davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
LEONARD SHADES DUNDEE IN LIVELY
 TEN ROUND BOUT

New York, March 9.-Fsor ten rounds at Madison Square Garden last night Benny Leonard, the Harlem light weight, and Johnny Dundee, the little Italian boxer, indulged in the most in a New York ring in a long while. The cool, cautious Leonard was p1tted against the dogged aggressiveness of Dundee and if there was any advan- tage when the end came, Leonard had 1t by a very narrow margin.
 Dundee fought his usual aggressive battle. He was always coming in head down, but his arms were swing ing wildly last night, and he missed repeatedly. Leonard did not resort to swinging He hit out straight from the shoulder, and popped Dundee's s face until it was red and his nose bleeding.
 The big moment of the scrap came in the eighth round, when Leonard hooked quick, sharp blow to Dun dee's jaw, and the Italian went to the floor. He bounced up again and aged to keep him away until the bell sounded. Dundee rushed so wildly that time and. again he had to go into a clinch to stop himself. At might ing the Italian pounded Leonard s body thoroughly, but he was unable to land often on his face or jaw. Leonard finished the bout without 8 mark on his face. He boxed a careful, cool-headed fight and permitted Dun dee to go ahead in his madness.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
ANNIVERSARIES
 OF RING BATTLES

1911-A1 Palzer defeated Frank Moran in 10 rounds at New York. At that time Moran had more than a dozen battles under his belt, while big Al, the Iowa farmer, was a novice at the game. A little later Palzer won
 the white hope" tournament in New York and knocked out Al Kaufman,
 Tom Kennedy and Soldier Delaney.
 While Al was getting into the lime light the hope of the white race, Moran was taking on third-rate box CTS and was practically unknown. In 1912 Pa1zer added to his laure1s by knocking out Bombardier Wells, the
 British heavyweight champion. At that period Pa1zer looked far more
 promising than either Willard or Moran. Iowa, the home of the worlds champion wrestler, seemed likely to
 get another slice of the 1imelight as the native state of the heavyweight
 boxing champion of the white race. Then, ker-p1unk! the bubble burst. Luther McCarty started the obsequies by knocking out big Al in the 18th
 round; Frank Moran put another nail in the Pa1zer pugi1istic coffin by giv- ing All the soporific stuff in the 7th
 chapter, and Demon Dan Daily com
 p1eted the job by stopping Al in 2
 rounds. Alas, poor Pa1zer! We knew
 him weII-a lad of most excellent ir- tentiOnS
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
CHASE AND MILLS
 ONLY FED PLAYERS ON SINCLAIR LIST

New York. March e-Pat Powers has now disposed of all the players Harry Sinclair left in his hands ex- cept two, Hal Chase and Rupert Mills, the young Newark first baseman. Chase appears destined to take life easy at Sinclair's expense this sum- mer, but Mills is due for an Interna- tiona1 League berth
 Fred Penney has asked to see Mills contract and Arthur Irwin has made him an offer to play with Toronto. While at Notre Dame University Mills got an offer to join the Giants.
 Penney and Jim Price are going rather slowly but surely in their work of organizing the playing force of the Newark club. They received the sign ed contract of Pitcher Sma1Iwood yes terday. Sma1lwood joined the Harris burg club late last season, after star ring in the Blue Ridge League Jack Dalton, former Dodger outfielder, who hopped to the Buffalo Feds last sea- son, may land with Newark.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
Vignaux and Schaefer

The recent death of Maurice. Wig naux, the great French billiard ex- pert, recalls the fact that it was thirty years ago today. March g, 1886, that he began his last match on this side of the Atlantic. The big Frenchnan- he was sK-footer-made his first trip across the pond in 1874. After several noteworthy matches with the American cue stars Vignaux came over for what was destined to be his last trip in 1885. Early in the following year Vignaux and Schaefer played a Ss0O0-point match at 14-2 ba1k line for a side bet of $2,5O0. Schaefer was the victor. winning by a. sensational finish 5000 to 2,838. Vfgnaux's back CTS challenged Jake to another match, and he accepted. Play began on the night of March g, 1886, and Schaefer won by the one-si1ed figures of 5000 to 1,855. The F'renchn1an was heart broken by the result of this match, which was for side bet of $3,O0O, and sailed at once for France AL though often urged to do so, he never visited America again.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
CARRIGAN THINKS SPEAKER WILL BE
 SIGNING UP SOON

