The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-01-26
SOME PRELIMINARIEs.
Scenes and Incidents Previous to Il
Battle.

Battle
JACKSONVILLE, Fla, Jan. 25.-All
Jacksonville was sstir early. In fact
many of the sports had remained up all
night. Betting this morning was strong
in Corbett's favor, the general impress.
sion being that the Englishmsn would
stand no show against him. Mitchell
and party, however, seemed perfectly
confident. He arose at Z, hungry for
breakfast, went through short light
exercise, then partook Of mutton chops,
besisteak, potatoes any toast. There
after he rested till time to leave for the
ring side. He expressed himself as
having good chance to win, and de-
clared he would do 30 if he could.
Corbett and his attendants slipped
into the city this morning, in the high
est spirits, with victory written on their
faces. They we're the heroes OF the
hour.
Mitchell appeared in the pink of con-
I dition, and there was a better DISPOSE
ton to back him, though $50 to 500 was
the best terms offered.
Although orders were received last
night for the dismissal of the troops, the
Acknowledgement decided to continue
them under orders until after Judge
Call announced his final decision this
morning. 1t was nearly noon when
instructions were given to break camp,
and the majority of the soldiers left for
their homes at once. Some went to see
the fight.
The weather which was fair during
the early morning changed later to a
heavy downpour Of rain, flooding the
streets.
Jack Dempsey, who was with Corbett
in the ring, informed the club this
morning that unless the posts around
the ring were padded, as the club had
agreed they should be, Corbett would
not enter the ring. Furthermore the
platform must be braced and made more
solid, and the ropes drawn taut.
Dempsey made row about it and the
club were forced TO give in.
Jim Hall went to inspect the arena in
behalf OF Mitchell and heartily seconded
the suggestion of Dempsey, adding that
his principal would not appear unless
they were attended to. This combined
kick almost put the club into fit, and
caused it to get on what passes for
move in this lesurely country.
Referee Kelly stepped into the Duval
clubs bank and cashed the famous
SIC, 900 check.
The gates were thrown open at noon
and the crowd made rush, good many
getting in without paying. Meantime
men were busy padding the ring and
eprinkling rosin ON the floor.
While waiting for the fighters to ap-
pear, the crowd was surprised by the
appearance of large squad of militia
outside the gate, but they were un-
armed, and it was soon apparent that
their intentions were not hostile.
Then carriage drove up, with ex-
citement at fever heat, and Corbett ap-
peared. The spectators greeted him
with tumultuous applause as he ap-
peared on the platform, we'll wrapped
up. He walked around testing the firm
ness of his fighting ground.
Then Mitchell appeared. His recep-
ton was almost equal to Corbett's. He
smiled az he entered the ring, and
glanced sharply at his opponent.
Then Referee Kelly appeared, shook
hands with the fighters, called them to
the center and instructed them as to
their conduct during the fight.
The seconds then appeared, Jim Hall,
PONY" Moore, Tom Allen and Steve
O'Donnell for Mitchell, with "Bat" Mas
terson as time keeper. Corbett's Sec
onds were John Donnellson, Billy De-
laney, Jack Dempsey and William
Mcmillan. The time keeper for Corbett
was Ted Foley. The time keeper for
the club was Snapper" Garrison.
Referee Kelly and the police examined
the gloves.