The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-12-13

appeared to be astonished, and it was
some time before Wittmer would con-
sent to let go his hold on Rooney. The
audience was thunderstruck, and could
not understand the interruption until
the master Of ceremonies announced
that the match Lad been stopped by or
der of the chief of police because it
was Sunday, and that the match was
declared draw. The spectators freely
gave vent to their disapproval. The
match was stopped at IL :O3 a. M, and
it appeared at the time that it would
have been completed inside of five
minutes.
Wittmer advanced to the foot lights
and said that Rooney was a mighty
good wrestler, and that he would like
to have another try at him. AS Witt
mer retired he turned handspring,
which showed that he was none the
worse for the match
Rooney addressed the audience that
was now on its feet and said that he
would bet any part of $40, 900 that he
could throw Wittmer in any style of
wrestling.
Some one sang out, "where did you
get it, Rooney2" and there was good
natured laugh all around.
Mr.. Faulkner said that in his judg-
ment the match was on the dead level
and that it was good match. Had he
seen any taking or crooked work he
" ould have called the match off,
Wilmer left yesterday for Wooster,
Mass, where he has match on hand.
Rooney and Faulkner have arranged
for a match at Sioux City on Dec.
10th.
1t is not known whether an attempt
will be made to bring Rooney and
Wittmer together again in this city.
CHIEF Bowen stated after stopping
! the match that he did not act at the
request Of Mayor Petersen, who was
one of the time keepers. He had pre-
viously decided to close the match al
midnight, and had arrived at the de-
) termination after having talked with
the chief of police of st. Paul, who
said that this was the practice there.
Mr.. Bowen said that it is the practice
everywhere to stop matches at mid.
night Saturday night, in order to pre-
vent Sabbath breaking. It was his duty
to close the match, much as he re,
GREETED to have it stopped.
J. E. Reynolds, master of cere.
monies and one of the managers of the
Monday and Saturday night matches
said today:
SIT was through my efforts thai
the two wrestlers were brought to.
gether, having learned that Wittmel
had first class record. Monday nigh
Wittmer was disabled by blows on thu
stomach, he challenged Rooney, thu
challenge was accepted, and the mattel
came off. 1 expected no interference
from the police until the match was il
progress, when learned it from
friend. I at once went to Chic
Bowen and tried to prevail upon hin
to let the match be finished, but with
out success.
| Possibly the chief stopped thu
J match from the moral point of view
If he did so, he seemed to lose sight c
the fact that the saloons were wild
open for at least two hours after til
match was over. If it was wrong fo
this performance to continue FIVE 0
, fen minutes past midnight. hereb
call on the chief of police to prohibi
: all Sunday performances in the city
) There was Sunday performance a
| the opera house few Sundays age
and no effort was made to prevent il
All I ask is that the chief be consist
/ ent.
GAS one of the principal manager
/ 1 regret the outcome of the affair.
wanted the match finished, and had n
object in declaring it draw"