Bill Carrigan, the boss of the world champion Red Sox, arrived in Boston Tuesday afternoon. He visited the Red Sox headquarters at Forest Hills far 8 few minutes. He was accom- ranieds by Mrs. Carrigan and will re- main in the Hub until tomorrow morn ing. when he will lead the first squad of the Bostonians south to Hot Springs Mrs, Carrigan will return to Lewiston. Me.
 It is possible that Harold Janvr1n will go along with the first crew, as he is anxious to get into shape Carri- gan is enthusiastic over the prospects. aS Jack Barry Informed him that he is working out daily daily in the Holy Cross baseball cage. Larry Gardner also wrote him that he has had a lot of sport this winter snow-shoeing and skating and right now is about ready to begin active preparatory work.
 He had nothing to say other than he expected Iris Speaker would un- doubtedly sign with the club before the season opened. He said, Iris likes the game too much to retire. The salary question will very likely be s3ettIed within a short time. and there will be nothing for the men to do but to get out and hustle from the start, as every one of the clubs will be after the champions from the bIow-on. The men should be able to get into shape by April 12, despite the fact that they are the last of the big ,leaguers- to go into training camp
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
TO GIVE KAUFF AND ED ROUSCH
 COIN THEY ASK

New York, March 9-Negotiations which aim at a speedy settlement of the Benny Kauff case are on, and it is pretty certain that Benny will with in a few days be on his way to Marlin town.
 Harry Hempstead yesterday made no change in his offer of 5000 made the day previous, but the matter has been put squarely to Harry Sinclair, who got $35.O 900 for the star of the Feds. If Sinclair is satisfied that Kauff will not report unless he gets the extra $5,00O he will, without a doubt come across. It rests pretty much with the report Pat Powers wfIp give Sinclair.
 It is understood that a new offer has also been made to Eddie Rouschsa the other Federal oultfielder, who is holding out on the New York club, Rousch's contract with the Newark Feds expired at the close of last sea son. Sinclair contends that Rousch gave him option on his services for this year, and it is this option that Harry sold to the Giants.
 McGraw can send north all sorts of speeches about the danger of his losing patience soon with the holdout brigade, but the fact remains that John Joseph needs the two outfield- CTS pretty badly, and he needs them in a hurry. A few thousand more or less is a picayune consideration in view of the stakes. Kauff and Rousch are there.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
Rag Time Playing At
 Sokol Hall Tomorrow

In addition to the cabaret dance to be given by James Slim Brennan at Sokol hall, tomorrow evening, the well known matchmaker has arrang- ed to have a rag time piano playing contest, for the championship of the state, the winner will receive solid gold medal, Rnd will also be engaged to play forW the professional talent, who will appear at the testimonial benefit to be rendered to Mike Far re11 of Stamford, the latter part of this month.
 Owing to the recent fire at Eagles hall. Brennan had to transfer his con- test and dance over to SokoI hall on the east side. Slim has also vol unteered his services as well as the services of his battlers that are un- der his management, which include Freddie Bosse, K. O. Moran, Willie Condon, Jimmie Snyder, Willie Me Lean, and Banty Lewis. to help make the evening an enjoyable one for the fight fans, that will be at the ringside on the night of the benefit.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09

