New-York tribune., 1907-05-09
JOHN L. At WHITE HOUSE.
Pugilist Compared Weights zcith
Dir. Taft an Anter0om.
IFrom The Tribune Bureau. ]

Washington. May S.-Two of Americas greatest
heavyweight champions met at the White House
to-day the heavyweight champion lid holder
and the former heavyweight champion pugilist.
Both called the President and Secretary Taft
came first. He talked over affairs in Panama for
half an hour. while John L. Sullivan waited IN the
lobby Of the White House Office building John L.
arrived about l O'Clock and outside of Secre-
tary Loebs door putting on big black cigar, unth
he resembIed an ocean-going tug under forced
draft Finally Secretary Taft emerged from the
Presidents sanctum, and Immediately John L. X
pressed desire To meet him.
There goes man as is man." declared the
pugilist "and I'd be obliged if of you fellows
would give me a knockdown TO him"
one of the newspaper men told Mr.. Taft thar
John l.. Sullivan wished meet him, and the
Secretary genially assented. Then John L. bore
down on him with a rush and landed fairly and
squarely the Sccretarys palm.
Il glad to meet YOU. Mr.. Secretary Taft
said the eX-champion of the ring.
4 am glad to meet YOU Mr.. Sullivan" said the
champion of the lid and as he gazed at the pom
derous boxer, he added What do you weigh?'
''Oh. I'm just a lightweight" responded John L..
but I'll bet I've got you skinned block
I hope you have" said Mr. Taft. Now. tell
what you actually weigh"
a clean 335 with my togs on" replied the erst-
while fighter, but only 33l with the duds off. What
do you weigh you stand?'
Il have to confess 10 2S0 pounds" replied Mr..
Taft.
Then the ex-champion proceeded to punch gently
various parts of the Secretarys anatomy There
a peculiar smile the Secretary's face and
slight blush evident during the process.
Soft. soft. entirely soft declared John L..
with warning shrug. when he had completed his
examination
I'm afraid l am" admitted the Secretary and,
do you know. I haven't been subjected to just that
sort of test since left Yale"
You're all right, anyhow declared John L., as
If he wished compensate the Secretary for his
criticism Then he added. with a broad wink;
Come over here in the corner; I've got something
to say 10 you particular"
The two champions stepped a corner, and
John L. proceeded to explain his case with an elo-
points He told the Secretary that his nephew and
bit of trouble through fault of his own-a hit
OF trouble which. John l. declared. "a good feeder
like the Secretary 'ort to understand" II appears
John l.. Lennon a marine and deserted IN
Cuba. He was caught. convicted. and is now a
He warn:t no real desertrr.' declared his cham
skipped over To a British cruiser TO GET a bit of
tasty grub" The ex-prizehGhter sorely dis
letter which he had written him about his nephew.
but it appears it fell into the hands OF the As
senSe, and tho Assistant Secretary had decided
against the ex-prizefghter's petition,
Just after Mr.. Taft departed John Il was told
that the President would him He with
the Chief Executive for half an hour.
Me and the President talking about the
time Knocked out Mitchell. up in New York in
was there and saw me knock him over the ropes.
The President is all right. he is and like him,
and SOS his Ohio featherweight. Taft. You know
all real big all right If you let 'em alone.
They viii take lot. just stand for good deal.
until they get going but when they do get started
they go like hell" and John L. thought he could
War
There was one pathetic incident during the meet
ing OF Secretary Taft and John l.. A photographer
with his camera. waiting outside the White
House for permit make exposures in the
White House grounds. There We're the Secretary
ana the big eX-champon standing on the office
steps In the brilliant spring sunshine, but there
Ia
tographer was afraid TO snap his shutter for fear
ne would be arrested. He cursed the stars under
which he was born. his trade and his luck hut he
could not summon up sufficient nerve TO press the
pu4b lie got his permit before John l.. came ont
however, and doubtless got good snapshot
Lei er uicker. commanded John L. to his
cabhy, and he waved his hand to the neUsnare-
men as his creakinG vehicle got under way