The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-11-27

me. and that | may be whipped. jackson
and Mitchell, | I'M told, are especially ian
Qerous antagonists for anyone to face. and
in the event of disaster | am reminded
that my drawing" powers rs an actor will
at once fade away, and that l myself will
have killed the goose which laid the golden
eggs.
1t would be q physical as we'll as literary
impossibility to personally answer the
myriad we'll meaning inquiries of friends.
To do this, however, and at the same time
reply to my challengers, | will deviate from
II rule / had adopted. l had resolved never
again to write an article for the newspapers
on fistic subjects. as deemed it the part of
modesty to forbear. 1t is far better, in my
Judgment, to let the fellows who are striv-
ing to gain the goal of success enjoy that
luxury, and for those who have succeeded
enough of gold and glory without it.
Twill, then. in thisi instance and for the
last time, assume the role of scribe and
state clearly and sucoinctly what my future
rule of action will be. II l live I will carry
out the theat ical contractsI nave entered
from the present date. Then l will cheer
fully meet Charles Mitchell, of England,
Peter jackson. of Australia, or any
other man who is anxious to win
tistic fame and wealth. l draw no color
line, hut l will give Mitchell the first
Cnance, ZOE &OOU anu buDSLHuLlal reasons,
First, because he has never been defeated
and has had the honor of having fought O
draw with John l.. Sullivan, when the re.
nowned Bostonian was the acknowledged
champion of the world. jackson, on the
other hand, was once defeated by Bill Farm
ham in Australia in the early part of hi
career, and in addition fought draws will
Joe Goddard. of Australia, and myself. Al
jackson and Goddard both claim to b.
champions of Aust ALA, / think it woulC
be eminently proper for them to settle the
vexed question of superiority before seek.
ing a battle with me. In addition te
Mi chells having a clearer title in the bool
of pugilistic deeds-if ! may be allowed the
professionalism jackson. ! make no con
cealment of the fact that it would afford
me, in the words of o distinguished states
man. much personal comfort and satisfac-
tom to meet the Englishmnn in the ropec
arena. Why, people interested in sporting
matters who remember a little incident a
Miners Bowery theater q year ago car
readily understand,
1t matters not a particle to me where thu
contest may occur. l will battle with
Mitchell, or Jackson, IL he avoids an issue
at the time stated before the club offefini
the largest purse, be it at the north. south
east or west. All / %stipulate is that my ad.
versary put mp $1,000 as q side wager t.
prove his SINCE ity, and as n positive guar
antee that he will be in the ring at tn
specified time. John L.. Sullivan eXactet
this of me, and i. in tutn. have the sam
right, all fRir-minded men will admit, t
make "A similar demand from those VIII,
would seek to win the championship from
me.
Should good fortune remain with me II
my contest with Mitchell, az l feel conf
dent it will, l will again iesume my stag
career, and not fight for reasonable lenGt
of time. say one year. Then l will be pre-
pared to meet Peter jackson or the bes
IuQilist at that period before the public
After that / will in all probability retil
from the prize ring for good. l did no
enter the arena from pure love OF fighting
but to gain fame and the wealth which fol
lows in its trail.
The talk of some aspiring pugilists. q
rather of their Retute managers. that
must fight within six months of the date o
a challenge. backed by a forfeit. IL lud1t
roua. That was the rule. l admit, IN day
gone by when the London prize ring was |
its glory. That rule, however, like th
Londo prize ring" institution, is obso
lete. 1t was formulated Mt Il time who
fighters wetoof an inferior order OF intel
lect and Ind no other occupation save thn
of pleasing their noble o. patrons. khu
was to light Whenever called upon for
wee smn' purse. This, of course. happene
frequently and with great regularity. Gen
tlrman" jackson, John Gully and IoI
King wers exceptions to this class OF light
ers, but exceptions only Prove n rule.
No, the institution known as the "Londo