davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
RIBBONS PREPARED
 !. FOR HARD CONTEST

Kingston, eager and ready for it's basketball clash with the Blue Rib- bons tonight in Colonial hall, will ar rive in this city early from New Y ork city and from advanced reports the visitors are full of confidence that they will give the local team the toughest tussle of the season. On the other hand, however, the Ribbons, flushed with the victory of last week, expects to continue the good work by putting the Kingstons down tonight Last week a new combination was tried out by the Ribbons and it work ed out beautifully as the score indi- cated. The test will be given them again tonight and followers of the pastime should see a sparkling con- test.
 Coming to Bridgeport after playing some of the strongest teams in New York city and the Hudson valley, the does not boast of as good team as some they have played. This idea will be given a severe jolt, it is ex- pected, in the conflict tonight. The team is made up of some of the smart est players in New York state and for this reason the visitors are inclined to be over-confdent of their success Further they have been playing to- gether for a long time and have de- veloped an organization for team play that is said to be a winner, but they have yet to stack up against the Bridgeporters.
 Three of the Kingston quintet play ed together all last season and with the other two men, who are said to be among the fastest in the game. the five represents a combination which will surely give a good account of itself on the playing surface. Hen chell, besides being a, crack shot al the hoop, is a floor man who will keep any opponent busy, while his partner in the forward field. Donohue, is al most his equal at the. finer points of the game. These men promise to give the Ribbon backfield men hard time of it in the struggle. ...-
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
HOVER THE TOP :-:s

game, they would have harmed no one, but rather would, have aided a. worthy cause by making possible Va. large contribution to the Red Cross fun. However. the fault may be rem edied, and there's some consolation in. that.
 That argument between the New Haven sport writers will probably veer to some other subject. now that the Brown-Leonard go is over. A good slam uses up space, and there's 8 good deal of space hard to fill in a New Haven sport page.
 The death of rank Gotch robs the sporting world of one of its most he- roic figures. Gotch had large num- Der of exciting victories to his credit, and his wrestling record went far to- ward making sport history. .,.s s-- Cutting the player limit seems to be the favorite indoor sport and win. ter pastime of the baseball magnates this year. After they've trimmed the schedule down to the bone. there'n be nothing left to trim, except. perhaps, the fans.
 Connie Mack is getting bald from worry oyer the fate of his team which, so far, has turned over five players to the fighting forces of Uncle Sam. And the next draft is liable to take a few more of them away. So Mack will have to get out and hustle for talent.
 
 Three weeks, according to the latest dope, is to be devoted to spring train ing, the players to report about March 20.' This will save the magnates lot of money. Great stuff-this ''war economy"
 Jack Lelivelt, at the present writ. ing, is the favorite candidate for the job of managing the Vernon Tigers, succeeding George Stovall. The for, mer outfielder on various American League and American Association teams last had 8 job with Kansas City. -ta-.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
GERSCHEL DEFEATED
 BY WILLIAM TAYLOR

New York, Dec. 1s-William Taylor of the New York A. C., defeated Stan ley Gerschel of the St. Nicholas Club in a thrilling finish in a half-mile handicap skating race at the St. Nicholas Rink last night Taylor, on scratch, conceded 10 yards to Ger schel and was just able to nose out a victory over the former schoolboy champion in the rattling fast time of 1 minute B 1-5 seconds.
 The final heat brought together Taylor, Gerschel and J. Reiner of the Riverside Skating Club, who was on the 2O-yard mark, as the leading competitor. Gerschel got away to a splendid start and quickly took the lead. Taylor swung along with a fine easy stroke, rapidly overhauled Rein CT and set out after Gerschel. At the ouarter-mile mark he had pulled up to within\ a yard of the one time schoolboy title holder, but try as he would he could not overtake him.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
KILBANE ATTACKS z STACKER FIGHTERS

Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, Dec. 18.-Johnny KiIbane, world 8 champion featherweight boxer, who is boxing instructor to the thousands of Ohio and western Pennsylvania se- lects in training here, yesterday took a rap at the ham and egg" fighters who are hurling defis at him.
 The Cleveland featherweight says that his would-be opponents would do far more good for Uncle Sam by of fering their services to the United States to help teach the drafted men how to defend themselves and thus help whip the Hun. .,. ,.. .
 Kilbane says that before he came to the big cantonment he could not get a. fight for love or money, and now he is deluged with challenges from unknowns. He asserts he in- tends to remain here with the, selects.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

1 from doing too much damage in the third, and the only effect of his ter rife bombardment of Chic's weak de- fences in that session was the disap- Epearance of Browns tanta1izing smile. Chic had continued up to that time to light with his mouth wide open, in spite of the injunctions of sympathiz- CTS to keep it closed, for fear that he would sustain a broken jaw.
 So eager was the New Haven bat tier to mix things that he seemed dis appointed each time the bell called time at the end of round, and once or twice in his anxiety he overstepped the bounds of propriety to let loose at Leonard after the champion had quit fighting. On one occasion this peeved Leonard so that he started to retail Hate, but thought better of it.
 The fourth round witnessed Leonard commencing to whip himself into shape for finish, and the principal action was by Chic, as he fought bit terly to keep from presenting an opening to the champion. Leonard found his stomach repeatedly how ever, and augmenting these attacks With some judiciously placed hooks and iaibs. sent Brown out of the ring at the end of the session almost a tottering individual
 Leonard decided to lend matters when the next bell summoned the lighters into the ring, and he pro- ceeded wari1y to jab teasers at his opponent. trying to draw him out. Chic fell for the camoufiage, and feel ing certain that he was in to stay to the finish, thought the moment op- portune to have some fun with the Ichampion, He poked his jaw out, as though to defy Geonard's strength and the next instant was grovelling l at the New Yorker's feet, while Ben ny, with a shrug and a glance in the direction of his manager, Billy Gib- son, seemed to say: Its all over what am I going to do with such a man?" A few seconds later the fight was at an end, with Brown barely able to control this faculties in his corner.
 A single preliminary bout of ten rounds. between Billy Fitzsimmons | of New Haven, and Battling Lahn, of gave LIl0 ldIlS excitement for starter. Lahn had the weight. the strength and the en- durance on Fitzsimmons, but though he won a referees decision, a draw would have seemed the most popular verdict
 Reverting to the Leonard matter Benny. after the bout was over, in- formed his friends and newspapermen that he had never encountered a tougher opponent than Brown. He wished Chic all the luck in the world and so do we. if he'll only learn, first
 of all to box, and then to keep his
 jaw out of the way of champion's
 fists. A
 A word of praise is due to Davy Ryan for the able manner in whicE i he conducted the fight, and for the
 splendid entertainment he presented 1 fThe state has not had a better pro-
 gram in years than last nights, and Ryan deserves all kinds of congrat-
 ulations.-
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

