The Detroit times., 1912-07-04
CROWDS MAKE LAS VEGAS
LOOK LIKE RENO Il IN
SPITE OF BEAR STORES
Last Nights Gloom, Thicker
Than Senegambian's Scull,
is Pierced
ACCOMMODATION LACKING

EAST LAS VEGAS, N. NJ, July A.
Although far less than the number
expected was in Las Vegas this morn
ing to witness the Flynn-Johnson
worlds championship contest, the pro-
motors OF the battle were agreeably
surprised when the late trains dis
charged scores from all points that
not even the most sanguine had ex-
pectcd.
Tuesday night the gloom around
fight headquarters was thicker than
Senegambian's skull. The money in
the box amounted to less than $4,000,
which with the $4,000 guaranteed by
the citizens OF Las Vegas, was little
more than sufficient to meet Johnson's
guarantee
Great store was set by the expect
ed arrivals Wednesday morning. but
these failed TO materialize. Few
came In automobiles after hard drives
oyer the desert. but trains failed to
di5gorge more than corporal's dozen.
The first ray of hope came when
the Denver special, the first to ar
rive, brought an even 100 into the
city, The Denverites seemed TO be
harbingers OF better times to come
and from the moment OF their arrival
until late at night, automobile parties
augmented the arrivals by train, more
than coming up to the expectations
OF those who saw little more than
5000 around the arena at the hour
the battle was scheduled to start
Last night was one OF hunger and
sleeplessness for many. Three DAYS
ago. when II seemed that few would
be here, the food and bed merchants
gave up the plans they had made for
handling monster crowd, and the RI
suit was that accommodations were
lar from being adequate. Early in
the evening hundreds were forced to
wait hours before they could find a
place to eat, while the lodging house
keepers and private families were put
10 their utmost to prepare sleeping
quarters for the many arrivals and
then only with partial success.
The only large hotel in town was
crowded to CAPACITY three days ago,
which means that every room In the
mouse contained four or more guests.
While sentiment this morning was
2 to 1 in favor of Johnson. and very
little betting at that price, the cham
pion's condition worried even the
wise boys. That II would be test of
wind, but not of the wordy sort. SEEM
ed to be the general conclusion after
word had been passed around that
Johnson. not feeling that his lungs
were working to the best advantage
took to the road for a 12-mile iaunt
"a hours before the battle.
10 m oil Dot
ton and added to the supply Of the
| told you So contingent. To add to
the Joy OF the Flynnites authoritative
word came from the Johnson camp
late in the afternoon to the effect that
Johnson hoped, and intended to win
before the 18th round.
IT may be the reason and am not
saying this to affect the betting" said
a member Of the Johnson outfit last
night, bat there is a feeling among
us. sort OF bunch, that Jack must
win within IL rounds. or course, we
feel that he Is going to win earlier.
and that there Is no possible chance
Tor him TO lose, but the twelfth round
seems to possess us, Why It is, I
don't know, but that's our bunch.
Some OF us are betting that way, but
We don't know what will happen after
hat period Jack is betting his own
money that he will win within Is
'ounds and that strengthens the bunch
10 far as our betting is concerned"
Flynn came into town last evening
Tor a conference with Referee Smith.
The air OF a week ago had returned
and he was as full OF determination
Ind confidence as ever. After discuss
ng the rules with Smith, the chal-
enger said:
Now, Ed. don't let a little blood
influence you. bleed easily, and may
ook to be badly hurt, but so long as
am able to stand and breath I don't
want you to interfere"
Johnson was seen earlier In the day
~ Smith for discussion OF the rules.
I was agreed that the men can fight
10 long as they have one arm free.
tut the moment they are locked they
must break, protecting themselves at
vi times. They will not be compelled
Q step back on the breakaway, but
ither can Immediately resume inside
york.
This is decidedly to Flynn's advan.
age as he plans to STAY In closa NJ