Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-03

He is good-hearted fellow, and he strongly
denies that he had anything to do with th'
breaking up Of his fight with Slayin. HI
emphatically claims that he had the bettel
of Slavin when the affair was broken up
He has no idea of visiting America. What
ever may be said of Smith. one thing Il
certain, and that is, he is very clever ane
tricky boxer.
Harvest Time.
The harvest time is here now, Al
far as the boxing and pugilistic fraternity
are concerned. 1t il all clover with
the 'scrappers" now, and certainly they
have no anticipation of any other condi
tion of things. There are dozens of placer
throughout London, Independent OF the
clubs, where boxing contests take place
| regularly. These contests are not only OF 9
limited number of rounds, but many oil
them are to finish, and pretty lively they
are. The purses offered are good, and very
often the quality of boxing is, very bad.
Well, all this is Just as it was in America
few years ago. During that period, the
boxing period, mean, we had hundreds OF
alleged pugilists stepping to the front who
were never heard of previously, and who
have already been forgotten. The public
| was gulled out of thousands of dollars by
imposters, and as result reaction very
soon set in, and the entire business was
| killed. I predict similar result here.
Now what claim is this; that all this
arbitrary interference of the law officers is
caused by the boxers and promoters of
boxing themselves. To speak in plain
| people in the entire sporting world than the
| pugilstic fraternity. This is chiefly be-
cause there is not more ignorant, class.
don't say this in any unkIndly spirit, but 1
| simply mention it as fact to show that
they have no thought of tomorrow, and in
every instance where latitude is given they
overdo the thing. 1 frankly make this ad-
mission, that so many questionable things
are being introduced into these public
boxing contests that it would be better if
they were stopped entirely, and they will
soon be stopped here. 1 mention this for
the benefit OF boxers in America and their
friends who contemplate visiting England.
They must do so as soon as possible because
the present craze cannot last. Even IT the
law does not interfere the clubs will find
reasons to make them tired OF the affair.
"a
Eusiish Baseball.
It may be interesting to many to read a
few words about baseball here. 1 only in
tend to say a few words this week, as find
little change in the situation since last
week. During the week uncertain weather
has had its effect on the games. Of the
light scheduled only six have been played,
and they have been very poorly attended.
If the weather that has obtained here during
the last three or four weeks is sample of
English summer weather, baseball will
have no chance at all in this country. How
ever, if the weather had been good I don't
think that the ball games would have been
much better attended than what they have
been. AS remarked last week, the teams
are too unequally matched OF course,
Derby and Birmingham are making fine
fight of it, but Stoke still has only one VIC
tory to its credit, and that was obtained
from Preston. The Birmingham team, un-
der Mr.. Barr's management, continues to
improve, and should the season be played
out will not be surprised it the Pitts
burgers lot come out victorious. He has
some excellent material in his team and if
they were to receive the encouragement from
the public that they deserve they would no
doubt blossom into really good aggregation.
They played fine game against the Derbys
the other day and won by 6 to 2. The score
shows that there was at least sUme earnest
ness in the game.
At present writing the record Of games
won and lost is Derby 10 games won and 2
lost; Birmingham, 8 won and lost; Preston,
won and 8 lost; Stoke, won and 10 lost
This record shows that the contest is already
a very uneven one, and this fact is sure to 60
q long way toward pulling any enthusiasm
there might be in the game at Preston and
Stoke. The former place has been used to
he foofhall chor shin and ito 'oit
! will take uukindly to a nearly lost position
in baseball. 1t seems to ME that efforts
should be used to get better players for both
Preston and Stoke.
The Cons oIidntion Rumors.
Copies of The DISPATCH received here
give me to understand that the question of a
consolidation of the Players and National
Leagues has come prominently to the front.
Readers of this paper will know that have
dealt with this matter on several occasions
and judging from information I have re-
ceived regarding the question, am ready to
believe that system of consolidation would
be welcomed by the majority of the National
League magnates. OF course believe that
it would be the best thing for both organiza-
tions and for the public. I hardly think
that any supporter of tie National League
will for a moment contend that the new
league is not lust as Important a factor in
baseball now as is the old league, The new
organization has, in my way of thinking,
won its spurs and displayed fighting ability
that must give to 1t as much importance as
can be given to any other baseball organiza-
tiou. One thing is certain. viz. that no new
Arrangement in baseball affairs can be made
with any chance of success if the new