St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-02-23
The Chicken Fanciers Spend
the Holiday Viewing Cock
Fights.
California Birds Win Eight,
: Minnesota Three and Wis
eonsin Two.
Some Of the Battles Of a Most
Disgusting and Bloody
Character.
A Large Amount Of Money
Changes Hands on the Va
pious Results.

A year age yesterday, as trade and
traffic was suspended IN celebration of
Wasbington's birthday, there occurred,
in the vicinity of much-frequented
sporting resort about seven miles rerth
of the city, what was considered one of
the most sanguinary cooking mains the
sports of this part of the country had
ever Deheld. California, Wisconsin and
Minnesota were represented by birds
whose gaming qualities had been DEM
onstrated by an indefinite line of an
cestry, and what was anticipated with
much concern was enacted on that day
after the DEGREES Of -practiced Gus
tom. At that battle We're present some
of the most prominent breeders of the
three states. At the cessation of hostil-
tiles the Wisconsin birds had bowed to
sad defeat and Minnesota had nothing
to boast of; while California's spurred
featherweights were truly cocks of the
walk" Minnesota and Wisconsin breed
ers, pricked by their disasters and urged
by local sportsmen. vowed that they
would again meet the wary bird from
the Pacific slopes, even if it broke them.
With satisfactory stipulation as to
stakes and weights, it was agreed that
the gallinaceeus pride of California
should make the attempt to repeat its
triumph on the following anniversary of
Washlngton's birthday. The year has
passed, and true to the promises the
main was held yesterday afternoon.
For three weeks past that select few
who were in confidence with the man.
agement of an occurrence which the laws
of this state prohibit, have been
oI4ANDESTINELY MEETING.
and preparing for the promising event.
There were thirty-twO spectators. ex-
elusive of the rustic host, who were
privileged to participate in the novel
sport, and at O'clock yesterday after
noon at a farm house situate north of
the city. long ways this side of Du-
luth "a more definite description is I'M
healthy, the featbeped tribe of the
three states pitched themselves in NOR
tai combat. Forty-seven birds in all,
and the victors of their home floeks.
California bad her invincible ''Califor-
MIA Jap;" Wisconsin had the Red Pyle
and the Dominique, while Minnesota
had single bantam and fourteen Blue
Pyies. Each state had fifteen birds I'm
the pit to be drawn after a plan of
weights decided upon last year. The
Two extra DlTGS-d Jap lToin SdlllOfHfd
and a Dominique from Wisconsin,
were pitted for a special battle for
prize and honors as superiors of the
species each represented. After much
of the hustle necessarily attending such
an exciting event, the pit was built in
the basement of Farmer J-'s spacious
barn, sxS. with ten-nch walls. All was
anxiety now, and the dingy old stable,
lighted as it was with lamps. lanterns
and ray of stray daylight, seemed
the very place for an unlawful
diversion. The visiting knights
Were well supplied with cigars
and mirth-inducing drugs. and the
animated talk and wagering was but
tie precursor of the music to come. But
the scene of blood and carnage! There
was the interest and morbidity Of every
member of that marked gathering. The
handlers" were ready to beak their
birds, and thus was the first announce
ment followed: Jap versus Pyle-Cal-
ifornia and Minnesota engaging"
Each bird was billed with an orange.
To those not familiar with the iargon of