Chic Brown, champion of New Eng land, fool-hardilys poked his. jaw to within reach,of Benny Leonard's de- structive mitts. in the fifth round of d scheduled, ten-rotnd go before the Ryan A. C., in New Haven, last night, and promptly surrendered whatever hopes he had previously relished,. of holding the worlds lightweight king to a no-decision limit
 The New Haven pug just seemed to crpmple up before his might adver- osry, as the clever Benny delivered a blow to the point of Browns chin (which almost lifted him from the floor. Chic dropped in heap and took the count of nine, but arose only to be at the receiving end of a stom- ach-punch that immediately returned inim to the canvass. A second time bhe gained his feet and faced Leonard, but when the New Yorker tore loose twith a vicious jab to the face, and IBrown tottered against the ropes, fReferee Dave Fitzgerald jumped be- tween the fighters, seized Chic in time to prevent his falling. and waved d.eonard back to his corner, winner by "a technfcaI Knockout.
 A crowded house witnessed Leon iards exhibition, and howled with glee at every move that displayed his re- 5marlkable prowess. The spectators in l.cluded large gathering of Browns town friends and staunch supporters, I.but their shouts in his favor were Most in theSdin of the leonard cheer Ting. The champions gentlemanly conduct, his coolness and nerve, his ability, and his consideration for his opponent won him the ardent admira- ton of almost every person in the tlbuilding.
 Chic Brown entered the ring, after Red Rerty's humorous announcement that tks light was for the light weight championship of the world, q and that if 1t went ten rounds, no de- eision would be rendered, with a broad smile of confidence overspread- Ting his rather comely features. The Elajd's fa1th in himself was so manifest that none could help feeling sorry for zhim H&,. ,-i
 The youngster- lost not a moment after the bell. for making a good start, and swinging his arms like fails, went after the unbeaten Leon ard Ills mode of attack puzzled the champion, and the latter decided co stall ch for a while. to learn some thing f Chic,s methods He soon had his onponentts measure, however, de- tarr6ined that Chic was more skilfull at slugging than at boxing, and went after him
 The first round may be said to have broken even. for the reason. that Leonard did nothing but watch, but thereafter the fight was his. In the second he tore loose at Chic with an assortment of body punches, hooks Sand. 5abs, the latter, even at short range: being so forcib1e and vicious $that a. less-hardened individual than Chic would have been subdned by fhem.
 Indesision as to whether he hadn't fbetter Five the fans a little excite meth for their money, or whether he ought to end matters and make an early 1fasfi for home kept Leonard - s-
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
HOBLI1ZELL SLATED TO SUCCEED BARRY?

Dick Hoblitzell stahds the best chance of being the next manager of the Red Sox, succeeding Jack Barry, enlisted. Hobby is a better guess as Red Sox leader than the many old timers who have been nominated for the position. He was a leading candi- date for the berth after the retire ment of Bill, Carrigan. At that time Frazee considered three men, and Hobby was one of the three, though Barry had a comfortable lead from start to finish of that race. Many Jobs for Hobby
 For time there was a chance that Hoblitzen would enter the lists as a candidate for the management of the St. Louis Cardinals. It would have been necessary for him to obtain un- animous permission from the Ameri- can league owners, or managers, to return to the National League
 He is ambitious to manage a team. At present he is in Cincinnati and plans to undergo an operation for the purpose of entering some branch of the federal service, presumably as a dentist in the regular army or in the reserve corps. There is big chance, however, that he will not be able to pass the physical examination even after the operation.
 New stars will be with the Hub Hose in 1918. Hobby is respected by players throughout the league. It goes without saying that he will be able to handle the remnants of the Red Sox, who never did rate as trouble makers in any sense of the, word.
 There is little chance that Larry Lajoie will be asked to manage Fra zee's team. There is absolutely no reason to believe that the Hose own- CT will retrench in any manner. Sure- ly his purchase of Bush, Strunk and ,Schang does not indicate a niggardly policy. Lajoie as manager of the Tor onto team is one thing, but taking the place of Bill Carrigan or Jack Barry here in Boston is something else again.
 I can not believe that Barry will be able to manage the team in the spring. By the same token it is unlikely that Frazee will discard Barry. I expect that Jack will be back as manager as scon as he returns to the team, and Hobby is the logical man to serve as acting manager.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
Tener Denies ThatHePIans
 ToQuit Place

