The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-01-03
Charles Mitchell Charged with Showing
the White Feather in Refusing
to Sign New Articles.
CORBETT ANGRY
He Wants a Chance to Give the
Englishman a Whipping,
And Says He Will Fight Him Any Time
and Without a Dollar of Stake
MOney-Sullivan Redivivus.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla, Jan. 2.-Charley
Mitchell has shown the white feather, or
something very much resembling that arti-
Gle, despised by all sports. Despite his al
legged consuming desire to face Corbett In
the arena, the developments of to-day seem
to indicate that the Englishman is ready
TO squeeze through any loop-hole to escape
meeting the champion of America. That
and not the alleged Knockout of the Du-
val Athletic Club by Governor Mitchell in
the courts here this morning is the real
sensation of the day in sporting circles.
When the prize fight case was called to-
day neither man responded. Judge Christie,
county solicitor, stated that no evidence had
been found in the case and moved the re-
lease of the men from their bonds, and
Corbett and Mitchell were declared free
men. After Mr.. Christie's action. which
killed the test case by which the promoters
of the contest hoped to nave the Florida
law relating to prize fights settled so as to
preclude the possibility of interference on
the day set for the fight, the managers of
the club began casting about for ways and
means to pull off" the affair in spite of the
Governor and the courts.
Manager Bowden, of the club, sent Harry
Mason to st. Augustine to see Mitchell and
induce him to sign amended articles of
agreement. The original articles, at Mitch
ellis suggestion, provided that the fight should
occur within two miles OF the city Of
Jacksonville" The club, to-day, wished to
change this clause so as to have it read
hat the fight should occur. within the
State of Florida" The purpose of the
club was that 1t might feel free to select
a place in the State for the contest where
1t was least likely there would be no in
reference. When the situation was ex-
planned to Mitchell and he was asked TO
affix his name to the amended articles, he
fatty refused to sign. He said that he
would never put his name to the paper I'M
less the site for the contest was definitely
fixed.
Harry Mason urged and expostulated, tell
ing him that the change was simply one of
precaution in view of the Governors hos
tile attitude, but TO no avail. Mitchell alb
solutely refused to sign. and Harry Mason
returned to Jacksonville. IT should be re-
membered that the original articles stipu-
lated that the fight should occur within
the State of Florida" This was changed
to within two miles of the city of Jackson
WILLIE at Mitchelrs suggestion. 1t looks
sired to go up against the American cham
pion, and, taking advantage of the diff
culties under which the club is laboring,
owing to the hostile attitude of the State
authorities. desires to "crawfishc"
a state of mind tonight and are roasting
the Englisman in sulphurous style. Man.
ager Bowden said tonight that he would
go over to- st. Augustine tomorrow and
force Mitchell to sign the amended articles
or brand him to the world as having shown
the white feather.
Tonight the Mayor vetoed the ordinance
legalizing glove contests, but the City Coun-
ell passed ii over his veto.