The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-09-27
CORBETT'S CONDITION
Only a Miracle Can Enable Him to Get Into
Good Shape

NEW YORK, Sept 26.-Many contra
dictory stories about Corbett's lie alth
havs appear ed III tic New York naners
recent w. some being OF the effect that the
champion as fit subject Tor the hospi-
tai, and others that he as tit to fight for
q mans life or kings ransom.
gentleman who takes delight in see
ing and reading about pugilistic enooun-
ters. and how is in touch with nearly all
the eastern fighters, went to Corbett's
training quarters yesterday and looked
the man over.
He reports the disease which is now
bothering Corbett. even to the extent of
forcing him to let up on his training. is
undeniably blood disease. which is grow
ing worse as the champion becomes
older.
Ths aiIment is one of several years
standing, and it is at the present time
developing more rapidly and seriously
on account of the dissipation which Cor
bett has INDUCED in during his last two
theatrical seasons. Today his features
show marked evidence of the effect which
his life has had upon his physical condi-
iton. That his nervous system is badly
shattered is shown by the excitable tenn
permanent exhibited by him at the slight
est annoyance. His face, which but
few years ago beamed with ambition and
valor, now wears detected, worried and
really painful expression. Great lines
run upward from the corners of the
mouth; his eyes are sunken and llstless.
Under the eyes are dark lines and upon
the forehead are wrinkles, showing the
worried ana nervouos state of the pugil-
list. When seen yesterday the change in
his appearance was so perceptible that it
could bud excite pity. The quick,
springy step had given way TO limp
that was unquestionably painful, his
shoulders were rounded and his head
inclined forward so that his chin all but
rested ON the collar of his sweater. No
one who could see him could truthfully
say that the Corbett of today is the Cor
bett that successfully knocked his way 10
the front rank of pugilism.
What Coibett really has to fear is the
trouble which la, broken out in his
knee. During the past three months 1T
has been so serious that no work OF con-
sequence coulu be done at his training
quarters. he at times heing compelled TO
use crustches, and upon one OCCASION to
keen quiet altogether. Five expert ply
sicians have at times called in attend
ance, but could render no immediate re-
lief.
The affection is in the nature OF sores
near the knee which are accompanied by
extensive swelling at the JOINT and eX-
cess1ve pain. But as their treatment
would result in much sorer knee for
the immediate present and longer alb
sence from his work at training quarters.
a thing above all others the pugllist
wants to avoid the doctors were accord
ingIy dismissed and Billy Newman, the
well-known handler OF athletes, was
engaged to bring the knee around SO
that training could be resumed and his
prearations concluded far the cham
pionship battle. In so doing Corbett
merely drove the disease back into his
system.
Constant and vigorus rubbing, with
frequent applications of a strong hni-
ment, are necessary to keep the knee al
anything like it's normal size.
Corbett, when the first ramors of his
diseased knee were made public. sent ou
q strenuous denial and stated that ht
was IN the best OF condition and as good
az ever he was. The bad reports Of his
health however, finally became sc
strongly backed with indjsputable proc
that Corbett and his manager, Brady,
last week acknowledged the truth.
Corbett says that while his knee ant
feet have been source of great annoyance
be is otherwise well and strong. Ii,
2 frankly admits that he is not i'll suct