The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-03-24
MUTUAL ADMIRATION.
Robert and James Meet and Have a
Friendly Drink.

San Francisco, March 23.-James J.
Corbett and Robert Fitzsimmons will
never meet in the prize ring for an
other championship battle. This ques-
ton was practically decided this morn
ing. when the two pugilists met in the
barroom of the Baldwin hotel, and
talked over their plans quietly and
dispassionately There We're no threat
ening gestures, and no loud talk.
Corbett waited all the morning for a
meeting, and when Bob arrived from
Sacramento Jim asked him if he would
take a drink.
4 don't mind" said Bob.
They walked TO the barToom and both
ordered non-intoXicants. They were
Immediately surrounded by a curious
crowd.
How do you feel?" asked Corbett
Il feel all right" answered Bob. My
arms are a little sore and stiff and my
thumb is very sore The doctor says
it is broken"
81 injured my left thumb early in the
game said Corbett, when 1 caught
you on the forehead"
Mine was hurt in the second round, -
said Bob. when 1 swung on your head
and landed too far around"
Il tell you. Bob. people told me you
were slow and easy. I wish those men
who told me had been in front of you
on March 17.-You won and beat me
fairly and squarely.'
well" replied Fitzsimmons, 81 can
assure you that YOU are the cleverest
man I ever met in my life
81 want to fight you again said
Corhett.
You must talk to my manager"
answered Fitzsimmons.
Julian, overhearing the remark, re-
piled that Bob had done fighting.
HE has fought more than any man
living during a space of seven years.
said Julian, land ne can not fight
again if I can rule. His wife wants
him 10 retire, and he will do So
"Then I am to understand that there
is not another chance for me?" asked
Corbett.
Il don't think So" replied Julian.
We'll. all right remarked Corbett.
IN very downhearted way; but I
should like to have one more try. You
fought Maher twice; why not give me
another chance?"
because I have retired said Fitz-
simmons, land I am going to settle
down.
The conversation then turned to the
past fight. Corbett showed his left
hand which was considerably
swollen. and F'itzsimmons' right thumb
is still bandaged.
The crowd had now become so thick
that Corbett asked Bob and Julian to
step to one side to talk privately con-
corning a second fight, and they moved
to the settee and spoke in whispers.
Their conversation was very short,
and evidently disappointing to Corbett,
Judging from his looks.
After the meeting. Corbett sat down
quietly at a table in the cafe and dis
cussed his plans for the future with
representative of the United Associated
Presses.
q don't think Fitzsimmons and I will
ever get together again. said Jim.
"He is evidently sincere in mis- deter
animation to retire. AS 1 said before, I
was in shape 70 Dut I'D the best fight
of my l:fe the day l went against Fitz-
simmons in Carson. although he de-
SEATED me fair and square. You must
gSnlit. though. and he admits himself. !
that I gave him the worst punching he
hut aside from that I did not carry !
away q mark. In other words. / was /
the best man and put UP the best fight |
until he caught me that hard heart |
punch and shut off my wind There |
will always be q doubt in the public /
mind as to who is the best man. and /
I'd give all I possess in the world to get |
another show at him. If he really |
means to retire and does not fish after
any soft marks, I will let him enjoy his |
victory in peace, but should he take
on another man before giving me a
chance to even the score you will see
trouble.
s.The Olympic club boys are going to
give me testimonial next week in the
club rooms. Then ] shall open up in
falkland with my show We viii fol-
oSv llp the route to the east, playing all +
leading cities and winding up in New
York about the time Fitzsimmons
reaches there. I intend to keep myself