The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-19

even if they had to throw Sullivan over- board
 Smith, who was selected as referee. got wind of the scheme before the men en- tered the ring, however, and proceeded to declare himself to the gang in this manner:
 T will not stand for any unfair play. The plans that have been arranged for tonight will not go through and certain men close to the ropes much retire to the rear!" Because of his firmness Sullivan was able to win the fight on his merits in eight rounds.
 Was Absolutely Fair.
 Smith, after that, was regarded as a fair play sport and every English pugil- ist who came to these shores enlisted his support. He was behind Jem Mace when the latter fought Joe Coburn. He sec onded Jem Carney in the great battle with Jack McAuliffe, and handled Char ley Mitchell when he was beaten by Cor bett at Jacksonville. Smith was the packer of Billy Hummer when he beat Spider Kelly for the bantam champion ship, and was also the referee of that mill, treating both boys with extreme fairness.
 The last time Smith acted as third man in the ring was at Coney Island, in 1892. ' hooked up. During the early stages of the mill Pierce looked like a sure win ner to the club officials, who backed him heavily, but Siddons was a long distance fighter and as the battle progressed 1t looked as If Pierce would be defeated. So Judge Richard van Brunt Newton, one of John Y. McKane's henchmen, called Smith aside between rounds and told him to declare the fight draw.
 I'm the referee, Newton" said Smith I've must have fair play. The boys must fight it out according to the arti- cles of agreementv
 Round after round Siddons continued to improve until finally Newton jumped into the ring himself and called the fight . draw. Smith left the building in dis gust and declared that he would neSer referee a bout again.
 There never was a more charitable sporting man than this veteran soldier or fortune. In his palmy days. after a biI winning, he frequently entered a cafe and gave every broken-down sport a $20 note. He seemed to delight in helping impecunious fighters and gamblers, and he probably helped to bury more of them than any man in this country.
 Saved Tracey From Hanging.
 He saved Billy Tracey from the gallows after the latter killed Kid Miller on Broadway opposite the Gilsey house. Tracey kept a. place on Twenty-ninth street for years, and was always con sidered a bad man with gun or in fracas. When Tracey died Smith gave him decent burial, al- though he couldn't afford 1t at the time. It didn't matter how bad a fellow seemed to be, for big-hearted Al Smith always found some good in him and was ever ready to lend helping hand.
 Tom Costello. an old sporting man of Cleveland, who knew Smith for 63 years. in speaking of him said recently: Al was easily the king of sports. He was the best fellow ever knew. We were neighbors in Cleveland, where Smith was born. He could play billiards like a champion. run like a race horse, fight like a lion and bet his money like a prince"
 As a stakeholder Smith handled great money. During the big election cam paigns he usually took care of thousands of dollars put up by all classes of busi- ness. professional and sporting men. He