The Bowbells tribune., 1905-02-03
THE PRESIDENT AS A BOXER

boxers, is home from Washington, where lie boxed
with the president for hour every afternoon for
four days. 1t was the first OF series OF bouts
which are to continue next week and the week fol-
lowing. Donovan talked OF his experience reluct-
antly.
lit was the first time l had boxed with Mr.
Roosevelt since he was governor" he said. "lf
tells you he's an easy mark, don't be-
lieve it. He knows how to use his head, too.
never saw man pick up faster than he in those
four days.
I'VE boxed every afternoon from $3.50 untiinear-
ly half past in his study. \ wrestling mat was
placed on the floor for us, but found it too thick
and we used the regular carpet. The president
and Il pair Of canvas shoes.
Don't mind hitting me, he said RIG ght at the
startoH i want you to hit me as often as you
ran, and don't mind how hard, either We start
other he laughed good -naturedly. 1t was not any
tapping, will tell you. They were good, honest
blows, of the sort that you wouldn't run into
knowingly. We had seven-ounce gloves. The
president took his part of it always with laugh.
IL never saw pleasanter man, or one who gets
more enjoyment out OF a thing. He had as much
fun as boy, and he laughed and joked all the
time He's fighter. and knows how to give and
take blows He doesn't try to knock q man out,
but he does like to know that nc has hit him.
'He kept me busy, and was not running into
any of his blows, either. Don't get any idea that
l was there to teach him, not by any means. He
is veteran boxer, and can mold his with the
best of them in the clubs. | know few men who
box regularly in the athletic clubs who can worst
him.
''One day he had to rush away to attend the
diplomatic reception. where he shook hands with
over one thousand persons. He told me he would
much prefer TO take his book and sit down and
read.
Every day while we boxed some one came in
and watched. His boy Theodore was always there
with his two cousins, football players, and several
times men came in to talk with him on business
while he was boxing. man from Texas came in
to arrange about his making hunting trip to
Texas directly after inauguration. He said to me:
Oh how | wish it were here now He is longing
for the recreation aud the in the open air
it will give him.
The life in Washington has made him stout
and he is not as well trained as when he was gov
ernor 10 keep down the weight mustdet
and it is impossible for the president to diet him
self and attend many dinners as he has to at
tend. He misses tremendously his active exercise
But he is as 1.-THE as Indian yet supple in every
oint, and he can hit like lightning.
81 have arranged to 90 down several more
times to box with him and to give lessons to Theo-
lore, Jr. Igave lessons to young Theodore every
lay. He is now fine, strapping young boy,
thought when first gave him lessons at Albany
hat he would never be a strong man, but he is
developing and will be tall as his father. He is
4 fighter, too, and a good hitter. | gave lessons
to him and his two cousins.
''If had been an ambassador hecoull not have
treated me better. He is a magnificent man, an
all-around man, who is good, honest, fighter,
who has not vicious streak in hn:l. He doesn't
enjoy the social strain he has to go through, and
know he would love to escape it, but it goes with
The high office he holds and he never shirks any
q good, honest blow
John D. Rockefeller sen DIS thrill Joy through
out the land by declaring that he weighs 200
pounds and is in perfect health. Old John is oil