The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-07-01
BY AsIKE MURPHY.

Copyright BY North American Company and The
Washington HeEaldJ
by AgIKE MURPHY.
Reno. June 9o-Fears that the sudden
shift from California in the closing train
ing days TO the high country Of Reno
would affect adversely the eondi-
tions of Jeffries and Johnson have not
been borne out by the condition Of the
men.
The bad influence of such change
would be shown entirely in the wind.
but there is nothing the matter with the
bellows Of either the boilermaker or the
negro.
Those who attend the bout Will see
every biz as good contest as though
the governor. Of California had not at
the last minute decided to exclude the
battle from the bounds of his State.
I was with Johnson just after 10 o'clock
this morning when he had finished his
road work. He had gone ten miles over
these rough and dusty Nevada roads.
People in the East have no idea of any
roads like these, for they never get a
drop of rain here in the summer.
Strenuous Work
II was terribly hot. and Johnson did not
spare himself. As he ran he was con-
stantly inhaling dust in quantities.
If ever a man had an excuse TO puff a
little and give indications that the lungs
had suffered from the strain, it was the
big negro. but he made no sign what
ever, and while his rubbers worked over
him, he ehatted 10 them in an even voice
that indicated not the least sign that he
had just concluded a strenuous bit Of ex-
ercise.
If the mountain air had affected the
negro this would not have been pos
sible The same is equally true of Jen-
ries. There is nothing apparently the
imatter with the bellows which will pump
for the white man the ina thai vii
keep him going during the long struggle
Johnson's s composure seems to return 10
him as the fght draws nearer. When
FIRST saw him last week, il struck me
that he seemed to be brooding over the
outcome of the contest, and surely it Is
something 10 make a man thoughtful TO
be pitted against the acknowledged best
man in the world for d purse that
amounts 10 a fortune, and properly
guarded would keep man comfortable
for life.
But now Jack is as cheerful as a
young bridegroom.
He is cheerful all the time, and moth
ing seems to disturb his good nature He
answers the fool questions of those who
visit his quarters with most notable
self-control
He never asks me any questions about
Jefries. yet he knows that I am close
10 the boilermaker and am constantly
moving about both camps In fact he
has little or nothing 70 say about the
fight. About the most you get out Of
him is the expression of opinion that he
never felt better in his life than right
now.
Some Real Training.
Flanagan. his handler. tells me that it
is really the first time the negro did any
real training, for in his other bouts he
held his antagonists very cheaply. But
he knows he is up against it now. and
has done more than ever before. OF
course, according to my ideas, even that
is not nearly enough.
I was talking to Johnson to-day about
abdominal fat. and he assured me that
he did not believe that any hidden layers
had had a chance 10 collect on him.
II has been many years since Johnson
has been completely out of training
Even between fights he has done enough
10 keep him somewhere near condition.
This fact VIII, I think, stand him in good
stead when the time for the showdown
comes on Monday.
Johnson stripped is as good a specimen
OF the African as you will find He has
most of the physical good points of col
Ored men. and the bad points are not
accentuated.
His head is not quite of the best shape,
but the face is good, with large and
kindly eyes, and a good strong mouth.
He has cared well for his teeth. His
neck IS short and powerful and he will
have no trouble 10 bury his head well
down into his shoulders when the white
man begins his cannonading.
Strong In Body.
His body is splendidly made. His
thighs are large and strong. tapering into
8 the real negro's calf. long. thin, and
sinewy. He has a lower leg much like
John Taylor, the former champion inter-
collegiate runner at Pennsylvania. His
feet are fat but not large, and consider
ing the amount OF work he has done, are
in fine condition.
Altogether. 1 should say that a fine
piece Of work was turned out in this
i giant African
Unless he has that yellow streak that
they talk about. JeffTies is going TO have
all he can do 10 clean up.
1t is funny, too If Johnson is yellow
q for he has not the kind of a personality
Of the craven. He has a different dispose
! ton entirely from most Of the quitters
have seen in athletics. I have warned
Corbett not TO let Jeffries count too
8 strongly on that mueh-discussed tendency
Of the negro's to frighten
He has every incentive to make him
fight gamely. and even coward with the
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