The Washington times., 1904-06-26
COCK FIGHTING
BECOMES POPULAR
Sport FlouriSheS on the
Quiet in West.
RULES GOVERNING A FIGHT
Duties of Handlers of Each Bird and
Method of Pro-
cedure.
RULES GOVERNING A FIGHT

Cock fighting continues to be one of
the most popular winter sports in some
sections Of the West, according TO the
Minneapolis Tribune" but only the ia
vOred few have been able TO witness the
contests between the trained birds for
several seasons past Hardly a week
went by last winter when the game
chicken fanciers did not assemble I'm the
outskirts OF either Minneapolis OF St
Paul to fight main
The sport is under the ban. but the
fanciers invariably manage to have their
little mills whenever they think crowd
OF the game chicken lovers are getting
uneasy for one. While a few reached
the public ear. there were a great many
more which were even more exciting
than the ones which were tossed to the
wind. and the prospect for another good
season is bright.
There are many who do not know
either the rules or the ma points OF the
game. and for those who are not IA
miliar with them an outline OF the rules
which govern the sport are given below ::
Governing Rules
Handlers Will pit their cocks six feet
apart. using one hand. not advancing
cocks so as TO retard their fighting.
Handler shall not touch his cock I'M
less he be hung In the pit. the other cock
or In himself. except 10 gently give him
a wing when necessary without raising
or moving the cock. and when his cock
is not under his opponent
Cocks must be turned over at all times
when on their backs
When cocks are hung both handlers
shall lay hold OF their respective birds
ana the party whose cock Is hung shall
hold his cock steady while the other
party carefully draws out the gan.
catching the I'm cock by shank below
the knee. Any kaffs round from socket
TO point shall be deemed fair and only
such.
Handlers may do all they wish 10 help
or nurse their cocks during the thirty
seconds between handling; no one will
be allowed 10 assist, however. In any
way.
No soaping. greasing. or use of any
thing on garrs or cocks head OF feathers
that can in5ure adverse bird Will be
allowed.
Taking the Count.
Should one OF both cocks refuse TO
fight. handler OF last fighting cock may
take the count; If he fail to do so. the
other handler may take the count II he
chooses to do so. Counting forty when
cocks shall be handled and delivered
beak to beak in the center OF the pit
then ten shall be counted and cocks
again handled; this shall be repeated
three times. making four times refused,
and battle shall be decided against the
cock refusing 20 fight. At any time
during the count a cock may break same
by a peck OF a blow. when the count
may be begun over. should either cock
refuse to fight: but only ten shall be
counted for four times. forty only be-
ing counted once in any battle.
Any violation OF these rules or cOndi-
tiOns set forth will be a foul and the
judge may decide the battle against the
side so offending.
Training cocks with a close. unfair
hackle will not be permitted.
Should both cocks become MORALLY
wounded while fighting. the last living
bird shall win the battle. II neither
bird lives longer than his opponent. then
the fighting cock shall win. II both are
fighting together the battle shall be de-
clared a draw.
Should both cocks refuse to fight when
able 10 do so. such battle shall be
draw.
No one shall be allowed in the pit dur
ing the battle except the two handlers
and the Judge.