The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-10
SULLIVAN HAS A HOBBY
ON IDEA OF CREMATION
Veteran Fighter, on His Sick Bed,
Discusses the Future with
FitzSirnlnOnS.
TALKED OF CORBETT
Former Champion Declared that
He Licked Him and Beat Him
on the Level.

BOSTON, April Sat the recent visit
that Fitzsirnmons paid to John L. Sullivan.
who is ill here in his sisters home, they
did more than converse regarding their
ages and their experiences in the ring.
Philosophical subjects also seemed to in
terest them.
After d word or two of greeting Sullivan
said:
You see, I'm down and out, but I'll be
up and around in a few days. My stomach
has sort of played me mean and my eyes
have quit me. too.
II tell you, Bob. fellow can't play with
the kind of water I've been up against and
still hope to be there But at that, / guess
I've gained some weight since I've been
here, for although can only take milk and
water, with a dash two of salt-the salt
gives the thing a flavor y sect has built
me up Then smoke a good deal, and the
pipes as good eating and drinking to
me-
well. John. don't see but what you're
all right. Why, they told me that you
were an invalid and all broke up. L can't
see anything the matter with you, and if
it wasn't for those things on your eyes
you'd look as good as ever
That was where "Fitz' executed a cork
ing feint, for it drew John l.. out, and he
was in line to deliver a perfect volley of
funny, grave and characteristic remarks.
In a deep voice he replied: Bob, there's
nothing in it. III be around all right in
little while, and then it's Baden Springs.
Hot Springs or some other sulphur bath
for me.
rye been taking two or three kinds of
medicine since L came home here to my
sisters, but I'm goin' to quit taking the
stuff in day or two. It's no good.
Il never did believe much in medicine
This world is all a CON anyway. Why,
they talk about religion, and heaven and
hell. What do they know about heaven
and hell? They never were there, and no
one ever came back and told us what they
were like.
Il think when guy croaks he just does,
and that's all there is to him. They bury
some of them, but they won't plant me-
When 1 CO., the big fellow faltered, they'll
burn me-
ton, that's what they CAN it, Nothin' left
but your ashes, and each of your friends
can have some OF you to tS remember e, Der you by
let them burn you up when you're all in.
tell you it's the proper thing"
The logic of Sullivan did not meet with
the approval of Fitzsimmons, and quite d
lengthy discussion followed on the merits
of the subject.
tltZ was becoming more at ease ana
talked more freely. His natural antipathy
toward Corbett crept out, and the man
who whipped the man who beat Sullivan
said ne would box Corbett four or six
rounds at Sulivan's benefit and that he
did not want a cent for his services.
Sullivan then chinned in that Corbett-
''WeIl. Bob he licked me and beat me on
the level"
Yes, John, but you were not yourself
then. Why, L remember, 1 sat at the ring
side, and if you remember, you nearly
nailed him in the very first round. l don I
| think l will ever forget it. 1t with a
| right swing and just missed him by an
eighth of inch.
Lord, but it was a wallop, and if 1t ever
landed there would have been more of
| Corbett. 1t came so close to landing right
| here"-and "Fitz' pointed out the spot on
| his own chin that l pulled my own head
back and it struck fellow sitting in the
| chair behind me in the face.
"But Corbett pulled his head back, too, "
/ said Fit almost Sorrowfully.
Just before the meeting ended the talk
once more drifted back to Sullivan s
| party that he would be all right before
| long, and he said that he had learned a
| good lesson during the present illness.
why, we read about this millionaire
| what's his name. Rockefeller?-who is
| worth $500 100000 and has no stomach to
eat with. Well, that gent and myself are
| in the same boat, only L haven't any $780,
! O00000"