Waterbury Democrat., 1900-11-14
RUHLIN IS FIRST.

Unless the unexpected should hap pen match between Jim Jenries and Gus Ruhlin, the Akron Giant, will be arranged to-day. The fact that Bob FitZsimmons's reply to the champions S recent statement is not consistent with his remarks earlier in the year leads many to believe that he does not care to give up his theatrical dates and take on the big boilermaker. A meeting be- tween representatives of big men whom Jeffries prefers to tackle is set for noon today at the Grand Opera house. Billy Brady, the champions manager, says that the Californian will be on hand to talk business with any one who is in real earnest.
 Sharkey said that he will not at tend. He says that he is not disposed to run after Jeffries. While he is anx- ioUs to arrange a match he thinks that Jeffries should look him up instead. With Fitz and Sharkey out of the way, it looks as though Ruhlin will be lief friess next opponent. Ruhlin is tray cling on the road with a company. Billy Madden. his manager informs q reporter that Gus is anxious to fight Jeffries and will leave no obstacle in the way of arriving at some agree ment Madden writes from Miners vile. Pa, as follows: 'As soon as " publish them, and if they are not so different from the rule I will sign and post forfeit for Ruhlin It rests with him whether the contest is made or not. See Barney Reich and ask him if he will take on Denver Ed Martin. Ruhlin'S Sparring partner. If he draws the color line I will match Martin against any heavyweight" Jeffries said yesterday: T really think that Ruhlin will be my next opponent. Fitzsimmons does not seem too over anxious to fight me. His answer to my def proves that he knows well in his heart that I am his master. I have given every opportunity to him to make good his assertion that he was 'dOped when 1 knocked him out q year ago last June at Coney Island. Up to date. though. he has been very back ward and does not seem to care to get return fight with me. I consider Ruhlin to be a very good man. and if he is going to be the man to wrest my laurels from me l shall be pleased to have him as my successor. I am simply q fighter because it is my busi- ness to be one. l like to fight because l think I can defeat anybody in the world. Like our own John l.. Sulli- van, I am on the level and ever ready to defend nay title.'' "Sharkey says he will not be on hand to. arrange q match with you tomorrow "He won't. chg said the champion. T knew it all along. He has been bluff ing and has been trying to advertise his saloon at my expense. I guess he still remembers the trouncing I gave him at Conev Island last year,
 After q determined effort to prevent him from buying a house at Benson hurst. FitZsimmons has come into pos session of the property. The titlc was | passed few days ago from Mrs Anna D. Bennett to Mrs Rosale Fitzsim- mons, the former champions wife Some time ago a big fuss was made because man named Clark Bell tried to buy the property for Fitzsimmons The residents around there declared that they did not want q pugilist in | their midst. The price paid was. it l is said, S10,O0O in cash. Fitz and his wife will occupy the house after their theatrical tour is over. Mrs Fitzsim- mons is on the road with her husband