The morning journal-courier., 1908-07-22

In the midst of the excitement in London anent the Olympic games the fact that James Edward Britt late pre- mier lightweight, according to his own statement, arrived in the fogburg es caped general notice. James, however, as soon as he got rid of his sea legs. proceeded to remedy this oversight, and despite the fact that both Tommy Burns and Battling Nelson had preced- ed him with the unlimited conversation act Britt did well in his first tryout. He discussed situations, flstc political, and ecclesiastical. with the nonchalancc of seasoped globe trotter, and wound up by issuing q challenge to meet any lightweight In England provided the inducemcnt be sufficient to justify me fin making a match.
 James Edward didn't wait 10 get ashore before he started his views ont where they might be seen by the pub lie at large He told the representa- tive of a sporting paper that he was delighted to hear of Battling Nelson's victory over Joe Cans. adding that Cans was now of the map of pugllism." He himself. Britt continued. having beat en the Dane three times out Of four hopes to meet Nelson again, Wonder if the English sporting writers ever saw these emphatic statements of Jen-
 
 for good? Anyway, they took his re- marks as Gospel truth. Here are some of his utterances in answer to the ques- tions propounded by the scrihes:
 What is your opinion of our English systeln of training"
 Bad" replied Britt, most emphatic ally. "They don't appear to assist na- ture. On the contrary they make her work when she needs rest, In America we are more broadminded and trent ourselves very liberally. For instance I drink champagne in moderation, as a medicine and for the good If does me- not for the pleasure of drinking it. Boxers must he specialists"
 You will notice that in this country some of our boxers have adopted American methods-the crouch, for h. stance"
 would it surprise yon to know" said Britt. that I was the first to use the crouch It came to me quite naturally, when an amateur. l won tbe amateur before I became a professional and started with the crouch. Some boxers stand erect and then crouch I am al- ways low down with my work, Jeffrles and Tommy Ryan are said 10 have in- troduced it. I am the author of if, and no one else" | Have you been boxer many | years?'
 Yes, from boyhood and whipped every one as a youngster When I turned professional l flew at high game and was always the star in company of fighters. That is to say. Jimmy | Britt was never billed for a prelim- mary bout. I was called the California Idol and was raised In San Francisco. I have played many parts, from vaude- vile to the Legitimate, AS 1t Is called. and can get along very well with a monologue. l have thought, with all due respect to your boxers, that they are not versatile enough. boxer should be guided by Fundamental rules, and be careful not 10 exaggerate them. or they lose effect. A boxer in America is as good as any business or profes- sional man. because all are equal If they are well behaved take it we have raised the tone of boxing In America, and removed from it the od nm which once disgraced the noble art ' We spare our readers the rest.