Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-07-17

Attack on Boxing.
The Daily News alone among the
morning papers violently attacks
Smith Its editor. A C. Gardiner, the
great paciflst advocate. contributes a.
column description Of the scene. which
he designates as "a foul and shame
full disgrace to civilization" He ac-
cuses Smith of striking a defenseless
opponent a hideous blow behind the
cara blow which has knocked Smith
bring shame to the cheek OF every
honest American"
Mr.. Gardiner makes the incident the
theme Of an equally violent attack on the
revival of pugilism and its royal and
aristocratic supporters.
A majority OF the morning papers agree
that Smiths foul was wholly uninten-
tional. Several Of them say that Ref
to continue the fight. Although it is gen.
orally agreed that the fight appeared to
be Carpenters, much sympathy Is ex-
pressed for Smith and regret at the I'M
fortunate ending.
Victory for Carpenter.
Carpenter. the young French cham
pion. and the only pugilist of premier
rank France has ever contributed to the
game. was awarded the decision last
night over "Gunboat' Smith Of Philadel-
phia. worlds white heavyweight cham
pion. on a foul in the sixth round Of
the fastest heavyweight fight Londoners
have seen in many years.
The match between the two heavy
weights was fought at Olympia and was
scheduled to go twenty rounds. 10
Smith and his supporters the finish was
tragedy. because the blow for which
the American was disqualified was nei-
Their studied nor Intentional.
1t was launched in the heat OF the
whirlwtnd fighting when the Frenchman
had slipped to his knees. and the spec
tators saw the gaunt sailor recoil and
attempt to draw back almost as his arm
flew out.
Nevertheless. the ending Of the fight
adds another to the unfortunate chap
has kindled bad feeling and Is likely to
be followed by long-drawn-out argu-
mentS.
Prejudice Against Smith.
There has been an undercurrent Of
prejudice against American boxers
among English ring followers. and how
ever unintentional "Gunboat" Smiths
breach Of the rules was, 1t probably
will be cited in support Of this prejudice
The popular judgment awarded Carpen-
Pitted against such q powerful an
tagonist as Smith. 1t was evident that
the F'renchman's marvellous Qutckness
had not been exaggerated. He showed a
left lead like a flash Of lightning and a
powerful and equally swift right. His
footwork was wonderful. and although
Smith was remarkably quick for q big
man. he was noticeably slower than his
younger opponent
When the French contingent carried
Carpenter to his corner in the sixth
round, the utmost confusion reigned.
The ring was crowded with excited Off
Gals and seconds, and thousands Of
spectators were on their feet, shouting
and groaning. In this round. Carpenter.
after playing for an opening. while
keenly watching the Americans right,
had tented cleverly with his left, and
then brought a powerful right across
Smiths jaw.
The punch did not land squarely. but
glanced off, and, carried by the force
Of his blow. Carpenter swung around
and slipped to his knees.
Quickly Smiths right shot forth. He
drew back and plainly would have with
held the blow on second thought Then
he stepped back and waited for the
Frenchman to rise.
Just what happened to "Gunboat's'
right is likely to be an everlasting cause
of controversy. The men nearest to the
ring disagree widely. Some say that it
jolted Carpenters spine hard at the
back of the neck; some say 1t Just grazed
the neck and others say it missed en-
tirely.