The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-07-23
WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO FIGHE
The Mayor was whiting. but the Governor
Snld "NO.v

Said No."
ST. PAUL. July 22.--After tour days Of stout
contention against the hosts OF moral reform
ers. who took up arms against the proposed
fight between Bob Fitgimmons and Jim Hail.
the Minnesota Athletic Club was forced 10 sur
render and declare the nght Off.
This conclusion was not reached until the
club had exhausted every means OF securing
an adjustment and not until the Sheriff had
announced his Intention to prevent the fight
ut any and all hazards. and the Governor had
or,lere four military companies under arms to
assist the Sheriff. did the club weaken and
consent to be counted out.
Tho club had for twenty-three days adver-
tsed to the world its purpose to give purse
OF $4,000. and In the belief that there was no
law which forbade glove contests. being so adj
vised In writing by a well-known lawyer Of
this city. proceeded TO erect a temporary
pavilion. at a cost OF about $4,000. All this
was widely published and thoroughly known
to the State. municipal authorities. and the
people generally. Not a voice was lifted in pro-
test against the contest until last Monday.
when the church people hold an indignation
meeting.
Even then II was not known that the fight
could 10 legally prevented. but somebody
fished up statute passed In the session OF the
Legislature OF 1882 which was neither indexed
nor classified In the published laws. and 80
had been entirely overlooked by everybody
For tho first time the Minnesota Athletic
Club learned. on Monday. that 1t was proc. cd
ing contrary to law. The religious folks were
in the saddle booted and spurred. and would
listen to no appeal for clemency on tho score
OF fair play.
Tuesday night occurred two prize fights.
Kemmie and Murphy at the Olympic Theatre
In, al hA md T0n
EllinGsworth in Minneapolis. Not finger
was lifted to prevent either OF these events.
The Minnesota Athletic Club protested against
such unfair dlscrimin alton. but oil to no pur-
pose
Tho highly moral element was on the war
path and would not listen to reason. Tho
Mayor wns determined 10 protect the club
against such outrageous nniairness, and to the
committees which waited upon him declared
that the Hail. Fitzsimmons fight should not be
interfcred with.
Then the cranks turned their batteries on
Gov Merriam. Three days ago the Governor
snid he should not interfere. because TO do so
under such circumstances would be gross
ly unfair. and he EXPRESSED the hope
that the fight would come of. He even ex-
thought It Would be nnbscomns 10 do SO.
his knees aud on i ussday he issued a proclama-
ton calling upon the State officers to prevent
any r 81 tho law This placed the
sif 81 shs s9S Vas 0a asked BY the club officers
to be mndeiate and reasonable. Enforce
the ia% W., enid ,n;nry they Gut dHnt strain ain
PRINCIPALS in the ring il you. viii;
go on with the fight" This was the, under.
standing on Tuesday might. but to- day tho
Chnren Commit ee got after. the sherifI
again. and rattlod hin, into q pitiiul
Governor for advice. and the, Governor told
him to obey orders and stop the fight. Later
In the day tho Governor sent for the Sh ria
and threatened 10 depose him II he failed to do
his full duty. at tho same time ordering four
militia companies to be in readiness to assist
the Sheriff.
meeting Of the Sheriff County Attorney,
ard the club officers was held at noon. When
informed Of the situation and fully convinced
that the Sheriff had not the courage to do his
duty In hiS own way. but was bound to break
mp, the fight, the club abandoned all attempts
NV oRLEANs. July 22.-The Olympic Club
OF this city have authorized their representa-
tive III St Paul to make Fttzsimmons md Hall
liberal offer to meet in the Olympic Club are;
no within the next ten days. 1t is understood
that tho Olympic Club offered prize OF $4,000.