7 New York, March 9-In the midst of war Russia has not forgotten ath- 1etics and the possibility of future Olympic games. By order of that department of the government which is planning for the athletic supbuild- ing of the younger generation of Rus sians, there arrived in this city re- gently flames F. Anderson. His card bears the inscription:
 Russian trainer in light ath-
 letics and chief administrator in physical culture alt His Imperial
 Highness, the Czar of Russiay
 schools for officers"
 Anderson, who is a $Swede and as a member of the Swedish team com peted in the Olympic games at Stock holm in 1912, bears a formidable package of passports, recommends tions and other official documents, all stamped with Russian and Imperial seals. He explained that owing to the war his field of 1abors in Russia has been rious1y curtailed. In view of the circumstances the gov ernment decided that the time was opportune for a careful study of the American athletic system, which the Russians concede to be the best in the world.
 The Swedish trainer has been given a rowing commission together with a large expense fund and will investi- gate athletics in all it's phases during the coming summer. The system used in holding games. developing athletes, raising funds and forms of control in vogue in the Amateur Athletic Union, Intercollegiate Associations and individual colleges will be the subject of careful study. Anderson will visit various parts, of the coun- try, attend national and intercollegiate meets and interview the leading ath- letic trainers of the United States be- fore he returns to Russia
 In a. recent interview he stated that athletic training, competition and sport will in the future be a feature of Russian life. Following the close of the war he looks for great re- vival of interest in all form of sport throughout Russia. When asked when and where the next Olympic games will be held Anderson simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
 The announcement that Barrett, of Cornell; Lake and Scott, of Lafayette and Welsh, Stark and Grant of Penn
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
COOLIDGE LIKELY
 TO LEAD HARVARD

Cambridge, Mass, March 9.-Har- Wards undergraduates student body did little yesterday except to discuss the football situation The news that Capt Gilman of the varsity eleven. together with Players, Boles and En- wright, had been dismissed from col lege by the faculty was altogether unexpected The three players formed the nucleus for the 1916 team at Cam bridge.
 The football men remaining will be called together shortly to elect an other captain. C.. c. Coolidge, who played substitute end in the last two Yale games, seems to be regarded as the man most likely to land thep lace. Dick Harte, one of last years regular end ruslers, is a junior, as is Jose Harris, last years centre rush. H. Dadmun, a, varsity tackle who came from Tufts, is another eligible, but his election Is not at all likely. Harte is the varsity baseball catcher and is slated for captain of the nine next year.
 An effort will be made by the foot ball committee this week to come. to an understanding with Percy Haugh- ton regarding his continuing as head coach.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
PROF. R. H. FIFE AT
 PEOPLES CHURCH SUNDAY

Dr. Robert H. Fife, Jr.. a professor of German, and at the head of that department in Wesleyan University, ,. Middletown, Conn.,, will be the speak CT next Sunday evening at the People church. Laurel and Park avenues, at 7:30 p. m.
 Professor Fife will speak on "AmeY1ca and Germany" This ls also the subject of his latest book written with the idea of giving the historical relations between the two countries and the basis of German feeling toward the United States.
 Professor Fife is one of Conn6oti- cuts esteemed citizens and is not only doing a most interesting work m Wesleyan, but also in behalf of our state institutions. He is a trustee of the hospital for the insane. and a member of the state board of chaTi- ties.
 The public is most cordially invit- ed to attend this service, as well as ell in the Sunday evening course at the Peoples Church.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
STATE NAMES STAKEHOLDER
 FOR BIG BOUT

New York, March e-The State Athletic Commission took hand in the Wil1ard-Moran bout yesterday and decided to appoint a stakeholder of it's own, in place of Bob Vernon, who now holds whatever money has been put up in forfeits by the contes- tants and their managers. Before a stakeholder will be appoint ed who will be satisfactory to the commission and others concerned. This official will have full charge of all the money, including the purse, forfeits, gate money. The identity of the new official will probably be kept secret, as the management wishes to prevent any attachments or legal tangIes over the money just before the bout takes place.
 The commissi on decided that Yer non was not acceptable as stake holder at a meeting of the body held Chairman Fred A. Wenck and Com nissioners Frank Dwyer and John Franey. The Chairman explained that the commission had no control over Vernon and could not instruct him about holding the money accord ing to their wishes. He advocated appointing a new official over whom the commission would have complete jurisdiction.
 Chairman Wenck stated that he did not to EG1CkdEd 1OE L110 boxers to demand that they be paid the purse twenty-four hours before the bout, as stated in the articles of agreement. It is stated that Tom Jones, manager of Willard, will insist on this arrangement, in spite of the fact that the commission expects that the money will be kept safely in the hands of the officials until after the bout takes place. This arrangement puts Riekard in rather peculiar po- sition, for if the official stakeholder insists on holding the purse until after the fight and Willard insists on get ting his money twenty-four before the bout takes place, Rickard and Mo Cracken will have to put up another purse so that both parties will be sat isfied.
 Moran is going to get more than was at first announced. He will re- ceive just half of what is to be paid to Willard, who will get $47,50O, and Moran's share will be $23,75O. This is probably the large amount ever paid a boxer who holds no title.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
The Evolution of the Bat

