Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-06-27
Arena teI the Big Fight
Springs Up at Reno.
johnson Trains Sunday While
jeff Goes Fishing. +
Betting Odds Al Frisco Remain I 0
To In Favor OF jeff.

Reno, June 26.--Quiet steady prog
ress, in striking contrast with the
mad whirl of events which marked
preceding days characterized the first
Sunday in Reno since the Nevada me-
tropolis became the Mecca of the
sporting world as the theatre of the
Jeffries-J Johnson fight.
With the arena springing up like
some strange mushroom. the fighters
devoting themselves to earnest prep
aration for the meeting and every
hour bringing assurances of special
trains and cars from all points of the
compass. Tex Richard today knew the
first day of peace that he has expe-
rienced since Gov. Gillett of Califor-
mia issued mis- instructions to prevent
the fight In San Francisco. At Moana
Springs today, there was contin.
uous procession of automobiles. car
riages, motor cycles, less modern vehi-
cles and pedestrians. Jim Corbett was
master of ceremonies and he passed
most of the day the center of inter-
estcd groups. Jeffries was not to be
seen. He began the day with fish
ing excursion which led him UP the
T1uckee river. The restless crowl
heard little of his plans. The peculiar
ity of the pugilist and his utter dis
regard of anybody's views as to what
he should do is as noticeable here as
it was at Ben Lomond.
Jack Johnson was his own master
of ceremonies. The big Negro was
in his most affable humor He began
the day with brisk Smile walk.
hic inc uny.k for Tho cnO1
of the evening. He spent much of che
day entertaining the visitors who
thronged his quarters.
1t is one Of Johnson's traits that he
likes to see everybody happy. He
kept things going most of the time
today, urging singers in the camp to
greater efforts. calling this or that
bystander into the fun and occasion
ally assisting the general merrinent
with solo or obligato selection on
his cello. Nearly everybody in Reno
visited one OF the other camp today.
Most of them visited both. Many
women were in the curious throngs.
With little to distract their attention.
the street gatherings today drifted bach
to he question of Who will VIM
The corners were noisy with arguing
men. Opinions of men whose words are
taken as sporting law in various parts
of the country could be heard on every
hand Fighters with ring records. pro-
moters who have staged great battles in
their time, trainers made wise in fight
ing lore by years of experience. jostled
and joked with each other all day.
In all the talk there could be found no
consensus. All agreed. however. that
there are too many angles and too many
possibilities and unknown quantities 20
admit of sure forecast Of the outcome.
The rank and file of the Fourth of July
has not put in it's appearance.
When they come they will come in rush
and railroad officers are prepared to ham
die the greatest traffic congestion Reno
has ever known. A few are dropping In
from time to time over the brake beam
route, but the railroad is policing it's lines
in all directions to guard against the vio-
lators of the anti-pass law, while city
and county officers. backed by the state
police, are taking care of all rough char
acters.
When darkness fell tonight over the
site on which the two heavyweights will
meet the entire framework of the arena
had been set in place and it was ANNOUNCE
ed that the pavilion would be completed
by Saturday
Section by section the sides of the &C.
tagon have been erected. Most of the
heavy work was completed in IA working
hours. When the turnstiles are ready for
there will be room for IT,
BOO persons inside the enclosure The sale
Of tickets will be in full swing tomorrow.
Capt. William Cox of the Nevada state
police arrived today with six of his picked
desert riders. He comes by order of Gov.
Dickerson and will be Joined by more of
his force later. Capt Cox and his men
will assist the Reno officers in preserving
order.
Tom Corhett of San Francisco, an
pointed official betting commissioner
Of the contest by Richard. is expected
to handle the wagers that
will be made. Much interest is dis
played as to the probable odds. At
ter his return from his fishing trip at
Wheeler's lake. Jeffries late today
came to Reno in an automobile with
his brother Jack and two friends.
John l.. Sullivan was visitor to-
1"- at Jeffries' camp He met his
old rival, James J. Corbett and was
led by him into conference with
Jcffries and Joe Choynsl1i Gathered
in the shade of a cotton tree the four
enjoyed a pleasant chat,
at the conclusion of which Jeffries
for his rod and reel and was
off for a mess of bass.
Jack johnson followed a fairly full
routine of training today. He took an
smile walk in the morning and. after
his siesta went four rounds with Al
Kaufman and like number with
Walter Monahan. Bag punching con-
Guided the afternoons performance.
again declared that he felt
absolutely no i'll effects from the alti-