The times., 1899-06-26
PREACHER AND puGILIsF.
JeGries' Father Grects His Som,
Prospective Ring Opponent

Prospective Ring Opponent.
San Francisco, June 25.-Pugilist Tom
Sharkey shook hands the other day with
the Rev. Alexis c. Jefrries, the father of
Champion Jim, and they hadan interesting
chat,
The meeting occurred on the train which
left Salinas at noon for the Oakland mole.
Sharkey, who had boxed four rounds in
that place the night before with Spider
Kelly, was ensconced on a seat with that
lively lightweight. In another car was
Jim Jeifries' father. who had taken the
train at San Luis Obispo, bent on an
evangelizing tour in San Francisco.
Neither man was aware of the proximity
Of the other An enterprising news agent,
Artie Glass, brought them together.
Say, Tom he said, Jim Jeffries'
father is IN the next coach. Wouldn't you
like to meet him."
"Sure!" said Sharkey, jumping up
Cert" exclaimed the Spider"
Glass headed in the direction of the elder
Jeffries, whom the two found turning over
the leaves OF a New Testament he held in
his hand.
Introduce me first" whispered Kelly TO
Glass, "and I'll do the horrors for Slarkey."
Glass did as he was requested, and side
stepped TO allow the meeting OF the father
of the champion and the sailor, who ex-
poets 10 make the son has-been.
Mr.. Jeffries," said the Spider" using
his most persuasive feint, this is Mr..
Sharkey, who has just been matched to
fight your son Jim for $4,000"
Both men toed the scratch in fine style,
extending their rights and indulging in
very cordial handshake. Each said
he was glad to see the other. and
smiled pleasantly as if he meant it. AT
the invitation of the preacher the pugilists
took seats with him.
| According to the chronicler OF the meet
| ing, the elder Jeffries took a good look at
his sons only rival before opening cut
into conversation. Sharkey, who was look
ing his prettiest and dressed regardless,
bore up well under the scrutiny.
Hes a fine looking fellow said JEFF
| fries. sr., half TO Spider Kelly and half
| to himself but he's not as big as Jim.
! They say" he continued, turning to
Sharkey, that you're good fighter
That's what they tell me-" said the
! former sairor, blushing immoderately.
Well" said the other, Il don't approve
| of fighting, but ! guess if it's in a man it's
| bound to come out. If my son is bound TO
| fight l suppose he'll fight till he gets
| licked, and then he'll quit. I'd just as soon
/ see him thump prize-fghter as to thump
iron"
Here was the opportunity for which the
Spider had been waiting BY this time
| he had come TO the conclusion that the
elder Jeffries was a pretty plain-spoken
man, and he concluded to ask him a
straight question or two.
What kind OF man are you, anyway, ="
| he asked, to say you would like TO see
your son whipped? 1t don't sound natural.
My father came from Ireland, and you can
| bet your sweet life if was big boy and
a champion he wouldn't want to see me
! licked
Il never said" replied Jeffries. ST., that
would like to see Jim whipped. | said
l thought he would be whipped. In fact,
/ could prophesy that he will be-
Sharkey was gulping, in all this without
| saving a word. satisfied to let Kelly do the
leading. The last remark of the elder
| Jeifries seemed TO hit the lightweight in a
sensitive spot
Can you prophesy when he Will be lick
ed?" he asked, excitedly.
Il think So"
Then" said Kelly in a stage whisper,
will you kindly give me tip when it's
going to happen? I'd like to get in on it.
Sharkey and Kelly leaned over close
| to the preacher to hear his reply. After
il came they leaned back disgusted.
Well" he said, 'Pll keep that to my
self I'll not express an opinion"
A few more commonplace and the
meeting ended. the evangelist shaking
hands with Sharkey and Kelly.
Take care of yourself" he said to the
former sailor, as he was going into the
next car.
When the passengers On the train reach
ed this side of the bay Sharkey was met
by his trainer, Tim McGrath.
Hello, Tim he said. 4 met Jeffries'
dad on the train. Come over and I'll in
troduce you.
And McGrath trotted along to shake
hands with the champions father. The
Rev Mr. Jeffries soon slipped away in
the crowd and was lost TO view. He is a
street preacher, without denomination,
travelling whittier he wills
1t is tie skill OF brewing beer that make
Heurich's so popular. Ask for Heurichs, an,
-. - =