Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-01-03
WHEEIINGA w. VA TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY B. 1898
ROWAN TALKS.
The winuer> OF the Recent Bout mas
something to Say of the Battle.

The winuer> of the Recent Bout Has
something to Say of the Battle.
"Jimmy" Rowan, of Steubenyille, who
defeated "Billy" Smith in the glove con.
test near this city, last week. caiied
last night at the REGISTER Office, In
comnany with the stakeholder in the
fight. Rowan stated that the ngnt was
contested on its merits. and the stake
holder authorized the REGISTER TO say
that he will forfeit $50 to any person
who will prove that the affair was a
hippodrome. He stated that the money
was up, and was divided after the bat
tie, according to the articles OF agree
ment.
Rowan was indignant about the
charges of crookedness. he answered
tho accusation made by The Steuoen-
Vile man through the REGISTER oY,
stating that Smith was in Steubenville
about two months ago, that he came
there to work in the ComiQue, but he
understood that ne did not go TO work.
Smith and Ed. Reilly, the man who Is
sued the challenge In yesterdays issue
of this paper, were in Steubenviile to-
eether. according to Rowan, and ar
ranged a fight to take place at Toronto,
o. Rowan was asked TO 90 up TO re-
cree the battle, but 1t did not take place
on account of the light attendance.
At the time the challenge was Issued
at Parkersburg he did not know who
Smith was, and he denounced the state
ment that Smith called to see him as a
falsehood. He stated that he was
ready to meet Smith at any time for
any amount from 500 TO $500 side.
Since Smith also expressed desire Tor
another bout with his late antagonist,
IL is probable that another battle will
be arranged. Rowan says he Is
also ready to meet any man
in West Virginia at 1l6 to lis pounds,
within four weeks from date, ana
we'll known Wheeling man is ready to
post 500 with the REGISTER rs a for
felt for battle for from 500 to $500 q
side.
Rowan showed letter which he re-
ceiyed from John Lavack, the Colum-
bus. O., bantam weight, offering to fight
him at 116 pounds, for 500 or $500
side, before the club offering the largest
purse, and said he will accept 1t II he
does not arrange another battle with
Smith. or any other man in this State.
The recent battle has started up In
terest in that class OF sport, and an or
ganization has been formed. under the
name of the ''Pastime Athletic CLUB. {
Since Smiths fight, friends OF Edi
Reilly have arranged a contest between
the two men, which will be the first
event given under the auspices OF the
new club. The battle is almost an as
sured fact, although articles OF agree
ment have not yet been signed.
Rowan and Reilly met yesterday, and
last night Reilly made the following
statement TO the sporting editor OF the
REGISTER:
"All that / know in connection with
Steubenville and this controversy between
Messrs. Rowan and Smith IS as IoiloWs:
About six weeks ago an old Washington
friend of mine who lately engaged in busi-
ness At Toronto, o., wrote TO me to come on
there. informing me that there was coup
le of fighters at nearby town, Steuben-
Vile. whom ne would match me against J
went on. When l arrived Mr.. Rowan was
said to be out of town. The other party
who was looking for trouble proved
IN be Smith, VINO recently
met Rowan. had no conversation with
him. Ny friend had already arranged Tor
me to meet him in ten-round contest al
Toronto. To make long story snort,
there was not enough money In signt tne
night we were to meet, and therefore no
fight. left there early next morning and
have been In Central Ohio ever since until
II dau 0f fQR recent
Rowan-Smith contest. In explana'
ton of my coming here, my To-
ronto friend wrote me 10 come on
and meet him here as the prospects Oh my
getting match were good.
GAS far as the recent contest is concerned
I have no more to say except that Delieve
the spectators got their moneys worth. j
was sincere in nv challenge TO the winner.
/ believe Smith could not reduce to less
than 100 pounds unless he cut OF q leg. j
am anxious TO meet him and Will guaran-
tee satisfaction to the spectators, and oe-
lieve can make IL just as Interesting 70
Mr.. Smith as the contest wouio % 10 tne
spectators.
Mr.. Rowan claims be is not quite heavy
enough 10 engage in a contest with me.
imagine he must be bit "light around
the heart. but to equalize matters, as ne
claims TO be so scientific i will, after
meeting Smith, meet Mr.. Rowan In
limited number of rounds contest, 70 be
decided purely on our respective ability
from q "scientific' standpoint. That
mesns I'll box him for points.
To conclude wish 70 state to the sport
ing fraternity and lovers Of the manly arr
in this locality that any time engage as
princS pal In a contest IL will be 20 do my
level best. am out TO do business on the
square and want no part Of anything but
what's up and up and above board. Finally
! in view of certain circumstances connected
with the recent affair here wish 10 re
mind the public that oinerences Q, op.niyL 1'-
between two people as regards their
ability does not necessarily indicate enmity
although with me friendship and charity
ceases when we get in ring"
An Octogenarian Dead.
| Spseial Corrsspondsncs Of ths Rsotstsr.