The St. Louis Republic., 1901-02-25
1t May Cause the Big Californian's
Retirement From the
Prize Ring.
WAS PLAYING INDOOR BALL,
While Indulging in the Game at
His Training Quarters at Gin
cinnati He Slipped and
Fell Down.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
New York, Feb. A-Apparent misfortunes
are sometimes real blessings in disguise. 1t
is probably a fortunate thing for Jim JEFF
fries's reputation that Judge Hollister of
Cincinnati perpetually enjoined the Saenger-
fest Association in that city from pulling
of the bout between the big boilermaker
and Gus Rubin. Had the bout been per-
mitted Jefr's injured knee might have gone
back on him at critical point of the fight
and IL II had there would have been a new
championship coon in town. as sure as
eggs is eggs.
According to Surgeon Walker, who crit-
cally examined the lame limb last Wednes-
day. the injury TO Jeff's knee is Of a much
more serious character than was thought
while he was In training. He and his hand
lers were of the opinion that It was merely
sprain. which would come around all right
with little rest and medication. 1t now
appears that Jen injured one of the car
tilages OF his knee. a floating cartilage Is
the technical name OF the trouble. One Of
its effects IL sometimes SO suddenly painful
that fits OF vomiting and even Of fainting
instantly result.
The reports say that there Is a possibility
that the injury may prevent Jeffries from
ever figuring in ring again as a principal.
At all events, II will require a long period OF
rest and proper medical treatment to re-
store the knee to anything like health. I
myself have considerable doubts as to its
being ever entirely cured.
Bob Stickney. the famous bareback rider,
injured one OF his knee caps while vaulting
on a horse, and though he had the best sur
gical care and skill for months, and eventu-
ally had knee brace made TO prevent the
joint from slipping out OF place. he was ul-
timateiy compelled to give up his profess
Sion His injury was not at all as serious as
aDT ~. tana arad hA
a much lighter and more symmetrical man
than Is the fistic champion.
Ihough l am very sorry to hear of the
serious nature of the champions injury and
hope that 1t may be found eventually not so
bad as II is at present thought, / can't re-
frain from saying that he has no one to
blame Tor II but himself. Since he became
champion. the big fellow, while not 'chesty"
or arrogant by any means. has become
rather sen,wIied and q hard man
10 manage. he was warned against using
medicine balls. which caused the injury
TO his elbow, which came dangerously near
putting hm out Of the hghtng game, yet
ne persisted in using them while In training
Tor Gus Ruhlln.
His present injury was caused by a sudden
Shipping TO the noor ana wrenching his knee
Whine playing baseball indoors. 1 am sur
prised ana amazed tnat Billy Delaney per-
mItied lin 10 engage In any sucn exercise.
J.. Sullivan down at Loeb Arbor ne devoted
much time TO handball. One day while l
was visiting him at his training quarters
strike a low bali. F6rtunateIy. the only in.
jury he received was a slight abrasion OF
the skin on one Of his knees. said to him
Jim. II I were you wouldn't take such
dangerous risks as that I'd play merely
be easer sae game %n ToS ana
Oh pshaw." he replied. Il wouldn't get
bit Of good out Of playing unless 1 put
my whole heart and soul into my work
That's the first time ever slipped, but I'll
be a little more careful. for 1 see there is
a chance that man might strain himself
II were training a man wouldn't per-
init him to engage In indoor baseball, IN
handball. unless the games could be played
man touch a bicycle or a medicine ball un-
Ger any consideration
would like to have true map OF Billy
Madden's feelings when he learned how
serious the injury to Jeffs knee really Is.
He has managed some good men In his
time. but never champion Of the world"
ago In Louisville. He has done wonders In
keeping many men before the public. and
got @ % the crackeTjaeS at last. When he now
fully appreciates the chance that Gus had
at Cincinnati. haven't the slightest doubt
man have been hoodooed In some mysteri-
Gus manner. As he thinks Of the cham
pionship. he doubtless feels Thou vert 10
rear and yet are SO far away.
But william win not be utterly cast down
by this check to his ambition. He will.
fguratiyely speaking. pick his flint and try
again. i know few men Of his caliber who
have been so successful In evading the
primal curse as handsome William. He has
been very lucky In transpsring by proxy:
II Peter Maher doesn't knock en- the chip
that Tom sharkey is carrying Tor him on
his shoulder. will be certain that he is In
bad health. indeed 1t will be dimcult to
make me believe that the Irish champeen
IN well and hearty IL he allows the Sailor
boy to shake a fight at him as he Is dolns
without acceptance. 6harkey says that he
will be only too glad to side-step Joe Cho-
ynski, whom he is engaged to meet next
month In Louisville in favor of Maher,
'.the Dublin Jackeen." Come. get a move
on you. Peter. Il have a small silver OF
marble Clipped OF Dan Donnellys monu-
ment on the Cuyragh of Kildare wnere ne
laid George COOPER low
In eleven rounds there was nine knockdowns'
Besides he bruk his 5awbone
II IL will help to screw your courage 70
the sticking point, Pether avick, III express