The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1904-04-16

BOSTON, April l6-Sickness has seized
the weakened body of John l.. Sullivan
and laid him low. That frame which for
70 years dehed the blows of the world :
greatest pugllists has succumbed and the
former idol of the American sporting pub
lie is in need
The Boston Boy lies at the home of his
sister without money and ill-6tted to bas.
tie with disease. The friends who stood
by him in former days are foclling to his
aid, and the benefit planned to raise a
purse for the old gladiator is expected ia
he the greatest testimonial of regard even
rendered
Many believe that John L. Sullivan was
foreign born On the contrary. he was
born at the Highlands near this city. De.
tober Is, 1858. Throughout his pubnc
life, no matter what his mistakes were
he was consistently an American. He was
as patriotic as his heart was big, and the
generosity of Sullivan was unlimited. He
would give until his purse was as empty
as the tabled cupboard of Mother Hub
bard and then borrow to ohhge friend
He was educated in the Boston public
schools He went to business college for
a time and then spent several terms in a
Boston college, connected with the Church
of the Immaculate Conception. 1t was
there he learned the rudiments of elocu-
ton so beneficial to him during his career.
After winning the heavyweight champl-
onship from Paddy Ryan at Mississippi,
City, February Z, 1882, in nine rounds. Sui
Ivan began the first of the sprees for
which he was afterward famous. He left
a silver trail from the fighting ground as
he crossed the country. From city to
city he wandered, meeting all corners and
offering $1,000 to any fighter who would
stand up before him for four rounds.
1t was while thus meeting all conner.
that he encountered Charley Mitchell the
champion boxer of England, who is now
in this country. The pair met for four
rounds at Madison Square garden, the
purse being 5000. AT the beginning OF
the fight Mitchell knocked sullivan down
the first time the champion had ever beer
! tloored. In retaliating he knocked tn,
| Enghshman over the ropes into the crowd
and the fight was stopped by the police.
After beating every man that could b,
found to face him. Sullivan went to Eng
land and was entertained by many noble
men. He was introduced TO the presen
king, then the prince Of Wales His popu
larity in the British isles was wonderful
1t was on this trip that he fought tn,
famous 39-round draw under London prfz
ring rules with Mitchell, whom he chase,
about the ring until their tracks left
well-marked trail in the wet ground. Re
turning to this country, Sullivan was lai,
low by typhoid, due to his intemperat
living. When well, he fought Jake Xii
rain the memorable 75-round mill.
In 1889 Sullivan entered politics. n
announced his intention of running for con
gress from this city. In his address n
said:
There isn't self-respeeting American
no matter what tom-feol ideas he may havp
about boxing in general, who does no
feel patriotic pride in the thought tina
a native-born American, countryman O
his. can liok any man on the face Of tn
earth AS TO my fitness for the place
can prove it in few words A man !
elected to congress to look out for tn
---------s -------
Ride on the fast Str. Greyhound wheT
going to Olympia. "a