The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-02-01

in the wings and sang ditty, the only
portion of which distinct enough to be
heard was something about Ireland
forever" Then he shambled into view
with his hands in his coat pockets and
standing looked at the audience in
stupid sort of way.
Of course the audience applauded.
From time to time for fifteen min
utes the ex-champion exhibited himself,
and allowed the spectators to note his
rotundity of person and his freight car
movement He would say a few lines
calling for vaudeville turns by the diff
sferent people, and always conclude with
the remark, And I'll hear you on the
outside" Then he would slip out of
sight behind the scenery and take a
drink.
At the conclusion of the "burletta"
Sullivan arranged to enjoy himself. A
dozen bottles of beer and a dozen linn
berger cheese sandwiches were sent for
and a poker game started in the dress
ing room.
It was only small game, but the ex-
champion lost from the start. 1t irri-
tated him, and he drank beer to keep
cool. BY way of diversion he chased
stage hand upstairs for asking if the
party was warm enough, and threw a
dead soldier at another who hap
pened to stick his face in the dressing
room door.
''I don't think I'll go on again to-
night" said he, as he finished the fourth
bottle.
.Oh, yes, you WILL" said his manager,
who was sitting at one side watching
the game.
What's 1hat?" exclaimed the big ex-
fighter, turning on the little man with a
savage scowl.
'I mean you will probably decide to
change your mind, said the manager
edging his chair farther away from that
of his charge.
Nav" said Sullivan abruptly, pick
ing up hand.
ssBut, John,' said his manager coax
ingly, you know the people expect to
see you do your boxing bout and they'll
be disappointed if you don't"
Cant help it, said the big fellow as
he opened a jack pot with a pair of
queens.
but you never disappointed the peo-
pie, John,' continued the manager in
the same coaxing tone
Nov you're talking sense said the
ex-champion pushing his chair back
from the table another member of
the party raked in the pot" on three
sevens. did L ever d1Sappolnt the peo-
ple?''
Never" said the manager.
"Wasn't I always there when they
wanted to find me?" said he bringing
his brawny fist down on the table with
.EYou bet" answered the little man.
did talk instead of fighting?' with
another solar plexus blow on the ta-
mot you. john" said the humoring
manager.
Didn't hOIQ the WOrlQS champion
ship for IL long years?" still interroga-
ted the by-gone gladiator.
Twelve long years. repeated the
manager.
''All right. Cut out the punching bag
business and I'll go up and spar a few
minutes with Jake here"
The manager hurried upstairs to call
the punching bag exhibition off. In a
few minutes the stage manager walked
to a position in the middle of the stage
and announced, Mr.. Jake Kilrain, ex-
champion pugilist of America and
ssMr John L. Sullivan, ex-champion
pugilist of the world
AS their names were called the two
erstwhile pugilists, who ten years ago
were both good men in their line, walk
ed into view from the wing. The stage
manager called time, the two men shook
hands and started to spar.
The bout was a burlesque. Su1livan'S
surplus avoirdupois made him comical
figure in the sparring costume. The five
bottle of beer made him unsteady on
his feet. The two men exchanged a few
blows, and the stage manager called
time.
This performance was repeated twice.
The people were crowding out of the
theater by the end of the second round.
The entertainment lasted until L
O'Clock After the "burletta'' vaude-
vile performance was given. Several
of the features, especially the juggling
of Darmody, and the talking act of San
/ for nd les clever