Omaha daily bee., 1894-01-03
SENT 1T OYER THE ROPES
Duval Athletic 0lhb Receives a Jolt hat All
but. Ends It,
ITS TEST CASE THROWN OUT OF COURT
Erort to Get n Decision with which to Tie
the Governors Hands from inter-
fcring with the Fight O
Failure.

JACKSONVILLE, Jan. 2.-Tho largest kind of
n bomb was exploded in the camp of the
Duval Athletic club today. A large crowd
surrounded tho court house today when the
case OF the champions was called. Neither
man responded. Judge Christie, county
solicitor, stated that no evidence had been
found in the case and recommended tho re-
lease of their bonds. As this was the only
thing to ne done Corbett and Mitchell were
declared free men.
AT frst the crowd did not fully under
stand the purport OF judge Christie's action,
out when they learned that the fight had re-
ceived u bad setback they were very angry
with those who had secured the dropping of
the case.
The officials of the club have not as yet
decided what course to pursue. They re-
main firm in their statements that the bat
tie will take place as al advertised, despite the
odds they are fighting against.
Jumping on Mitchell.
Charley Mitchell has shown the white
feather or something that very much re-
sembles that article despised by all
lovers of the prize ring. Despite his
alleged consuming desire to face Cor
bett in the arena, the developments OF
today seem to indicate the Englishman is
really L lily w oIuCCLC blIOuSb ahS ioop-
hole to escape meeting the champion of
America. That, and not the alleged knock
out of the Duval Athletic club by Governor
Mitchell in the courts here this morning, is
the sensation of the day in sporting circles.
After Solicitor Christie refused to have
anything to do with the test case brought
by the athletic club, by which the promoters
of the club hoped to have the Florida law re
lating to prize lighting settled so as to pre-.
clude the possibility of any Interference on
tbn a ~ cnt fnt thn Hnht tho mnnnpnrG nf
the club began casting about for ways and
means to pull OFF, the affair in spite Of the
governor and the courts.
Wanted n New Agreement.
Manager Bowden of the club sent Harry
Mason over to ST. Augustine to see Mitchell
and induce him to sign amended articles OF
agreement. The original articles, at Mitch
ellis suggestion, provided that tho hight
should occur within two miles of the city
of Jacksonville" The club today wished to
change the clause so as to have 1T read that
the fight should occur within the state
of Florida. The purpose of the club was
that it might agree TO select a place
in the state where it was least likely there
would be interference. When the situation
of affairs was explained to Mitchell and he
was asked to afiX his signature to the
amended articles of agreement he fatty re-
fused To sign. He. said he would never put
his name to the paper unless the site OF the
contest was definitely fixed. Harry Mason
urged and eXpostulated with the English
man, telling him the change wa3 one of pre-
caution in view Of the governors hostile
attitude, but to no avail. Mitchell absolutely
refused to sign and Mason returned to
Jacksonville. /"
1t should be remembered the original
articles stipulated the fight should be
within the stateao Of Florida" This was
changed to within twp miles of the city of
Jacksonville,' at MitchelPs suggestion.
E,va Dharley His choice
1t looks now as though Mitchell never
really desired to go up against the American
champion and, taking advantage of the
difficulties under which the club is laboring,
owing to the hostile attitude of the state
authorities, desires to ''crawtish."
The managers of the athletic club are in
a state of mind tonight and are roasting the
Englishman IN sulphurous style. Manager
Bowden said tonight to the Associated press
reporter that he would go over to st. Au-
gustine tomorrow, taking along the exporter
of the Associated press, and force Mitchell to
sign the amended articles or brand him to
the world as having shown the white feather.
The mayor tonight vetoed the ordinance
legulizing prize fights, but the council passed
IL over his veto.
Corbett Can stin Talk.
Corbett, the champion, in unbosoming him
self to some friends today, said: Some of my
friends told me | was foolish to make a match
with Mitchell and now l know they were
Ii it is within my power | will make
that fellow fight before he gets out o
If he manages TO sneak out of this
in any way he will pose as being the
man who was going to fight Corbett. l
know l can whip him, and he knows it too.
Why, if the Duval Athletic club cannot pull
thing of, l will fight him for glory. |
am champion of the world, and | Will only
be the same if l defeat HIM, and 1 will
risk it all and without a dollar IN
sight If necessary TO bring this fellow to
More than this, | will agree to name
a man and let Mitchell name two men,
privately pick a fighting ground and a time
for us to fight. These men need not advise
us of the time or place for the contest until
think 1t necessary.
This Is Tough.
81 will fight before as few or as many men
as may happen TO be on the grounds. All |
want is to get at Mitchell and to prove to
the public Just what he is. | am told he re-
fused to sign the agreement to fight in pri-
because he is already a fugitive from
Justice in at least one state. Poppycock
He does not want to fight and ne won't If he
get out of this with enough false credit
to again hoodwink the public. His game is
to go on tho road and make money on his
bluffs and my reputation"
Being asked how soon he would be ready
to fight ii Mitchell signed, he SAID; Five
days, if Mitchell Is willing, or any other
time he wants, or leave II 10 the men he and
~select.h
Governor Has GRIT.
CINCISNATI, Jan. 2.-Governor Mitchell OF
Florida teIegraphs to an evening paper here
MS purpose regarding the Mitcheli-Corbett
thus:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla, Jan. 1.-The Corbett-
Mitchell prize fight will not take place in
Florida unless the supreme court of this state
,uch "a fight. 1t will not be necessary
o proclaim marIinit law to prevent
,uCh Il fight, DntET were IL DprGSSurV,
should not hesitate 10 proclaim it,
IS | am determined 70 prevent this fight by
my and all means Within the reach of the eN-
There can bel no doubt as to my
position, and people who come here with the
OF seeiiig. the laws of the state
by two thugs and their niders and
lbettors wifi be disappointed.
I'LL. MITCHELL, Governor,
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