In some communities in the early days of the pastime baseball was call ed ttbatbal1''. That wasn't half bad, for the stick is mighty important implement, and quite as necessary as the ball. As all kids know, any old thing will serve as a base, but a bat needs to be just so-so to pass muster with the least critical.
 The modern baseball bat had it's origin just ffty-seven years ago to- day, so this may be called the birth day of the sacred ash. On March g., 1859, at a meeting of the daddies of baseball held in New York, it was de- creed that the bat should be made of wood, and have a diameter not to ex- ceed two and a half inches and a. length not greater than forty-twO inches. In the years that have fol- lowed fewer changes have been made in the bat than in any other thing connected with the game. The pro- vision as to length still stands, but since 1895 the swatter has been privi- legged to use a bat two and three fourths inches in diameter at the tnfckest part. The early rule that the bat be made "of wood" wasn't binding enough in the early days of profes- siona1ism, for some of the players sneaked in bats into which holes had i been made and filled with lead. To put an end to this practice the rule
 
 ''entirely of hard wood.'
 The rule of 1859 prescribed that the bat should be round, and this provision is in effect today, although in the in tervening years there have been some variations. In the early sos a -four sided'' bat was introduced, and was indorsed by the governing body of amateur players, but it didn't last long and was never used by professionals. Later in the same decade bats made of soft wood, and flat on one side, were introduced, to be used in bunt- ing. This variety of bat gained the recognition of the National League, and was used in nearly all profession al circuits up to 1893, when it was discarded and outlawed.
 Prior to the adoption of the rule of 1859 any old kind of stick was per missibIe in baseball. Even flat bats were not barred, although from the very first they were considered un- sportsmanlike and were never used by
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
BAKER SHOWS OLD SKILL IN
 HITTING BALL

Macon, Ga, March 9-Home Run Baker put on a New York uniform for the first time yesterday, and, judging from appearances, whatever the Yankees paid for him, they got their moneys worth.
 A short time ago while indulg1ng in the gentle pastime of rolling logs he neglected to remove the second and third fingers of his right hand from the danger zone. As result he narrowly escaped having them re- moved by the trunk of a tree. The net damage was a bruised second finger and a. third finger which was minus nail. This digit is still swath- ed in gauge.
 In spite of the fact that the weather was cold and raw. and notwithstand- ing his bandaged finger, Baker got as much out of the practice as any man on the field. It must be a little awk- ward for him to grip a bat, but mo- body ever would guess it. The first time he went to the plate he rapped an infield fly, but after that he stead jed and drove the long, savage line hits that have made him so feared by opposing pitchers.
 He waHoped the ball to the fence. and the manner in. which he spr1nted to first be1ied the story about his hay ing & weak leg. No man with a weak leg can get around in the lively fash ion that Baker did. He now weighs about 190 pounds, and expects to re- daice to about 182. It's difficult to see how he will do it, Tor he looks as hard as nails this minute.
 seThere, ein%tlae grand stand. were lot more concerned about Baker started to work briskly and was busy until the squad left. the field The fans need not worry about Baker, coming bacHhe's here
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
NAVY MAY GET 5 COLLEGE
 FOOTBALL STARS FOR ELEVEN
Russia In Spite of War Hires Physical Culture Ex
 pert To Train Men.

