The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-03-23
TWO FATAL PRIZE FIGHTS.
Edward Gibbons Killed by Blow Similar
to the One " hich Knocked Out Corbett.
Another Death From Effect OF u Blow in
the Ring.


Philadelphia, March 30-I.ast night. in
a boxing bout at the Tenth Ward Demo
cratic Club Samuel S. Perry struck Ed
ward Gibbons a blow near the heart sim
liar to the one with which Fitzsimmons
defeated Corbett, and at u 30 o'clock this
morning Gibbons died. The contest was
one of n number on the programme OF
entertainment OF the club. and the men
were good friends. For two rounds the
contest continued without much damage
being done, although IL was clear TO IN.
spectators that Gibbons was no match for
Perry. In the third round the men sparr-
ed for a minute, and Perry; who had de
cidedly the better Of the argument,
stepped in close and shot a hard jab into
Gibbons body. His glove landed just
under the heart. and the recipient stag
gered back, but did not fan. At this point
Referee Gillespie ordered the bout stopped,
declaraing that Gibbons was clearly ur-
matched. and the two men took of their
gloves. Perry went home. while Gibbons
after dressing stayed about the club
house some time. Suddenly he complain
ed of feeling sick and began vomiting
blood. This alarmed the crowd and DIR.
Curry was called to see after him. The
physician found the man badly injured
from internal hurts. due to the shock.
and as he continued to sink ordered mis-
removal TO the hospital Gibbons was
taken to hospital in comatose condl-
tion and with the blood coming from his
mouth. No marks were visible to show
where the blow landed, but the patient
continued TO sink, and at 1890 o'clock h.
died.
Perry was arrested at his home lie
declared that the bout was friendly and
that he did not hit Gibbons veIy hard
Martin Comber, "A well known custom
house employe and the president OF the
club, was arrested this mornig. az were
also James O'Nell, who seconded Glib
bons and Sam Farrell. n spectator. Perry
was arraigned before Magistrate Jermean
today and committed to Jail to await the
action OF the coroner Comber, ONelll
and Referee Gillespie were held i'm $500
bail each accessories.
Another death the result OF a box .
ing bout occurred this morning at ST
Mary's hospital. Christian Keilnecker.
aged 46 years, was the victim. On Thurs
day night keilnecker and Frank Connolly,
aged IS years, engaged in n glove contest
in room over blacksmith shop at
Fourth and oxford streets, and KeiIneck-
er was badly worsted. The latter went to
his home, and yesterday he was found un-
conscious in bed and was removed TO the
hospital. keilnecker's face presented "A
sorry spectacle. His right eye was closed,
and his nose and forehead were badly con-
fused. Shortly after his admission TO the
hospital the injured man developed de-
lirium tremens. which, the doctor says,
was superinduced by the treatment he
received. Connolly was taken into GUS
! tody yesterday. 1t is not known whether
| gloves were used, although II In claimed
| by mutual friends OF Connolly and keiI-
| necker that IL was a friendly bout. Con-
| nelly Is much larger man than KeI!-
| necker. The latter had been drinking
heavily OF late. This morning he died.