Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1910-08-01

fear Of riot and immoral influence
upon the youth. that governors and
mayors all over the country have
raised their voices i'm strongest re-
monstrance against it's production up
on the screen by the moving picture
shows of our land
But pugilism is far more than a
fight. That is its least damaging
phase. a fight is soon over and for
gotten. The worst thing about pu
gilism is that it is a life. 1t is a
society. And it is society that
challenges the peace and law of our
states and cities. Remember the
challenges it made against California's
governor. The naughty demeanor and
rebellous attitude of the promoters,
gave tense strain upon the police
and executive powers of the city,
they were compelled to vacate. The
spirit of the institution is one of
outlaw. The men are not bad men at
heart. Many, yes the most of them
are the kindest and most generous Of
men. But pugilism makes victims of
them. Its spirit destroys its higher
natures. 1t appeals to Illicit passions
and appettes. The game itself af-
fords an excitement for which salts
faction the sport will pay any price.
1t affords the most intensely exciting
basis for gambling. All of which
tends to the most degrading spirit of
which any society can be possessed.
1t ruins most all whom it touches.
1t blights the lives and Weakens the
physical manhood of its heroes. What
is unhappy John l.. Sullivan now.
He was even joke at Reno. Where
is Gentleman Jim-the once true
nickname Of James j. Corbett And
now James j. Jeffries has been added
/ to the list of ruined heroes. The son
| of a preacher A giant in strength,
possessing superior brain, intended of
God for great use to his fellows. The
spirit of this society found him, grip
ped him. drew him into its heart and
! life, and ruined him.
am not an enemy to clean sport
and athletics l have won some of
| the highest honors among athletes
during university. days. l played foot
ball and was appreciated for strength
and activity ! enjoyed sparring for
points. In a Kansas institution l have
n plain back lift record of 1875
| pounds that stood for fifteen years,
and also other records that stood for
some years-such as putting the shot
and throwing the hammer. l mention
| these personal matters for no other
| purpose than to emphasize my appre-
| citation of clean athletics. Clean sport
of field and arena appeals to every
| normal man and woman. We all adj
mire and become interested in con-
| tests of strength as long as they are
| clean and wholesome, in their moral.
| physical and intellectual influence.
| But when they become Obstructive of
these virtues, our attitude changes 1t
| changes for sheer interest in our fell
| lows, our neighbors, and our neigh
| bors' loved ones. 1t should change.
We can't remain in favor of destruc-
| tive influences and continue true to
| the spirit of our state and national
| law and life. The patriotic citizen,
even one who knows not the defini-
tion of religion. If he would be true
to a sacred trust which he received
with his birth. must cry out loud
against every disturbing element,
which threatens the social welfare
and domestic tranquility in the least.