The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-03-11

the match must be won or lost. unless the
hackers of both men agree to draw the
stakes.
Rule S.-The gloves to be fair-sized box
ing gloves of the best quality and new.
Rule 9.-Should a glove burst or come
Off it must be repaired to the referees
satisfaction.
Rule 1O--One man on one knee is CON
sidered down, and If struck the. man is
entitled to the stakes.
Rule 1l.--No shoes or boots with springs
allowed.
Rule 12.-The contest in all other re-
spects to be governed by the revised rules
of the London prize ring.
Rule requires some analysis, as some
of the points are often misconstrued. The
rule says: If either man fall through
weakness or otherwise. etc. This, of
course, was intended to prevent u man
from standing over his fallen opponent.
1t probably never occurred to the Trainer
of the rules that at times man either
falls or is knocked down in his opponents
corner. If then the man on his feet retires
to his corner, the rule directs he will
be standing over his fallen opponent, and
doing just what the rules mean he shall
not do. To avoid all disputes on this
score | Will simply instruct you, in case
of II knock down. to retire at least ten
feet from your fallen opponent, to give
him an opportunity to rise.
Rule u, which says the contest in all re-
spects to be governed by the revised rules
of the London prize ring, is Il consider
one of the most important of the twelve
rules, ana appears to be the bone of con-
tention in almost every contest. 1t has
been thrust on all referees, myself ameng
them, to inquire of the principals whether
they choose to hit in clinches with one
| arm free and also on breakaways. Inva-
riably the principals agree not to hit in
I1 nnh ,nh hta plyat I,tt tn,,,
orally forget all about their agreement
and frequently violate it,. This, then
causes not only their seconds, but the
spectators to cry "foul" every time a
blow is delivered in a clinch or on
breakaway, and causes much trouble and
argument. 1t also makes the duties of a
referee arduous and disagreeabe, and
keeps him continually in hot water Fur
thermore, II gives the referee an oppor-
| tunity to decide a contest on a technical
| foul which is generally unsatisfactory to
| everybody concerned.
Neither of you, | am sure, desires TO
win the coming contest on n technical
foul and to avoid any such contingency
through hitting in clinches with free
arm and in breakaways | will rule that
you be permitted to hit in clinches with
one arm free and also on breakawayS
| With this Interpretation of this rule an
nounced a week before the contest you
tant point, and will have no cause for
complaint should either of you be caught
| off your guard.
Coaching by seconds during the rounds
| is Objectionable to everybody and is apt
| to create discord and argument. Both
of you have undoubtedly mapped out your
| plans of attack and defense and need
no advice from your respective seconds
| The latter WILL therefore, refrain from
| making any comment during the contest
Trivial fouls may be unintentonally
! committed by either of you, but unless
| they have direct bearing on the result
| will be overlooked by me in my discre-
| ton.
| This, l believe, covers all the important
| points. Both of you are thoroughly ac-
| quainted with the Marquis of Queens
| berry rules not touched upon by me, and
| hope to see both live strictly up to them.
With a fair field, no favors, no preiu-
| dices / remain,
Very truly yours,
George Sler Referee.
FitZsimmons was the first to receive
his copy. Under the advice of Martin
Julian he declined to say word
THE less you say now, Bob, the less
you may have to regret" was Juian's
| advice.
There is time enough to discuss this
matter before next Wednesday. Speak
ing for FIt"simmons and myself, | am
| not prepared to say that the rules
| please me, but | do not wish it under
| stood that they are rot entirely salts
| factory. We have everything at stake
| in this fight and ] will not take the
| chance of injuring Eobs prospects by
| jumping at conclusions too hastily We
| will come out with an expression in
a day or two after we have thought
| the question over carefully"
1t was evident from Julians man
| ner that he intended probing the wood
| pile carefully for "niggers" before
making up his mind. Fitzsimmons took
| the situation gravely and never opened
| his mouth.
When Corbett's letter was placed in
| his hands he retired to q quiet corner
and perused it thOughtfully.
II think ! had better sleep on this"
| he concluded, "hefOre giving out my
| opinion. l always respected Siler's
| judgment ana do 50 now, but you can't
| tell What holes you may find in a thing
| until you look it over carefully.
| want to handle this matter myself so
that I may thoroughly understand it.
| Delaney White and | will read the let .
ter over tonight and go through every
| clause pieceneal. Just now | would
| rather be excused from making any
| comment on it. All | want is an even
/ break and we are certain to get it from
| Siler. Its best, though, that we should
| have clear understanding of the rules
| before hand"