The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-28

an interesting story. They are both na- tives of Iowa, and live very close to- gether Burns is an 1rishman, and Gotch d German, but between them there exists the warmest friendship. After Burns had won the championship of America from "Strangler' Lewis he began the training of young Gotch. To Gotch he taught everything that he knew-all of his holds, all of his tricks, all of his headwork. He showed him how to nurse his strength and his energy, and how to harden his muscles. Soon Goteh was proficient and went out hunting opponents. Every one encountered was easily conquered, and the young hero began dreaming of cham pionship.
 Finally between him and the title that he onged for stood Farmer" Burns only. A match was arranged, and the Farmer won. Another match went to the Farmer" But in the third bout Gotch triumphed, and since that day the veteran has not been able to win back his laurels. It is not true, however, there is any relationship between the two. The local rumor that Goteh Is the husband of Burns daughter is unfounded.
 Gotch Interviewed.
 As concerns boxing and wrestling. Gotch says in a recent interview: consider a toe and bar-arm hold in comparison with wallop on the jaw. Suppose you have all your money wa gered that you will defeat man. He suddenly catches you mawares and gets that arm and toe hold. You try to fight to save your money. but he twists your ankle and an excruciating pain shoots through your leg. Then he applies force to your arm and you feel yourself going down to the mat.
 Your friends cheer for you frantiaally, and you make another final effort. Your opponent simply turns on bit more power and the pain becomes so great that you forget everything else for the moment to escape the terrible grinding that seems to, be shooting through your whole body.
 "'rhe most dangerous holds possible in wrestling are not employed in ordinary matches. In fact one of these. the stran- gle, is almost always barred. Another. the hammerlock, is frequently ruled out in articles of agreement.
 But many of the matches that are 
 stakes. and with only the packers and officials in attendance. are very brutal and frequently result in remarkable eX- hihitlons of endurance and fortltude
 Tn bouts for the championship the stipulations in the articles of agreement are generally such as to define positive 1 ly what the contestants may do. Severe Punishment. Even in this case however. the amount of punishment administered dur ing gruelling contest is almost fncon- ceivable. Punishment is employed here, however. not with the idea of forcing sub mission at once. It is rather the object of the wrestler to tire the muscles of his op- l ponent If he happens to get on top of him on the mat he tries to stay there. The reason is plain.
 If he weighs 200 pounds his opponent
 is bearing the weight of it all the time he is down, especially if the latter hap pens to be on his hands and knees for fifteen minutes, making exertions at the same time.
 This is no chld's play-even support ing the dead weight. How much more wearing is il when a man atop of you is using every opportunity to wrench your muscles, shut off your wind, strain your neck by making fakes at getting half Nelsons and other tricks of the trade
 with the strangle hold barred. the hammerlock is perhaps the most terrible Of punishing holds This hold once placed, the unfortunate in the tolls faces a broken arm to a certainty unless he rolls over and submits. A strong forearm may frequently break this hold. but if well placed 1t means almost certain surren- q Or