The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1906-05-11
Says the New Capitol Is the
"SweIIest Dump" Ever.
SULLIVAN WAS SIGHTSEEING
Declared That Theodore Roosevelt
Has Got EN- All Beat; Lawson
Don't Get Him.

ST. Paul, May Ex-Governor Johnson
and his official family had a distinguish
ed visitor late yesterday in the person
of John l.. Sullivan.
"Jawn," muscular of form, gray hair
ed, his head covered with a silk tile and
neatly dressed in black, was accompani-
ed by R. T. O'Connor.
"Glad to meet you, gov," said John,
as R. L. O'Connor introduced the big
fellow to Governor johnson, and his big
hand closed in the executives like vice.
"My friend here,'' added John pointing
to Mr.. O'Connor," said this place was
the SWEETEST yet, and l thought I'd call
and pay me respects. And l think it is.
None of dem have got dis dump skin
ned"
All this time the Boston mans eyes
were taking in the gorgeousness of the
governors reception room. A trifle i'll
at ease at first, he gradually overcame
his embarrassment and talked volubly
of the capitols beauties. His vernacu-
lar was picturesque and odd at first and,
with its down eastern twang, trife
amusing
"But come into my Office" interrupt
ed Governor johnson and, with r. T.
O'Connor and Frank Day trailing in their
wake, the two passed into the 'holy of
holies," and there made themselves at
ease
Here Sullivan Immediately fell into
vein of "reminiscences, and Attorney Cen
eral Young and Insurance Commissioner
O'Brien, who were called in, were re-
called with accounts of the Boston mans
pugilistic experiences and few of the
many celebrities he had met
.Tedds. Roosevelt said Sullivan an
swering the question if he had ever met
the president. "Well, yes, and 1 think
he's got EN- all beat aAmile. He was in
the bunch when Joe Choynski fought
Maher at Coney Island, and it would
have been draw if he had not butted
in. 1t was a clean 60, but the police
wanted to stop it, but Teddy said let
EN- go and that settled it. President
Roosevelt stands for clean sport, and
you can bet your life we'd have more of
it if it wasn't for the 'sissies.'"
John explained to the admiring throng
in the governors private office that he
was forty-seven years old, weighed 800
pounds. and that he trained every day.
"And if you don't believe it, just look
at that" and John offered his right arm
for inspection.
Thomas Lawson, who halls from his
own town, Boston, Cullivan declared to
be "a squealer."
''That lad don't get to me at ALL" was
his comment.
As to his ability as fighter John was
not inclined to say much, beyond the
fact that if he was only twenty four
instead of forty seven years he would
give a few Of the present day clubs" a
run for their money. In the converse
ton Fitzsimmons' name came up, and it
was remarked that he was quite handy
with his fists.
''Well, he didn't show up in my time,'
was Johns answer.
When Sullivan and his escort showed
up at the capitol the hour was late and
sightseers were few, so the big fellow
with R. L. for guide got through the
building with little trouble.
When leaving he wished Governor
johnson luck and repeated his remark
about the place being swell dump.
"And I've seen a few of 'em, too," he