The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-08-12
Fro mthe Washington Post.

Fro mthe Washington Post.
 - RANK GOTCH, champion catch-as- t- catch-can wrestler of America, who | recently defeated Tom Jenkins, tells some secrets in discussing the fine points of the game.
 "The original principles that governed wrestling were simple variations of tie mechanical proposition of lever and fgl- crum," says Gotch. "A hold secured by a contestant on an opponent meant simply that he had obtained a means of applying simple mechanical principle which eu. abled him to turn over the body of his adversary and bring him into such anato- mical relations to the mat as were requir- ed by the rules.
 These provided for the touching of tao shoulders of an opponent to the canvas In the development of the game. however. it has been found that there Is a more powerful influence toward making man roll over on his back or simply quit ous- right and surrender the fall than mers mechanical principle. It Is pain.
 If certain grips can be secured all the science of holds looking toward mere leverage as means of success are secon- darv. and the contestant held in a lock that means a fracture, strangulation or inconsistencies, due to excruciating paln is made to do in a few seconds what hours might not suffice to accomplish un- der more legitimate methods.
 "The terrible and dangerous holds possi- ble in wrestling arc not employed in ordi- nary matches. In fact, one Of these, the strangle hold is almost always barrel Another, the hammerlock, is frequently ruled out in the articles of agreement Even in this case, however, the amoint of punishment administered during the grueling contest is simply inconceivabie
 "Punishment is employed here, however. not with the idea of forcing submission at once. It is rather the object of the uyrestler to tire out the muscles or ms opponent If he happens to get on top or him m the mat he tries to stay there. The reason is plain. If he weighs 2OO pounds his opponent Is bearing the weight or u all the time he is down. This Is not mere chi1d,s nlay. How much more wearing IS if when the man on top is using every opportunity to wrench your muscles, smut off your wind, strain your neck by mak- inp fakes at getting half-Nelsons and other tricks of the game?
 "This is the punishment that VIII tell. A man caught out of condition IS ruined in five minutes by the constant hammer ing Of ms Opponeit 'oNNN S his stomach.
 '.In matches for side bets, where wres- tlers. usually men of excellent physical courage. as well as endurance-necessari Iv so. in faet-are defending an amount Of money placed on them, while the nrst few minutes of the fray may be or the more legitimate order when one contest ant sees the tide turning against him he is sure to bring his reserve forces into play
 And then It becomes match for blood In these matches the strangle hold is ,,sually barred Where it is not, the effect is deadly. When properly placed on an opponent 1t is as secure as Yale lock Few men exist who can break such hold secured by man of equal strength. It is wise wrestler. then. who sees his dilemma and quits, saving himself pun ishment in order to reserve strength for the next fall.
 with the strangle hold barred. the