Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-12-27
Has Got the Best of John L. Sullivan,
and the Ex-ChsmpiOn
ISFAST APPROACHINGI INBECILITY
The Final Breakdown Cannot be
Far Away-He Got on a Big
Drunk on the Strength of Cor
belts Reply to His Attacks ON
His Backers and Cried Like o
Child Over His Defeat.

THE interview with Sullivan, in which he
denounced his hackers in the New Orleans ost-
tie, and Jim Corbett's reply, referred 70 IN tns
following Telegram, viii be found under tho
head sports and sport, ON page 81
New York, December 26--Jim Cor
belts angry reply 10 Johu l.. Sullivans
allegation that he had been drugged and
duped iu New Orleans, when he fought the
Californian, has apparently aroused the iro
of Sullivan and, In sequence, the latter
has been imbibing liquor at dizzy rate
10 soothe his anger, al day.
The ex-champion Immediately after leav-
ing his bedroom in the Vanderbilt Hotter
late this morning, proceeded 10 the BAR
room on the greuud floor and made the bar
tender mix him up all sorts OF fancy drinks.
1t was plainly evident 10 Proprietor
Matt. Clune that Sullivan was laying the
foundation for another OF bis famous
'iags.n - and he anticipated trouble. Hee
deavored 10 persuade the great modern
Hercules 20 deslst and return TO his room,
put in every effort he met with a vicious
reouke.
Sullivan kept drinking until late In tho
afternoon, when he had accomplished his
craving desire 10 get good and full" He
was then in genuine fighting humor cursed
every one ABOUT him and made several sue
Jack Ashton, his sparrl0g partner aod
friend, was called in 10 try and suodue the
heart-broken fighter, but MS efforts were
met with a curse, and Ia quicker time than
il takes TO tell Ashton made himself scarce,
as likewise did the other occupants OF the
bar room.
"Tll kill you II you come near meh he
said In storm Of rage. and then began to
cry over his crushing defeat lie cOntin-
ued, "Coroett licked me when l was =
physical wreck, and the shadow OF
John l.. Sullivan Of six years ago. have
been wronged and treated dirty because
my good nature permitted H. Give me an,
other chancei give me another chance and
I'll show them what ! can do
Then he sank back into chair and erie
like n child. Finally he grew quieter an
permitted Ashton 10 take him up 70 bis
room.
The opinion Is expressed among sporting
people here that tho backer he accused In
Yesterdays interview as drugging him and
then betting on Corbett, Is Jimmy Wakoly,
but there is no evidence which warrants
such a statement. Wakely, when seen to-
night concerning Sulliyan's statement and
tue reflection IL casts on his character, was
very indignant
"Sulllyan is going crazy" seid he, "for
/ am sure that II MS mind IS not weak ho
would never make such awful remarks.
have been told that, although he men
toned no name, i am the person ac-
accused. Heaven bo my Judge, mover In
iured that man ia my life, but, Instead,
treated him like brother.
Drink has been the cause OF his ruin and
nothing else. Charley Johnson and i, dur
ing the days Of his training on Long Island,
watched him like mother would u child
TO keep him away from drinking, but de-
spite our watchfulness he stole beer and
sneaked II 10 his room.
.'Yes. that is the cause OF the defeat and
not morphine, which he says was put Ia
his food His defeat is killing him grad
ually and bis brain Is beyond doubt get
ting weak. had a fortune on sullivan 70
whip Corbett, and ! can tell you that 10
came within an ace Of running mo. feel
sorry for poor John, but God knows / was
always his friend aud always will be"
Charley Johnston, his other backer, was
In an angry mood tonight over what Sulli-
van had said and refused 20 talk NJ length
on the subject. He believes, too, that Sui
hvan is losing his mind and fears the
future. Regarding the statements that
Sullivan was druRged, bo says they were
made by a man whose mind bad been
wrecked by reverses aud "Old John Bar
lcycOrn.'
The opinion prevails here that Sullivan's
queer actions foretell an early breakdown.
Sullivan appeared at the Windsor Theatre
tonight 20 a crowded house. No one was
permitted 70 interview him by strict Or.
ders.