sylvania. are to take examinations for entrance to the United States Naval Academy, has set the eastern football world agog. A sextet of gridiron stars of this calibre would make the Navy eleven of 1916 invincible, on pa per at least.
 Four of the six scored more points last fall for their respective colleges than the combined total scores of both the Navy and Army teams. Bar rett led the football world with 161 points; Lake scored 35; Welsh 30, and Scott 27. Stark and Grant after their trouble at Pennsylvania did not figure in the game but their ability is well known. Should all six pass their mental and physical examinations and enter the Naval academy it behooves the Army to get busy if it expects to have a. chance when the two e1evens meet at New York on November 25.
 To be sure the Cadets have O1i- phant, who scored 62 points for the Army including the entire 14 which the soldiers piled up in defeating tn e Navy. O1iphant and Barrett, on op- posing teams next autumn, would lift the Arnny-Navy game into 8 gridiron classic and attract thousands to the Polo Grounds notwithstanding the Harvard-Ya1e game to be played on the same day less than 100 miles away.
 Still O1iphant can hardly be ex- pected to outscore the sextet headed for Annapolis. It appears as though the Army should prepare. There are still some excellent players available as the following list, together with their 1915 point scores, will show: Ta1man, Rutgers, 1855; Curry. Wander bi1t, 1O7; Gi1roy, Georgetown, 96 i; Mayer, Virginia, 81; Hastings, Pitts burgh, 76; Cawley, Colby, 8s; Wi1kin- son, Syracuse, 66 and Meehan. Syra- cuse, 92.
 A comparison of the physical rec ords of present day and former classes at Yale discloses some interesting g data regarding the improvement gen. eration by generation in the American man and boy. Comparing the physi- cal statistics of the Yale classes of 1894 and 1919 it is seen that the Freshman of today is one-f1fth of a year younger when entering college; a full inch taller; one and one-third pounds lighter and has more than one inch, greater chest development than his father.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
BOXING SHOW PROFITABLE.

The boxing show at the Park thea ire Tuesday night was the biggest financial success of the season. It is said that the Glover A. c. made a profit of about $1.3O0. The boys were under big expense, too, for the boxers were hberally treated. Battling Levin sky got $500 and it is said that Wild Burt Kenny's share was about $500.
 It is not safe to assume that all boxing shows in this city make profit, however. The East End A. c. promo ters, who ran the February card, lost $25O largely because they had to get a, substitute for Young McAuliffe Battling Levinsky's January show was a big money maker at the Casino but the only other promoter who was a financial winner was Ducl1y Holmes, who got away with a profit on the October show. His card on Christmas day was a frost from a money stand point.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-09
Wacker of Dartmouth Pitches For Giants In
 Practice At Marlin

\ Marlin, Tex, March 9-Manager McGraW worked few of his veterans in yesterdays game, which went eight innings and resulted in a score of g to 5 in favor of Capt. WendelPs az gregation. Bradley Kocher explained and caught for the losers, but he has a perfect 'alibi in that he retired from the game in the fifth inning when the score was still tie.
 Every member of the regular infieId except Lobert participated in the game. Honus had plenty to do, how ever, as he was the umpire. McGraw placed Merkle and Doyle on one team and built up another infield around Fletcher.
 were rivals on the mound when hos tilities began. They are old enough to know better than to put too much on the ball, so the hitting was lively during their terms. Burns greeted Benton with a home run as the game started. The WendelIs pounded the left handler for five hits and five runs in two innings, and the Kochers made exactly the same number of hits and Cole tied the score in the second round.
 The best pitching of the day was done by Kramer and Henry Wacker, the Dartmouth sophomore, who hook ed up for the next three innings Kramer being assigned to the Kochers The Vancouver recruit not only held the WendelIs to one hit in three in nings, but caught three runners at first base with a half ba1k movement that McGraw pronounced unusually clever for a young pitcher. Wacker had lots of steam and was reached for only two hits.