The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-23
Hints and RumorS That
Johnson Was Afraid TO
Knock Out O'Brien.
NO DECENT EXCUSE
FOR MAKING MATCH"
White Mans Record Sure Cause
for Doubts Negro Taken
Too Seriously.
By THOMAS S. RICE.

Hints and rurnors that the six-round
sight in Philadelphia last Wednesday
night between Jack O'Brien. a self-eon-
fessed faker. and Jack Johnson negro
with a record that has never appealed
TO sportsmen, are developing into yelled
charges that It was fixed.
When the careers Of the two men are
considered there need be no surprise at
this, and competent critics at the ring
side are at a complete loss to under
stand the tactics OF johnson on any
other basis than that he was not trying
his best. That he had several rallies
and showed flashes in which, with his
boxing ability and superior weight. and
reach he made O'Brien look weak is
admitted. but that he absolutely failed
to use his natural advantages and
fought most Of the time as II tied to a
post is also admitted. Although not
wen trained, it is claimed, ile did not
attempt 10 exert himself as much as
his remaining strength would have per-
mitted, and was content to let the white
man dance in and out and take desper-
ate chances which would not have been
predicted by any critic familiar with
O'Brien's style.
johnson Under Pull?
The presumption limited at by some of
those who have considered the queer
angles OF the bout is that Johnson was
under a heavy forfeit not to put out
O'Brien, and was TOO much afraid of
losing the money 10 get too gallus in
the way Of heavy punches If VIII be
remembered that O'Brien once had
Tommy Ryan sewed up in just such
a manner, and that there was almost
exactly the same agreement when he
nrSt met Tommy Butts
The consequence of the suspicious
caused by JohnsOns showing is that the
American prize ring has another scam
dal and q lettering sport has received
another shot between wind and water
that may cause II 10 sink, IN a sea Of
1n1amy. The alleged arrangement
whereby OiBrien was 20 receive 70 per
cent OF the house and pay Johnson s
guarantee of $500 has added TO the dis
the referee and guiding spirit OF the
National Athletic Club, which pulled of
the affair, accompanied by Jack O'Brieu,
vent 10 Pittsburg TO see Johnson 10 ar
range Tor the match %, which does not
sound well TO start with. Business
Manager Edwards, OF the club, says
the proposed financial scheme did not
90 through, that O'Brien got 80 per
cs2t OF this house, s. $50. and John
rumor was abroad and the fact that
O'Brien was counted a factor in pulling
on the bout smells to high heaven.
No Excuse For Bout.
There was absolutely no reason under
the sun for giving this new black eye
To Dugilism. That O'BTien was no
physical match for Johnson was well
known, aud il was q dead moral GER
tainIy that the fight would settle no
questions concerning the real ability OF
either man. 1t was equally certain that
no matter how Il ended there would be
a cloud of suspicion such as has already
been cast over the event. and that in
the long run a fine, manly sport which
has been unreasOnably decTied by ig-
noIant "Feformers' wohld be the real
sufferer.
Nor has there been the slightest ex-
cuse for ever allowing o BEien 20 break
into the ring after the exposure OF his
methods, as told BY himself VIXEN he was
douole-crossed by Tommy Burns. When
that nauseous revelation Of the depths
OF unsROFtsmsniiks conduct Was pub
hsheds o Brien was denounced from one
end OF the country 10 the ether. He
was branded IN terms that would have
made a right-thinking man want &c
commit suicide, The Philadelphia
papers used language about him sc
strong that even the papers in other
cities eXpurgated 70 before using Il. He
was supposed TO be consigned forever Il
an impenetrable oblivion. TO De buried
under weight of shame which he could
never hope to lift.
Took Up o'Brien Again.
AGulpls LlEllL-Q along Tor a year OF
two. the buried man began to poke his
head above the sods, and was heard
from again as picking lemons in Phila,
delphia. Tentatively at first, enthusi.
astically afterward. the Philadelphia
papers began 10 turn the Iirnelight IL
his direction. and TO tear away the vel
they themselves had so ardentiy weavet
around him for the protection OF tn,
public eyes and nose. Next in thei
gossip and news stories they began q
warm I'd to him as n1IddleWeight cham
pion, and in the meantime the New
York papers were following the Phila
delDhia lead. Finally, from weIl-de
served Ostracism O'Brlen burst fortl
anew as star Of hstiana, and hi
merits were discussed as II he had neVts
been hurled into outer darkness.
was sad commentary on sportsman
ship II the suckers are coming tina
easy O'Brien can hardly be blamed ]
he slipped another over on them las
Wednesday
Another amusing phase OF the news
paper comments about the night is IN
manner in which Johnson Is discusse
in the same lofty terms and on the sam
basis that a competent literary crit
would use in estimating the position +
letters Of the late Owen Meredith. tn
psychology OF his fight Is calmly dis
sected and he is reproved for his ba
breaks as II he were man Of vast IN
tenigence, capable Of comprehension
what II is all about. These lofty thinB
ers forget that he IS merely a negr
prizeffghter, whose head, from all al
counts mas been lnoTdnately swelled b
a sudden rise % prominence. and Wh,
but for his blind luck in coming into Oh
arena AT a time when there are no res
heavyweights, would never have bee
more than a third rate scrappeF dgul
ing in prellminaries and semi Windup
when men OF class were performing.
It's wonder some of the screamed
who have wasted so much ink boostin
O'Brieu and Johnson, as II that pa
were worth ordinary consideration, d
not take passage on the next balloo
that has an engagement 10 explode b'
yond the snow line.