The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-12-23
GIBSON "GOT DER RUN"
The Philadelphia Pugilist Plays the Barn
Yard Trick.

me Fhlladelphia Pugilist Plays the Barn
Yard Trick.
Yer see dis is Chris mus time and dis is de
time when de turks get it in de neck, and
dere is where McHale give it ter Gibson
See !" This is the way an early morning
passenger on a Traction car bound from Ash
land to Shenandoah to-day told the story
Translated the declaration is that Mr..
Jimmy" McHale and Mr.. BILLY" Gibson
met at Locust Dale to compare their abilities
in expounding the manly art OF self defense
and MeHae proved to be the superior. The
event was one of the most important in the
sporting line that has occurred in this region
for many months.
Several weeks ago Jimmy" McHale, who
is veteran in the business, visited this re
gion and succeeded in making a match with
Billy" Gibson, of Palo Alto, for 25-round
glove contest. 1t was announced that the
contest would be for a stake of 5000. a side
bet Of 5000 and 75 per cent of the gate
receipts to the winner. Owen McNally,
of Girardville, found backing for Gibson and
sent out quiet tip that the Schuylkiu boy
would have a Christmas plum pudding in
McHale, as the Philadelphian had gone con
sumptive and lost much of his agility,
prowess and hitting powers. Something was
required to make up for the difference in ex-
perience between the men. McHale has met
men of national reputation, and was once the
star light weight of Philadelphia. He is not
n youngster, having fought back in the SOS
and in 80 met Andy Bowen in New Orleans.
Until year ago he was sparring instructor
at the Southwark Athletic club, Philadel-
phia. On the other hand Gibson's pugilistic
career has not extended much over five years
and his battles have been with amateurs. He
was formerly a resident of Shenandoah and
has many admirers north of the mountain.
McNally's tip proved effective. Last night
the sporting fraternity from all parts of the
region gathered at Girardville to see the con.
test at the Palace theatre, but at the ap-
pointed hour Sheriff Scott and posse also
arrived upon the scene and gave notice that
under no consideration would the contest be
allowed to go on. There was quite an ad-
vance sale of tickets at one dollar each and
those who had invested, as well as many
who travelled some distance to see the mill,
cried Fake p 'Tin" Hurst of Ashland,
one of the umpires of the National Base
Ball League, had become interested in the
affair aud if there is anything that makes his
blood boil it is the cry of "Fakep He
wanted an arrangement made by which the
fight should proceed and if it became too
brutal for the Sheritf's nerves the official
could stop it. The Sheriff was opposed to
the fight under any consideration apd re.
mained with his posse to see that it should
not take place.
But the sports were determined to have the
'mill'' and while few were treating with
the Sheriff the rest were at the p. & r,
station purchasing tickets for Locust Dale.
Shortly after eleven O'Clock the sports com
menced to steal away. Some left on the
P. & r. railroad and others ON Schuylkill
Traction cars. At about midnight there was
a re.assembling at well-known resort in
Locust Dale which is located exactly on the
line dividing Schuylkiu and Columbia
counties, and in this place the fight opened
at two o'clock this morning. 1t was of short
duration. If Mr.. McHale is consumptive
Mr.. Gibson failed to discover any trace of the
dreaded disease. Six rounds were fought-at
least Time ~ was called six times. There |
never was minute that Willie could get in |
it. The three hundred spectators say it was
one Of the most one-sided pugilistic encounters
ever fought in the region. McHale hit |
Gibson at will and in the sixth round tho
latter was knocked out. There were cries of .
Fake J" 1t was justified. Anyone who .
had an idea that McHale was consumptive .
now know that that idea was fake Nc.
Hale will spend merry Christmas in Phil.
ldelphia and there are some sports in this .
county who will also enjoy the holidays.
And who can really blame them. p. L.
Barnum said long ago that the people want to
be humbugged.
L.. lf-... 1. /. -. a