The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-02-22
F.rzslmMons PLAYED HIS OLD GAME LEADING MAHER ON
For Any Amount

o'clock that time was called.
Both men came to the scratch in
splendid shape, and almost before any
body knew what had happened, Fitz-
simmons swung out with his right and
caught Maher square in the jaw with
a tremendous blow. They had not
been sparring more than d minute
when this occurred. Maher was knock
ed out completely and the fight was
awarded to Fitzsimmons. There is a
general feeling that this result was ine-
vitable, and yet there is no little com
plant among the sports who have
come long way that the affair was so
tame and one sided
The kaleidoscope proved a total fail
uI'e.
A ROW TO START WITH.
Little time was lost in getting ready.
Before he doffed his street garb, Fitz-
simmons stepped up and took a look
at the ring Soon thereafter, he came
into the ring wrapped in striped
bath robe. He was applauded by 200
voices furiously.
Fitzsimmons sat down in the corner
nearest the steps leading to the plat
form. a man near him offered 500
even on him. AS Maher came into the
ring, voice nearby offered $100 TO
SIS on Fitzsimmons. There were no
takers. George Siler climbed upon the
platform almost at the same time as
Maher. With Julian and Hall he ex-
amined the five ounce gloves. The
gloves were Of different makes and diff
ferent colors, Fitzsifnmons' being a
light green and Mahers dark brown
As the seconds tied on the gloves siIer
announced that besides the official re-
feree, Louis Houseman, Bert Sneed, Of
New Orleans, would act for Fitzsim-
nous and Pars0n Davis, of Chicago
would hold the watch for Maher Siler
gave notice to each man that House
man would sound whistle five seconds
before call of time for the rounds as a
signal 10 get ready
'.Siler." Julian said. "is the money mp
In cash?n
siIer called for the purse Tom
ORourke handed up two certified
checks. Siler rendered them 10 Julian
who said they would not do that they
wanted the cash.
I'VE gave you notice-three days ago, 7
Fitzsimmons chimed in from his COR
ner, addressing himself To Siler, "that
we would not fight until the money
was put up in your hands at the ring
side
''They are all right, Tom O'Ronrke
said from the vicinity of Maher's COR
ner. Do you think would pack $1O,-
900 in cash down here 1T is the first
time I have ever been questioned You
people have been going around for
days cracking"
Julian wanted the cash Siler re-
iterated that the checks were certified
and therefore all right
''Oh let it 60" Fitzsimmons inter-
| rupted,' we have given in to every
thing and we will give in to this"
Fifzsimmons' tone was contempuous
as he tossed his head The utterance
was applauded Siler took the dis
pnte silently.
PREPARATIONS BEGIN.
The referee called the men to the
centre of the ring and said: by the
articles of agreement this is to be a
| fair up and up fight. When there is q
anu ~ felti IOI DlSftlA
of you take step back. / don't want
to be seizing you and getting between
you. If there is a knock down the man
must be on his feet before ne can be
assailed. BE careful about fouls. Get
| ready
Fitzsimmons went to his corner and
DOTTED the bath robe. Julian and Ever
hardt removed Fitzsimmons' remain
| ing rainment and the Australian stood
/ forth in short thigh trunks Of dark
| blue, with belt showing the Ameri-
can colors. He had on black hose
rolled down upon the top of his ring
shoes. When similar office had been
| performed for Maher he showed up in
black trunks half way to the knee with
a green belt. His hose and shoes were
similar TO those of Fitzsimmons The
Australian throughout the prelimina-
ries had shown the utmost confidence.
Maher's lips seemed parched and he
molstened them with his tongue and
| took deep inhalations as if his mouth
and throat were dry.
| "Shal1e hands," Referee Siler said.
The men advanced, Fitzsimmons with
! the air of confidence still showing
| plainly; Maher promptly and with
more of farailiar air than he had