The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-03-22
DESCRIBED By A WOMAN.

1.-THE following description of the
fight was secured from a woman in
Carson who attended the fight. She
stipulated that her full name should
not appear in the article.l
Special to the Chicago Record
Carson. New. March III have seen
the fight of the century, as some of
the wildly enthusiastic term it. This is
lovely spring morning. 1 took my
courage in my hands, smOthered the
slight tWinges of of a disturbed con-
science, whispered assuring reason for
side of my pleasantly excited husband
went with the restless crowd to the
great arena. The large open circle
presented a peculiar appearance, as We
approached, with it's fringe of men in
various positions in clear silhouette
against the dark blue sky. The peo-
pie outside were quiet and well be-
haved- A few women and escorts gave
countenance and 1 found my reserved
seat quite cheerfully situated among
friends, the newspaper fraternity. The
seating capacity of the place was not
taxed. but still thousands of people
were there. An hours wait, with only
the incident of the modest entrance of
Mrs. Fitzsimmons, dressed in black,
with handsome sealskin, proved a
sedative, and I thought L was not go
cheers and shouting announced the
coming of the combatants 1 found my
heart beating like a trip-hammer.
Mr.. Fitzsimmons appeared in
gaudy flannel garment, not at all be-
coming to his shiny red face. Mr..
Corbett's dressing gown was more
modest, in two shades of brown Both
men looked smiling and moved about
as if eager for the fray. 1 have seen
some of my athletic friends put on the
gloves for fun many times. and these
finely muscled men seemed to be do
ing the same thing.
I'D
the blows, which did not look as if in
tended to be vicious. 1t would not
have been in any way painful except
the knowledge that one of them must
be hurt badly enough to be unable to
stand up before they stopped. My
sympathies all went to the freckled-
faced lad when his lip was cut and the
blood flowed over his body. 1 was
sorry for his wife, who was seated
close by his corner, because knew she
was wild to comfort him and could not.
[ wondered that she could stay and
see it, for in spite of all my efforts the
excitement was intense, and yet 1 had
no personal interest in either. The
brutal cries of the madly excited, xiii
him Jim,'' Kill him" made ones blood
curdle that men could be so cruel.
1t was a wonderfully orderly crowd,
and only the intense look on nearly
every face indicated how much these
men had at stake. They were from all
classes-the gentleman, the gentleman
lions and citizen who would not admit
that he had such tastes, the sedate
rancher with his wife beside him, who
came to see a Circus" the toughs, but
not so numerous as was expected.
Leaning forward with eyes on the small
square they present a remarkable pic
ture. Apparently some of them Suf-
fer for every blow that is exchanged
and breathe heavily to assist the cham
piOns.
The three minutes of fighting seem
like fifteen at times. I was so afraid
that some one would be hurt that /
dreaded to hear the gong which called
them from their corners. But it sound
ed regularly. AS was looking intently
through my opera glasses, they ap-
peared to me to be boxing as usual,
when to my surprise Mr.. COrbett slow
ly sank to one knee with his head up
on his left side. I thought probably ne
was taking advantage of a seconds
rest but he sank lower and lower and
the crowd upon their feet shut out my
view. 1t did not seem possible that
that blow could be the much talked
amout Knockout"
Mrs. Fitzsimmons handed her hus-
band a flag, which he waved, and
great shout went up. The battle was
over, and it did not look as if anyone
had been hurt, except Mr.. F1tzSim-
mons bleeding lip.
When Mr.. Corbett shook the winners
hand his face did not look disturbed,
and there were no marks upon his body
to be seen. I was too surprised to be
shocked for it was all done so quickly.
do not want to see another, but
am no longer Mortified that my kind
hearted husband liked to witness the
scientific encounters. AS we came away
1 was gratif1ed when an eastern gentle
man shook my hand and said that he
was glad to see ladies in the arena, as
it took the edge off and helped keep
the crowd quiet. had been impressed
with the subdued character of such a
vast audience, and concluded that so
many had staked large sums upon the
result that they had no desire to shout
At the entrance to Mr.. COrbetS dress
ing rooms 1 saw him with VIM. Brady.
Both men were shedding tears. To
see strong men weep is always pitiful, !
worse than anything in the ring.
ELEANOR V.