Omaha daily bee., 1915-04-06
sonNns AT THE RINosIDn
platform IL DirectIy in Front Of Big
steel CFandstand.

PInfferzn IL directly in Front of Hig
steel GFandstand.
RINosrDE. Oriental Park. Havana.
Aprii s.--1hs sun broke through darkly
overcast slsy as the crowds began 70 ar
rive az the scene Of the worlds heavy
weight championship fight between Jack
Johnson OF Texas and Jess Willard OF
Kansaa the setting for the battle was
picturesque. ring had been erected
directly on the race track In front OF the
big steel graEdstand
II front Of the grandstand the long
slope leading 20 the track was covered
With seats like those OF circus. About
the ring boxes were arranged and more
circus seats were IN the field
Rinsaide hox seats sold for e&, slope
seats cost $50, while SIS was paid for
Krandstand seats. From SIS the prices Of
other seats fell 10 81 for general admis-
zion. but In addition 20 the fight all
spectators were required 20 pay u for the
privilege OF witnessing the racing at the
conclusion OF the fight.
The. ring was eighteen feet inside the
ropes The platform measured twenty
two feet II was strongly broced be-
meath 70 withstand the weight Of the
/ largest man who ever entered the prize
ring for a championship fight.
Two hours before time for the fight
the ring was being completed. The heavy
hemp ropes were wrapped twice with
black tire tape. Great care was taken in
preparlng the floor beneath the red cam
| vas covering and score OF red blankets
! were placed there as padding.
From two platforms moving picture
machines were focused on tho ring. Five
/ machines comprised the battery. three
10 be used regularly and two 20 be held
IN reserve.
There was great excitement about II
o'clock when Il was discovered that no
one had thought about the bel to be
rung At the starting and stopping OF the
rounds. Two messengers were despatched
60 Havana TO purchase a gong.
Cuban troops began TO reach the tract
al 1o;se o'clock. Several companies Of
infantry ana two troops OF khaki clad
cavalry were soon on the scene
At u:so. one-kour hour before the figh'
was scheduled TO start. several thousand
people had arrived ana found seats but
the more expensive locations containet
but few spectators
Nosables ReEin 20 Arrive.
The first notables 70 reach the ring
side seats were the mayor Of Havana ans
the speaker Of the Cuban House OF Rep
resentatives
Mat HInkel OF Cleveland. the alternative
referee. came in few minutes after tn
mayor and began az once to help viii
, the final arrangemente.f
by shis tino a number Of soldiers ha'
taken IN their positions around the RIM
. enclosure. soldiers az this hour scenes
. 70 constitute haif Of the crowd.
! The ring was finished shortly befor
! noon. while the strongest Il undoubtedf
! was also the crzldest ever erected for
! worlds championship fight The band I
I the grandstand entertained the gatherin
| crowds The first tune Il rendered wa
. by the Beautiful Sea" which set IN
American contingent whistiing.
I Late arrivals at the arena told Of man
2 automobae wrecks along the marrow an
I crowded road from Havana. but Up
8 nooa there had been no serious acciden
There was a liberal percentage {
q woman among the spectators. Host {
= them oecupfsd box seats and many vel
q Americans.
!. AZ Il o'clock the Gun aud clouds vel
q SIN fighting for supremacy. Several vel
= dark uloudhanks were hanging over a
= saa. offering q menace OF rain
A No blg betting was reported az 4
rinsEide. hut the bekdng machines We
y literally palruBized Ia amounts from q