cit seems to me this prize fight at Rich burg,
of which you stand convicted, was gross affr0nb
to the laws of the state where the authorities
personally forbade it. 1t seems to have been ac-
complished with systematic arrangements, and
in the presence of invited thousands. 1t seems
on the part of all connected in 10
to have been studied disregard and contempt
for law. They came from and through many
states whose authority and civilization deferred
them from any attempt at such public lawlesS
conduct within their limits, and they chose the
soil of Mississippi the only fit ground for such
combat, indicating their utter contempt of the
sentiments of her people and the laws or her
for a punishment for the offense that you stand
convicted of you shall suffer imprisonment foR
twelve months in the county Jail. y
SULLIVAN GLOOMILY TOOK HIS SEAT.
He maintained his stOlid look for moment,
but when attention was withdrawn from him his
mouth put on the same appearance as when he
met Kilrain in the ring, with little of sorrow
temporIng the ferocity. The feeling passed from
him in another moment, and when he got under
the railing to leave the courtroom he faced the
sym pathZing crowd with broad smile.
The court then passed sentence on Mr.. Fltz-
patrick Sixty days were granted to hle bill
of exception and appeal was taken TO the
supreme court. The district attorney an
nounced that Kilrain would be here next week,
and Fitzpatrick was subpenaed as a witness and
put under $500 bond.