The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1909-10-30
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Jefrries eyed the negro curiously,
but did not meet his glance. Johnson
as affabIe, but showed his nervous
ness by his frequent grins and his
constant clicking Of two red dice,
which he carried half concealed in the
palm Of his right hand.
Both principals posed for the photo
grapher, and when the smoke of the
flashlights had cleared, promptly got
down to business. Jeffries let Berger
do his talking, but Johnson broke IN
frequently on his manager with sug
gestions and objections. Nevertheless
is was remarked as the articles took
form, that Jeffries was winning nearly
every point for which he contended.
1t was agreed without dispute that
the men would box for the heavy
weight championship of the world" AT
this point Johnson insisted that the
present champions name should pre-
cede the retired indicated champions
name in the written agreement. To
this Jeffries quickly assented Berger
then suggested that the fight go to the
club making the highest responsible
bid within the next thirty days. Little
agreed. but Johnson, shaking his head
dubiousIy, asked that each bid be ac-
companied by a $4,000 forfeit, as a
guarantee of good faith. Jeffries nod
ded and Berger gave his consent.
'And have a man on the ground with
the coin, stipulated Johnson
The stenographer inserted d clause
to that effect. but when asked to read
Sgr&c
case OF the rattles that he had to be
excused while newspaper man took
his place.
So far it had been easy sailing but
when the question of a referee was
raised the crowd edged forward expect
antly. Little for johnson. wanted to
name his choice. For the first time
Jeffries broke in.
Let the club that gets the bid have
a word" he ordered. They've got as
much at stake as we have. Let it wait"
Little was for arguing the point, but
Johnson was all Cancellation.
We'll, let 1t CO." he urged. that's
all right"
The number Of rounds was named in
order. $50 far as I CO." said Jeffries,
Il don't care If it's six, ten, twenty, or
4 hundred rounds; but / know wha;
the public will demand, and / am going
to see they get tit means finish"
AZ this the crowd applauded until
had to call them to order.
But johnson was not satisfied. He
feared San Francisco club, where
only twenty round bouts are allowed,
might get the bid, and in that event
insisted that twenty rounds should be
specified.
Then Frisco won't get the fight"
answered Jeffries decisively. Make
it forty-five or more" Swallowing
his objections previously voiced, the
negro agreed voluibly.
There was still the rock on which
most agreements split--the division
of the purse, To the surprise OF the
crowd, both men protested that they
we're willing to fight winner to take
all, or so and 40 per cent, or rs and
rs per cent and on the latter basis 1t
was settled.
The side bet caused more difficulty
Jeffries wanted to wager $4,000
Johnson, more cautious, offered $4,000.
Little, his manager, wanted to lay the
money at ringside odds, "as a bust
ness proposition" AS compromise
they agreed to let the $4,000 already
posted to secure roday's meeting
stand, with $4,000 additional to be
added forthwith. -
"AlI right" assented Jeffries plain
lively, 'Tbut wanted that 10000"
A great roar of laughter went up
from the crowd and even johnson
grinned. Bob Murphy, manager Of the
Hotel Albany was chosen as temper
DRY stakeholder, the final stakeholder
to be chosen by the club.
mo, SUM-" saad Johnson. Il has a
say where my money goes"
1.-THE club has more to say than
either OF us" put in Berger.
mo man has more to say about my
money than / have" affirmed john
son, shaking his head--yet he yieldel
while protesting.
Now only one crucial point remained
when would they fight?
AS a finish fight had been agreed
upon, 1t was concensus Of opinion 1T
the matchmakers' table that either
Nevada or California must get the
winning bid. With thirty days for
the bids to come in and sixty days
more for the men to condition them
selves in, the weather at the earliest