The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-26
A SPORTING CELEBRITY.
How Billy Edwards. the Ex-Pugilfst,
Became . Philosopher.


Became . Philosopher.
New York World.
In one corner of the safe at the Hoffman
house, where great statesmen. eminent
jurists and celebrated authors gather with
the Young scions of noble families and men
about town to admire the worksof art and,
incidentally, to sample the goods sold over
the bar, there sits quiet little man with
pleasant face who is saluted by nearly
every man who enters the place. He has
a smile and a nod for everybody,
and when something unusual hap
pens at the clubs or in society circles
Billy Edwards is likely to hear of it as
soon as any one else. He has fund of
information, knows quaint yarns enough
about great men to fill book the size OF
the New York directory, and on this ac-
count is popular with everybody who
patronizes the house, and particularly so
with newspaper men. to whom he fire.
quentIy gives valuable information.
Edwards spends five or six hours day
in this famous drinking place, and during
this time chats with dozens of visitors. He
knows all about the railroads, theaters,
clubs, horses, baseball, politics, the Nc
Kinley bill and the prize ring. On the
latter sport he is an authority, and picks
few losers His opinion is always sought
by betting men when some big match is on,
and he is made the custodian of many wa
gers. A man as accomplished as Edwards
is bound to be popular. No man knows
more of the science of self-defense than
Edwards does, and his book on boxing is
standard work. For years Billy Edwards
held the title of lightweight champion of
America, and his numerous battles
in the ring are still remembered by
the old sports who saw them. He
never was fairly defeated, but was the
victim of a conspiracy in his memoir
able fight with Arthur Chambers, and
the decision was given TO the latter by
Billy Tracy, who was in with the deal.
A claim was made by Chambers
a foul by biting his opponent.
the referee decided the fight.
1t leaked out afterwards that the
whole affair was ''put-up job" Barney
Aaron and Jim Mace, Edwards seconds:
Tracy, the referee, and Chambers seconds
were parties to the conspiracy, and it was
subsequently proven that Chambers was
bitten in his own corner.
Billy Edwards is philosopher in his
way, and Colonel Tom Ochiltree, the
Texas statesman, on whose head the fiery
hued capillary, substance has been
admired by the nobility of Europe
as we'll as by his constituents in
the Lone Star state, is RESPONSIBLE
for his having become one. aOchiltree
spends great deal of his time in the Hoff-
man house, and it leaked out long time
ago that he was a student of philosophy.
Edwards watched him for months, and
upon Toms suggestion became philolo-
pher himself, and he likes it.
The late Roscoe Conkling used to chat
for hours with Edwards. and Berry Wall,
ex-king of dudes, found much in the ex-
pugilist to interest him. Wright Sanford
and William r. Frances, both of whom
are now dead, knew Edwards well,
and the. latter, a famous wit, told
many of his best yarns to Ed
wards before he sprung them on others
eff Edwards laughs heartily at story"
Mr.. Frances used to say, II know it is
funny, but if he only smiles there is some
thing wrong about it, and l don't tell it
again. ! may say he is trial horse for
me-"
Edwards has been employed at the Hoff-
man for nearly nine years. He is 46 years
old, but he has frequently been taken for a
man of 35.