The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1900-09-26

a southern Man who Does Not Place
Much Reliance In "a.

Much Reliance In "a.
From the New Orleans Times-Democrai.
Il see that Fitzsimmons h cNpatia,ing
on the advantages Of knowing how TO box
in case OF a sudden attack hy roughs,"
remarked veteran sportsman Of this
city Il nave heard that sort OF talk be-
fore. and-Wcll. a makes me smile. As
far back as can remember. the advocates
and apolosists OF puelllsm have been harp
ing on the Importance Of knowing how 20
box as a means Of ready protection AGAINST
unexpected assault. They call Il the
manly are OF sclf--icfenso' II YOU know
how to use your hands. they say. there
g. no necessity for the cowartly aud
DANGEROUS practice OF carrying a weapon.
some years ago. when was trine Young
er than ! am at present that struck me-
as being sound logic. and | went 20 the
trouble Of taking a course Of lessons
from local pugilist by the time go:
through could spar very prettily. knew
All about feints ana leads and uppercuts.
and undercuts. and counters, and cross
counters. and fattered myself that cou,d
make short work Of the average hood
lum.
zone night about a month later. I war
strolling down town when tough-looking
young man on the corner made an front
cal remark about dudes. Here's a chance
for a practical demonstration. said 90
myself; I'll Just give this loafer a small
lesson In politeness Suiting the action
TO the word. / stepped up iauntily ami
struck what my preceptor called atti-
tude No. / That was all / struck Be
fore I could make the artistic feint with
which ! had been taught that every bout
must necessarily open. the young rufilau
mad kicked me twice on the shins. buttei
me in the stomach. yanked out half a
pound Of my front hair. punched me vio-
lently on the nose. and left me hors de
combat on the banquette. The first thing
| did when ] got home wos TO throw my
Manual Of Boxing out OF the window.
Boxing would be I'm ideal defense
against hoodlums" continued the Oh
timer ~ the hoodlums couid only be per-
suaded 20 follow the rules Of the game
and abstain from biting of ears or gougine
out eyes while the bout is in progress.
But as long az toughs ignore ring ethics.
and highwaymen refuse 70 tackle US ac-
cording to Queensberry. one good hickory
club j. worth more In a tight place than
oil the sparring lessons ever given. The
best proof Of what say is the significant
fac, that professional sluggers never re-
l ~ on theW urtr Mnen tncN get 10 ughtius
casually among themselves A pugilis,
will talk you dizzy about the manly art
OF self-defense' but lee him get into a
fracas IN some groEgery. and it's a hun
drcd 10 one he doer his sparring with
a six-snooter or beer mallet.
Understand. please. that ] am distinct
~ opposed 10 the practice Of carrying
weapons but al the same time Il Is oil
nonsense 10 talk OF hstic expertness as a
defense against rufiianly assault. The
best defense a respectable citizen can
/ nave against that sort OF thing Is good
| compeny. decent hours. and fixed deter
/ mination TO mind his own business Let
/ him observe that rule and he'll have no
need OF pistols or puglism. ! am be-
/ lever IN sparring as muscle and health
developer and no man win go further
than myself to witness "a really hrst-class
exhibition Of professionals in the squared
circle, but ! have no patience with this
| twaddle about boxing as n defense IN an
/ emergency. Scientific mauiing Is fairly
| good exercise. and an exciting but brutal
/ sport. and that's all there Is 10 It,"