The Washington herald., 1910-02-20
Copyright 1910, by George Matthew Adams

Arguments pro and con as 10 the re-
suit OF the Jeffries-Johnson fight have
brought out many "reminiscences Of pu-
condition Of Jeffries IS undoubtedly tie
handspring OF his chances, the principal
contention among the pessimistic IS the
unqualified assurance that he can never
be brought back 10 the same condition
that he vas In seven years ago. Il is
probably a fact that he will be lacking In
some things, as age spares no man. but
the friends Of "Jeff'' believe that II be
can get IS per cent Of his youthful ability
and stamina back he has a good winning
chance against Johnson.
In the course Of "A discussion a few DAYS
ago among some Of the old time sporting
men the memorable contest between Sui
Ivan and Corbett was mentioned. The
fact was brought TO bear that COrbetts
youth and sullivan's age and extrava-
gances told the tale The argument
brought out some facts that may never
have been published In regard to SulH-
vans condition upon nat occasion.
1t will be remembered that Casey, the
handball player. had charge Of Sullivans
training. and the afternoon Of the day Of
the fight he invited some Of Sullivan
friends TO visit him In the Gymuastic
Club while the champion was being
rubbed down after a short jog on the
road, Among the number was Arthur
Chambers. who had been asked TO stick
close 10 Sulliyan's corner during the fight.
As soon as Sullivan came into the strip
ping room for his rundown he greeted
Chambers in his usual gruff way. and
slipping out Of his street garments seemed
TO be in a very fair way for a long con-
test. Little superfiuous flesh could be
noticed externally, and at a glance one
would have believed him TO be in the pink
of condition.
Sullivan Would Not Work.
1t was a very different story, however,
when Casey told Chambers Of the meth
DDS he had been compelled 10 pursue TO
get Sullivan into the condition IN which
he had him. Casey, knowing that Cham
bers might be one Of Sunivau's rngside
advisers. unbOsomed himself to the Phila-
delphia old time champion. You think
he looks well" said Casey. "All that fine
appearance which you see has been done
by rubbing. I could not get the big fell
low to do one-tenth enough road or any
other work to prepare him thoroughly.
He would not work, and the only thing
left TO do was to fix him up the best way
We could. Many a time when he would
start out OF his quarters for a long road
jog he would not get more than a couple
Of miles. when he would sit down, and
after a rest would march back again"
Chambers was displeased with the dis
closure. as he had bet heavily on Sullivan
and expected to see him in the best posi-
bic trim. At that he did not hedge
any Of his money. which he could easily
have done. as the betting at the ring
side was , to I on Sullivan. Chambers
believed that the champion could win
under almost any conditions and stood
pat
The conversation between Casey and
Chambers took place while Sullivan was
getting ready for his shower and plunge
in the big swimming tank in the Gymnas-
tic Club. After taking a shower Sullivan
took dive In the pool ard swan around
for about five minutes. Chambers in the
meanwhile watching him from the foot
walk. After five minutes of swimming
Chambers asked Casey how long Sullivan
would remain in the pool He is liable
to stay in there for half an hour if he
feels Ike It," answered Casey.
And Sullivan wouldn't.
Chambers, knowing that swimming Is a
very severe form of exercise, at once
called to Sullivan to come out of the pool
as he had to be in the ring at eight
o'clock, and it was then nearly five.
Come out Of there, you bloomin' sea-
pig" shouted Chambers 10 Sullivan.