Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-12-29
OUVAL CLUBS SCHEME
Paving the Way For the
COrbett- Mitchell Fight.
THE FIGHTERS IN COURT.
Hsbeas Corpus Proceedings Will Tell
Whether the Battle Will Come of.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla, Dec. 29.-Charley
Mitchell and James j. Corbett were ar
rested yesterday, according to a pre-
arranged program Of the Duval Athletic
club, to test the law In this state In refer
ence to glove contests.
The fighters yesterday voluntarily gave
themselves up to the authorities In order
20 forestall arrest at a later date and to
test the legality Of their proposed contest.
1t was all prearranged plan, and IL was
cieverly devised and satisfactorily carried
out.
Manager Bowden Of the Duval Athletic
club has schemed so that there might be
no interference. 1t has been a cherished
dream Of the club magnates that the big
fight should occur under the supervision
of the Duval Athletic club. But the
vague rumors which have filled the air
that the authorities would step In and
take hand and the strange uncertainty
as to the real move of the public officials
had thrown damper on all these plans
and projects.
Fighters Raised No Objections.
Tuesday night the officials decided upon
o final effort. They gathered in consulta-
ton, and then Attorney Acosta was pres
ent with them. A plan had been hit upon,
Mr.. Acosta, having carefully searched his
law books, sailed forth and procured
warrants for the arrest OF the two pugil-
lists on the ground that they had agreed
to participate In fight which was to
come off within the boundaries of Flor
ida. Both Corbett and Mitchell were ap-
prised of what was In store for them, and
neither offered serious objections.
Mitchell was arrested yesterday at the
Everett House and taken before Judge
Baker of the county court. The pugilist
was more than surprised not to find Cor
bett also In custody, but when informed
that Corbett had been sent for and wonld
appear during the day he calmed his
troubled spirit. The warrant was then
read to him and he Immediately gave
bonds In the sum of $500 to appear before
the criminal court Jan. Q, 1894. Mr.. Bow
den and Charles Richardson, also of the
Duval club, signed the bond. Mitchell and
hiE party shortly afterwards left for the
training quarters at 50. Augustine.
About 4 o'clock In the afternoon Corbett
came to town from his Mayport cottage.
He didn't seem to mind the little part he
had to play. He looked rugged and
hearty. A small coterie Of faithful ad-
herents were also there and accepted
Sheriff Howard's kindly hospitality with
customary grace. He was taken before
Judge Baker, where be gave bonds to
appear before the criminal court on Jan.
.. Then they left the court and declared
their intentions of remaining in Jackson
Vile until morning. This latest move on
the part of the managers of the Duval
club was entirely unexpected by the out
siders.
Habeas Corpus VIII Settle It
On Monday, Jan. /, either Mitchell or
Corbett will be surrendered by his bonds
man. After he has been taken into Gus
tody a writ Of habeas corpus will be ap-
piled for. II 1t is decided the arrest was
an illegal one, 1t will be looked upon as an
evidence that no further opposition can
legally be made. II the arrest is consid-
cred legal, then the Duval managers say
that the battle will be declared of, and
all work will be stopped. The managers
are confident, however, that the decision
will be favorable to them, and this feeling
Is shared by the majority of citizens.
Work on the big arena Is being pushed
rapidly forward and seats for the contest
are being sold In large numbers.
Prosecuting Attorney Christie and Dis
trict Attorney Partridge have wired Gov
ernor Mitchell, who is at present In
Tampa, asking him to send Attorney
General Lamar to conduct the case for
the people. No reply has as yet been
receiyed