The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-01-10
JOE AND "GENTLEMAN JIM"
Two Pugilists Create Little Scene in
the Lobby of Chicago Hotel.
Goddard Verbally Challenges Corbett and the
Latter Refuses TO Accept Until the
Former Fights Peter Jackson.

CHICAGO. Jan. 9.-Jim Corbett and Joe
Goddard came together in the lobby of the
Grand Pacific Hotel this evening. The
meeting resulted in an animated scene. No
blows were struck on either side. but the
conversation between the two representa-
tives of the ring wsxed 80 warm that two
minutes after it had begun every one in the
rotunda was attracted to the spot. and the
vigorous cheers and derisive comments by
which they punctuated the remarks of the
principals arrested the attention OF psssin q
pedestrians, who swelled the original
crowd till the doors of the establishment
were blocked. The whole thing was
brought about by Goddard's offering a YER
bal challenge to Gentleman Jim." God
dard, accompanied by Billy Madden. was
observed about tho Grand Pacific for Sow
eral hours. 1t was o'clock when Corbett
entered the hotel, accompanied by his
brother. Goddard ct once caught the eye
of the champion. Jim bowed and Goddard
arose and returned the bow. Then he ap-
preached Corr bett. who was talking with
Manager Brady Is If quite oblivious of the
presence Of tho big Australian.
How do you Gol How 90 you dof''
querIed Gentleman Jlm." in the politest
tones.
Never felt better" said Goddard, bring
ing his large hand down upon his massive
chest by way of emphasis. Il never felt in
better trim." be added. and then the talk
grew warm enough to satisfy the most
sanguilary man present.
Il want you to fight me-" said Goddard.
Great scottw exclaimed Corbstt. meas
uring his wOuld-be antagonist from his toes
up to his head. There was that in the
look whloh produced q hit OF laughter
among the audience. Goddard became Wis.
IDLY pale with anger and mortIfic ation.
Why" continued COrbett, should you
offer to fight me. You must know tnas you
arc unworthy of consideration until you
have fought and whipped two men-Jack-
son and Mitchell. ! am Champion and
shall not accept challenge from the rep
resentstive OF any nation except he be the
declared champion of that nation"
"fou are not champions; any one could
have licked Sullivan"
II will not hear ono word said against
Sullivan" retorted Corbett with growing
warmth. For years he held the champion.
ship He whipped all corners and retained
the championship for America. No English.
man and no Australian ever proved him
self his equal"
This msgnanimous tribute to the de.
thrOned king stirred the feeling of the
crowd 30 its depths. Good for you" "Hur.
rah for the stars and stripes" I'VE can't
be beaten" and similar ex CARNATIONS came
from as many different throats.
~ on claim TO rapresent America; why
can't you fight met" shouted Goddard,
hisvoice growing husky with passion.
Il represent America. and Tor that very
reason i should be a chump IL were to ac-
cept your ImDudent challenge. Go and
win your spurs as others have before you
and try TO enter into competition with men
of first rank. / am now the defender Of
pugillsm of this country. and in treating Q
your offer as do l am dong that which is
in the best interests of my country, 80 faI
as the prlZe-rlng Is concerned"
Nv hat do you propose to dol" asked God
dard.
Il propose TO fight Mitchell first. if be
will give me the opportunity. After him
comes Jackson. the champion of Australia.
Then II you have anything 10 say it will
be your turn. You are only third man III
my consideration. But now 1 tell you
what ! will do. lfyou will make a match
to fight jackson shall sign articles on the
day that You sign yours 10 fight the win.
Ber. l shall put the money up to show my
good faith in the matter"
The crowd again oheered itself hoarse
Goddard grew restiye. He murmured
something about being the best mar and
Corbett fired u parting shot. "You &C.
knowledge" he said, that jackson is the
Australian champion. Well. 20 and lick
him before you think of approaching me- u
Then Corbett turned away, leaving God.
dard standing In the lobby. Neither man
cared to talk of the incident after 1t was
over.