The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-09-13
A Charlotte Freak.

Two remarkable freaks were discovered at
Charlotte. N. c., by the Corbett party. 1t was
at that city that there was wait OF twenty
four hours scheduled. Naming the freaks IN
earthed thero in a shorter period OF time IN the
order OF their intellectual importance, | viii
say that the first q negro named "SAm,
baggage breaker for the Richmond and Dan
vile railroad, and the second was the city at
torney Of Charlotte. ''Sam" is feet inches
high, weighs us pounds and can toss a bale Of
cotton around as Sullivan would a foot ball
He lifts weights OF 800 pounds with ease. In
spite OF his grea. strength he is an
arrant coward except when acting under
orders from the head baggage loser at the
depot Then he becomes as brave as a lion.
Sam believed that Corbett must be at least
twice as tall as he was, and when he learned
that the Californian was shorter and very much
lighter he began TO pluck up courage. Toward
nlghttau some OF the boys around the depot
filled him up with lot OF stories about his own
superhuman strength, and presently he mus
tered up courage 60 climb into the training car.
Coroett was away at the time, but his trainer,
Jim DAILY, was there, looking very small com
pared with the negro When Sam" asked Tor
Coroett DAILY stepped forward and said:
That is my name sir; what can do for
your Then he pretended TO give a start OF
surprise and he went on: "Why. Peter Jack
son, how are you? You've grown twice as big
and strong as you were"
The baggage destroyer believed that he had
been really mistaken for Jackson, and he
bulged out all over the car with pride. He ex-
planned the apparent case of mistaken identity.
and then DAILY began to talk reminiscenty OF
his meeting with Jackson. explaining to the
crowd for the benefit of Sam" how he had left
jackson for dead in the rlng and how his mead
was loosened by punch and had to be sewed
on again With silver thread. all Of which sam
seem to believed
Presently he gathered more courage and
said:
But you couldn't treat me like that, Mr..
Corbett"
why nott"
Because wouldn't let you. Use like mad
dog when fights, Mr. Corbett," The colored
people who had clustered around the car cheered
this sentiment Brady measured the darky's
arms, felt of his muscle and shook his head
despairlngly, and then began to back out in as
lotte champion grew more eager for a scrap
every moment and 30 did his satellites, who re-
joiced to see a Charlotte man take the starch
out of the great pugiist.
Presently the real Corbett came in from a
jaunt He looked like baby compared with
Sam" He stared at the big negro who by
this time had half notion to clean out the
whole car.
Here's John L. Sullivan himself" cried out
every one In the car as Corbett entered
II don't care if he is" exclaimed sam. ="
stoutly. who's afraid?"
sam" was on the point Of challenging the
bogus Sullivan, when Corbett whispered to DAILY,
Put on the gloves with him for a few minutes
and show him how much be doesn't know"
Not on your life. put in Trainer Delaney
III Daily swiped him once he'd run crying to the
mayor and have us all arrested, then good-by
TO New trleans" This view seemed a sensible
one and sam" was told to say good night {"
He left the car and Immediately became a hero
in the eyes of a large number of friends who
had seen him defy the two great fighters He
will be long known 10 Charlotte as the man
who scared them both almost to death by has
enormous size.