Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-06-09

IlEf E6EE, AND HIS WIFE WISH
THE BIG CALIFORNIAN.
NEW YORK, June S.-Everything is
in readiness for the big fight tomorrow
night between Bob f'itzsimmons and
Jim Jetfries, and with the possible ex-
ception of police interference or an I'M
looked for accident, the bout will take
place as scheduled in the arena of the
Coney Island Sporting CLUB.
The statements that Chief Devery
intends to stop the bout IN case hard
blows are exchanged or a knock down
occurs, while taken seriously by large
number Of sporting men, are not
treated with apprehension by those
most interested.
F'itzsimmons is still prime favorite
in the betting, but there is plenty or
Jeffries money, and while no large
wagers have been recorded the betting
Will assume large proportions by to-
morrow.
Everything was practically at a
standstill to-day at the training quar-
tiers Of both pugilists. Jeffries punched
the bag a few minutes and after brief
bit OF practice with the medicine ball,
skipped the rope couple OF hundred
times. Quite a large number of visi-
tors called on the Californian and wish
ed him success, and Jeffries received
kilograms extending congratulations
and encouraging the big boiler maker
with hopes of victory.
George Siler, who is to referee the
contest, visited Jeffries to-day. He was
accompanied by his wife, who told JET
fries she had bet a new bonnet on his
chances. When asked with whom she
had made the bet she laughed and said:
a very dear friend of mine who will
pay for the bonnet in case Jeffries
wins"
Mr. Siler said his visit was simply
social, but in conversation with Jeffries
and Trainer Billy Delany he said that
fltzslmmons had agreed to a clean
break. Delany claimed that clean
break means great deal to Fitzsim-
mons and shows that Bob is afraid Of
Jeffries. Some of the experts of the
Loeb Arbor cottage claim that Bob will
endeaVor TO make it a long-drawn-ouC
battle.
Je1ries with his trainers leave Allen
hurst, n. j.. early tomorrow morning
for Coney Island 1t is understood
that a conference will take place be-
tween Brady, Julian, the two PRINCIPALS
and Referee Siler some time tomorrow
afternoon at which the rules governing
the contest will be discussed. Jeffries
was n the best of humor tonight be-
fore retiring. He seemed in good splr-
It's, showing no nervousness whatever
Every one Of the Jeffries party, includ-
ing the big fellow himself, seems con-
hdent OF the Californian's victory and
none of them looks for the battle to
last over ten rounds.
fItzslmmons took a short walk dur
ing the forenoon. but took no further
exercise. Late in the afternoon he
drove TO the Coney Island club house
accompanied by Yank Kenney. Jack
Eyerhardt, Dan Hickey. Martin Julian
and Kid Mccoy. AS soon as Fitzsim-
mons reached his dressing room he and
Kenney striped and donned their fight
ing toys. They entered the ring and
spared three fast rounds, only exchang-
ing light taps. The work of both was
closely watched by experts, the most
prominent of whom was Kid Mccoy.
who has posted $1,000 in the hands
of George Siler to bind a match with
Fitzsimmons
The carpenters and other workmen
in the building stopped work while the
big fellows pummeled each other and
when Martin Julian, who had the
watch, called time at then end of the
third round, the champion was gener-
ously applauded. He is in perfect con-
dition and showed a wonderful lot of
speed. His foot work was remarkably
clever, and on the whole his perform
ance clearly demonstrated that he was
never in better shape for a bout in his
entire ring career than he is at pres
ent. After the men had retired to their
dressing room, Kid Mccoy declared that
Fitzsimons was wonder, but the Kid
would not say positively what his i'm
pressions were as to the outcome Of
the mill tomorrow night AS soon as
the party left the building they re-
entered the wagon. with Fitzsimmons
handling the ribbons. AS the champion
drove along Surf avenue on his way
home to Bath Beach. he was cheered
by the hundreds of promenaders, many
of whom shouted to him that he was
bound to win.