The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-09-26
CORBETT AND MITCHELL.
VIII They Divide the Purse II
They Fight?
Arthur T. Lumley's Opinion Of tho Prise
Fighters Tho "InfamoCs Corbett-
Mitchell Match Will They
Divide tho Prize Money!
rcopYRIGHT, 1881

COPYRIGHT. 1891
Years of association With fighters
have impressed me with the extreme
gullibility of the American sporting
public. refer to the fraternity not as
whole, and except those with intelli-
gence enough to look beneath the sur
| face and think for themselves. The
most remarkable evidence of gullibili-
! ty is to be found in the now famous, or,
/ to be more frank, infamous, Mitchell
Corbett match. These two fighters
for months have had the English and
American sporting public by the ears
ana have been throwing in the con-
in such finished manner that some
OF their enemies and detractors, even,
think they mean to be on the level.
In the history of the prize ring no
two such fakirs have been brought to
view. By a system OF buncombe. dew
ilish IN its ingenuity and remarkab BILE
for its surprises, these two men have
placed themselves in position to be
| talked aboat N every country where
the word pugilism is known. This
fact alone would stamp them as IA
! kris. Honest men do not run into
print at the slightest provocation. If
they have any idea in mind they do not
run to newspaper and blow it into
the ear of friendly reporter. The
old-time fighters didn't pursue this
course. Did Eeenan and Sayres attitu-
dinize as Corbett and Mitchell are atti-
tudinizing? When these two war
rors of the ring met and agreed to
fight there were no pyrotechnics. no
display of one thousand-dollar bills
with strings attached, and no bun
combe. The articles were quickly ar
ranged and as quickly signed. Heenan
and Sayres appreciated the fact that
each was battling for the championship
of his respective country, and his dig
nifty alone was sufficient. Columns of
newspaper talk could not add to the
honor in their eyes.
Note the difference. Here are two
pugilists, one Mitchell. man who has
done comparatively little to warrant
reputation. and Corbett, a fighter. who,
since his defeat of Sullivan, has been a
human hippodromc. And where does
Mitchells reputation as pugilist come
IN? He should be known as the man
OF draws" He is not England's cham
pion. Peter Jackson holds this honor.
He has never whipped q frst-class man,
and his chief claim to distinction is his
draw with Sullivan.
Corbett shows up in better light. He
has fought and whipped number of
clever men. and up to the time he met
Sullivan he had some reputation and a
few friends. How much reputation and
how many friends has he now? l will
not answer this question. ! will leave
it to the judgment of my readers. But
had Corhett seen fit to be on the level
he could have been the most popular
champion this country has ever seen.
Here is one experience l had with
him which will indicate his character.
4 little over year and half ago it
was proposed TO match Mitchell and
Corbett for six rounds in the Madison
Square garden. When Corbett came
east he called on me and said he
wished me to be his adviser. He would
be guided by me, he said. in all things.
A few DAYS later he called again and
wanted me to 90 to the Clipper office
with him and arrange for a finish
fight between him ard Mitchell. con-
sentad, and suggested that we take a
cab. Corbett agreed. and added:
s'Oll. yes Let Us have 4 cab, Arthur.
A nice one. you know
Before agreeing u go to the Clipper
Office with him i was arranged that
he should meet Mitchell on his own
ground; tnat there should be no jolly
ing. and shat only business should be
discussed We arrived at the Clipper
Office. where Mitchell was awaiting US.
Imagine nv surprise 1T the way Mitch
eli and Corbett greeted each other It
must be understood that these two
men were supposed to be al dagrers
drawn, and that there was no love lost
between them.
Corbett started his jolly as follows:
MY dear Mr. Mitchell, I'm very glad
10 see YOU have heard you are very
slzillful boxer. and thorough good
fellow. It is an honor. my boy, 10
meet YOU and / hope we viii see more
OF each other" and more talk in a Sim
liar vein.
It was then Nitchells turn to jolly,
and he began this way:
Il hardly expected TO meet such
gentleman. Why. Mr.. Coroett. while
I llavc ALWAYS heard you were nice
fellow. YOU have exceeded my ideas. !
understand, too. yoa are great pagi-
list. Believe me. ne boy. this Is one
OF the greatest moments Of my lie.
and viii always remember the occa-
sion.'
And then Mitchell and Corbc.t fell
or each others nec.1s and rcpt for JOY
al she laeetiag.
Great Jehosa plat. Shades Of John
Z. sullivan. And these two u,en met
20 M q match on the Level
was Disguised. AID told Corbett 50.
and lett him - continue his jollying.
The articles we're signed for a six
round so. for the gate uoaey. and lad