The Washington herald., 1909-10-24

New York. oct 23.-Seeking relief from
an obstruction due to a broken nose tina;
makes 1t difficult for him to breathe prop
erly. James ]. Jeffries. the retired heavy
weight champion pugilist Of the world. is
TO undergo an operation tomorrow to
have the difficulty remedied.
In one OF his fights with Bob Fitz-
simmons, Jenries received a right-hand
blow on the nose that not only staggered
him and nearly carried him OF his feet.
but incidentally split one of the bones.
After the contest he had il set, but a
growth that is not painful but bother
some has resulted.
Jefries said the operation viii have no
effect on his condition or interfere with
his chances Of meeting Jack johnson.
THE operation may bother me a trine.
but I'm "a week I Will be over t. Il will
prevent my boxing In training. but il viii
not hinder me from engaging in road
work"
Friends of Jeffries are surprised at his
fine condition. Reports had been circu-
lated that ne had been enjoying himself
I'm Paris instead Of preparing himself for
bis contemplated bout with Johnson, but
his condition bellies this
"Fightr' said Jeffries That's what I'm
here for. Johnson has made more noise
and done less than anybody l ever knew
1 came pretty close % getting 20 him IN
Chicago last summer. when he said he
would come and force me into a bout 1
said TO Sam Berger then. Shall I 20 out
and hit him on the noseg Berger said.
No. and 1 didn't do IT, I've heard q lot
more Of his joy riding talk since. and I've
been sorry let sam Berger change my
mind for me in Chicago.
VIII Do Business.
Johnson has conceded the division OF
the purse 20 as. as he had 20. and as soon
as we agree on the selection OF a stake
holder. a referee. and time and place
for getting the bids for the purse. wen
DO business.
I'm pretty near right now but I'll be
absolutely right before I put the gloves
on. Delay has been the one thing the pub
lie has had any cause TO complain Of, but
remember this-the fellows who kick now
would be the very first to houer If
turned up unfit"
Barring only the question Of Johnson,
Jefries' stay abroad has done wonders
for his temper. The surliness that used
10 get into his talk before ne went away
was rot there. He laughed easily and
told stories about his adventures on the
other side. 10 was only when the ebony
shadow OF Johnson fell across the con-
versational paths that Jeffries looked as
II he wished somebody would hand him
an ak.
4 Dream.
Jenries was asked about the report that
had been cabled over TO the effect that
he had demanded purse OF $4,000.
Somebody dreamed that" he said.
''The fight VIII go to the highest bidder
There's 20 be no wrangle about that. We
haven't had any formal bids yet"
I'VE have had several tentative bids.
put in sam Berger. we ought 10
have a couple Of weeks to get the real
bids IT.. and then decision on them will fan !
automatically 20 the best responsible |
bid"
How about theatrical engagements2" I
Jedries turned TO Berger as If willing
20 let him answer that question.
Nothing is going 20 interfere with our !
being on the spot when the time comes. " |
said Berger. 'JeI may pick up a little /
expense money. but he will sign for no /
extended tour, and any contract that ne I
does make viii contain a release clause /
guaranteeing his presence En- the ring"
While I'm in New York. said Jefries /
II m going 20 do some work in Cooper's !
gymnasium. I want 20 get back 10 the I
mountain air as soon as I can. I'm not /
fooling myself when 1 say that I think I.
I'm in shape 10 fight Johnson tomorrow.
but want 10 be absolutely sure that I'm 4
IN the best possible shape when get into .
the ring.
Whatever Berger signs up for goes"
he said. II won't even have TO know
what It Is II goes anyway. Anything he
says is good enough FOR me-"
'Jeff is an awful big fellow TO call a
colt said the other member Of the
Jehries and Berger Mutual Admiration
Association, but he's as frisky as a colt.
He's keen for his work and right on
edge"