The San Francisco call., 1897-03-24
ROSE TO
QUIT FIGHTING
Ultimatum of Champion
Fitzsimmons to James
]. Corbett.
The Pugilists Meet and Discuss
Fisticuffs Over Ginger
Ale.
"Fuz" Was "Ro sted" Because He
Refused an Editor a Flash
light Picture,

jim Corbett is now resting easy. He
has seen and talked with Fitzsimmons
and received an answer to question
which had been bothering him very much
since his return from Carson,
Yesterday morning Corbett and some OF
his frienos hung around the Baldwin Ho-
tel for the purpose of meeting Champion
Boo Fitzsimmons, who returned from Sac
ramento Yesterday noon and was driven
to the Baldwin. Soon after he strolled
toward the grillroom, and there he met
his vanquished opponent, who was de-
termined upon having little chat.
chow do you do, Fitz?" said Corbett as
he ste pped toward the pion with the
right hand extended.
'.I'm tirst-class,' replied Fitz; show are
your
"Fine," retorted Corbett. ANY obiec-
ton to take drink with me?'
why, certainly not!" answered the
cham pion with a smile or his face.
Julian, Hickey and Steiner. anticipat-
ing that there might possibly be some
trouble over meeting between Bob and
Jim. put in an appearance Immediately
after the great fighters warmed up to the
conversation, but there was not the least
necessity for re-enforcements.
After a hearty handshake and an ex-
change of good wishes the champion and
the ex-cham pion adjourned to the bar.
"What is your pleasure, Fitz2" asked
Corbett.
The champion ordered ginger ale and
Corbett took the same medicine.
As the ex-champion held his glass to his
lips he looked the champion in the eyes
and remarked: "FitZ, you've got to give
me another fight"
I'm not just ready to talk fight now,"
responded Fitzsimmons, as another smile
illuminated his features.
The drinks disappeared and Corbett
again put the question to FitZ, deter
mined TO have definite answer.
Julian ut this juncture stopped the con-
versation by stating that there was time
and place for all things and that fight talk
in front of bar and in the presence OF
large crowd was not in order.
Corbett suggested that they would take
a seat in one of the compartments Ut the
hotel and talk business.
Fitzsimmons, to be agreeable, acqui-
esced, and then the clever boxer and the
famous puncher of men adjourned to the
grillroom and the chat was resumed.
"Well, Filz, l must confess that you
whipped me fairly and wish you success
in future, but | want one more chance;
will you give it to me?"
Fitz hesitated few moments and then
said: Il have promised my wife never to
enter the ring again for the purpose OF
engaging in a prize-hght, and that i
promise / shall never break as long as l
live. have won all the distinction that
any man in my business could wish for,
and think it is time for me to retire."
"WeIl." retorted Corbett, "will you give
me the first chance, in case you should
alter your mind r.
II have said once and for all that I am
not going to do any more fighting, but il
pion, IL shall give you preference over
the others"
That's go, then?'' inquired Corbett,
very anxiously.
"Yes, that goes" ana the pugilists
shook hands over the bargain.
This fnishei the conversation, so far
as a second pugilistic contest was con-
cerned, and then other subjects were dis
cussed.
"Well, il cannot succeed in getting
another go with you.' said Corbett, II
will retire from the ring, too."
"Why, you can make money by whip
ping Peter Maher, who is great fighter"
replied Fitz.
Corbett gazed at the champion with a
look OF aStOulSument OH Ills idCe, ana IOF
Jew moments he seemed non-plussed
He must have thought that Fitz was
cracking a joke, until the champion re-
lieved him Of suspense by adding that in
his opinion Maher was the greatest fighter
Of the day.
"Do you imply" said Corbett. nerv-
ously, "that Maher can whip your
mo; / don't mean any such thing"
answered Frz, because l whipped him
twice, and think that should be enough
to satisfy any man."
ssWell, then. do you mean to say that
Maher can whip me?' retorted Corbett,
anxiouslv.
"Thats it exactly. think that Maher
can whip any man living excepting my
self, and that is no joke either.n answered
the champion as he watched the quiver
on CorbetL's lips.
well, that's hard one on me" was
the meek reply of Corbett, as he felt the
sting OF the champions out and above
board opinion.
Evidently Fitzsimmons had in mind
the treatment he received from Corbett
when the latter, TO avoid q meeting with