Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-26
THAT PRlZE-FlCHT,
viii 1t Come or In Spite of Governor
Mitchell?

Mitchell?
JACKSONVILLE. FLA. December 25.
In view of letter from II. w. Lang,
Governor Ml,chells private secretary,
to j. H. Tyson, of this city, emphati-
caliy stating that the Governor would
use all means in his power to prevent
the Corbett-Alitchell contest which letter
was furnished the Southern Associated
Press and has caused uneasiness in sport
ing circles throughout the country, the
Southern Associated Press correspondent
to-day interviewed j. T.. T. BOwden,
general manager Of the Duval Athletic
Club, regarding the Governors position
and the prospect of pulling off the con-
test. As will be seen from the interview.
Mr.. Bowden is absolutely confident of
the ability OF the club 70 bring the con-
test TO a successful issue. The interview
follows:
Mr.. Bowden." asked the correspon-
dent. has anything transpired 70 cause
you to feel that you will not be able 10
pull off the Corbett-Mitchell coptest?"
Absolutely nothing" was the emphatic
reply. II am more firmly convinced to-
day that the match will take place than
l have been at any period since the con-
test was talked OF. In this sentiment
my assistants unite. and so strongly do
they feel that the match viii take place
that we are pushing the arena to rapid
completion and making the necessary
suitable and definite arrangements"
But, Mr.. Bowden, recent kilograms
. from this city have, been published of
n character likely to impair the attend
ance, and have caused some anxiety
among those who have heretofore felt
assured that the contest would take
place What have you to say in regard
TO those telegramsY'
THE CLUBS POSITION.
"Just this: the entire talk and uneasi-
ness was occasioned by the publication
of a letter written by Hon. II. W. Lang.
Governor Mitchell's private secretary,
November 2ist, and published December
23d in the jacksonville Times Union. This
letter was also furnished the Southern
Associated Press. It's publication so hong
after 1t was written induced people to
think that some new uetcrance had been
made by the Governor or by his author
ity when in fact such vas not the case
We do not say. and have never said or
thought. that Governor Mitchell would
not do everything that he conceived 1t was
his duty to do under the law TO stop
the match We. at the same time. are
assured by our knowledge Of Governor
Mitchelrs sincerity OF character that he
will be equally slow to interfere If 1t
should be demonstrated in an authOrita-
tive way that the contemplated match Is
not vioIative of the law. We expect at
a very early date-not later than the
Dresent week-to get an adjudication Of
the question. If our position is sustained
we will continue our course; II, how
ever. the contention should be determined
against us. we win at once declare the
match off
"The City Council has passed an ordi-
nance legalizlng contests of the character
of the one contemplated. and the public
sentiment of the city. county. and State
is overwhelmingly I'm favor of the match's
coming of. AS TO the legal view. l may
add that the consensus of opinion Is In
favor OF the entire legality of the clubs
action" -
"How are YOU progressing with the sale
Of certificates for your box-seats?"
~ don't know that the public 10 very
much interested on that point, but VIII
say that we are meeting with every en-
coura cement. and the seats are going
rapidly TO the best people in the eoun-
try" .,.,,,
but. Mr.. Bowden. suppose you should.
bV some nook OF cIooh, ldai ~ ~ 4"t, N"-
contest off. what will be the attitude OF
your club as to the redemption of these
tlckets?"
"There is but one answer TO that Dues
t,or F." replied Mr.. Bowden. This club IL
cornosed of gentlemen of wealth and un-
standing as TO integrity and
I win say that every cent placed IN our
hands for certificates will be refunded
abouid the contest not come off from legal
There are many other things" said
Mr.. Bowden. in conclusion. "tnat 1 m,sn' @
add as 10 the ability of the Duval Attn
IetIc club 10 bring off this match, out
,ha,r nublication would be untimely at
tbis fincture. We wish to express our
entire confidence In Governor Mitchsii
and our equally strong conviction that.
ahor,d n court of competent judgment
affirm that We are within the Jaw no
one will be quicker TO obey or more
ra.,av 10 aide its adjudication than Gov
prnor Henry L. Mitchell