New York, Dec. 1S-President John K. Tener of the National League de- nied yesterday that he intended re- signing from the organization, as was reported to have been predicted by August Hermann in Chicago yester- day. Hermann is reported to have said that Judge K. M. Landis of Chi cago was candidate for the position after MT. Tener retired. but MT. Tener said that he had heard nothing about the proposed change.
 President Tener's attitude toward the National League is the same as it was when he was reelected last week He will serve under the condition which he named. This is that he will devote any time to the league affairs which is not taken up by his private business interests. If, however, the league club owners want a man at the head of the league to devote his en- tire time to it's interests. President Tener is ready to step out. He stated yesterday: 1T am prepared to resign from my office at any time the Ma tional League decides to elect some one to the office who can devote his entire time to it."
 Tener, in his annual message to the league, brought out the importance of the Organization winning it's share of the worlds series games to insure its position in popular favor. There is no doubt but that the older league has suffered in prestige because of the fre- quency with which the American T 1,o series contests. Tener's aim as presi- dent is to put forward the sporting end of the game rather than its poli- tics, and yet several of the club own CTS persist in airing their political and financial squabbles at the expense of the sport.
 Not Concerned in Routine.
 Under the present state of affairs in the National League, MT. Tener will take just as prominent part in the important measures undertaken by the organization as he evers did. He will not be active in routine af- fairs, yet he will be in constant touch with headquarters and will still rule as executive head. ,--
 The rumor that Judge Landis would give up an important office to become head of the league is not taken seriously by any of the local Dase- ball men. It is believed, however. that Hermann is planning to suggest new president who will give up all his time to the position, and if the other club owners agree with him on his candidate President Tener stands ready to step out, and has made this position plain to the league.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
AMERICAN LEAGUE
 BANS "SPlTBALL''

Chicago, Dec. 18.-Decision to open the 1918 season either on May or 2 and to reduce the player limit from r to l6 exclusive of a manager was reached at the meeting here yester- day of the American association club owners.
 While no definite action was taken in regard to playing 40 game sched- ule instead of 154, President Hickey said last night that the sentiment was strongly in favor of the short sea- son. The issue will be settled at a meeting of the eight club presidents ito be held here early in February. The opening next season will be nearly three weeks later than usual
 The spitbal. shine" ball, emery ball and all other similar deliveries was legislated out of the league by a unanimous vote. The club owners decided to impose a fine of $25 for each offence. The umpires, President Hickey said, will be the judges of all violations and they will be instructed to report pitchers using any foreign substance on the ball or otherwise tampering with it.
 The club owners also decided to re- turn to the double umpiring system which was abolished last season as an economy measure. No action was taken in regard to abolishing the spring training trips.
 Action te- prevent a withdrawal of any of the clubs from the association as was recently threatened when the Indianapolis, Louisville and Toledo clubs proposed to withdraw and merge with certain clubs in the Interna- tional league in the formation of a new 1eauge, was taken by Senator A L. Cooper, one of tfs owners of the Kansas City franchise. He suggested Ichanges in the constitution which he believes will give the association grounds. for legal action against any o11h daSiriY1p tO withdraw,
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
CONSCRIPTION ACT : IS BIGGEST ISSUE
 IN CANADIAN VOTE

Ottawa. Dec. .17-On the decisien today of the voters throughout. the Dominion rests the fate of the new Union government. which, if retained in office, will enforce selective con-; scription to fill the ranks of the Cana dian army overseas. Opposing Sir Robert Borden, leader of the Union forces, is the veteran Liberal leader, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who proposes a referendum as an alternative to the compulsory conscription law, pledging the Liberals to abide by the will of the voters.
 Both the Borden and the Lauyier managers express. confidence while the prevailing belief is that the de- cision will be given by the soldier and the woman votes. The government bases it's hopes on the soldier and woman elements to retain the Borden ministry and confirm conscrfption with heavy majorities.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
ST. LOUIS CAPTAIN ,.
 ENTERS U. $. SERVICE

St. Louis, Dec. 1s-John B. Miller of Kearney, N. J., captain of the St.. Louis club of the National League since 1914 and who,- it was rumored, might be selected to manage the team in place of Miller Huggins, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Newark yesterday.
 Miller has played in the National League since 1909, when he joined Pittsburgh at second base. He was traded to St. Louis in 1914. Miller will leave today for South Carolina training camp.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
WESLEYAN NOT TO
 ABANDON SWIMMING

Middletown, Conn.,. Dec. 1S-Wes- leyan has decided not to accede to the suggestion made at a recent col lcge body meeting that intercollegiate relations in swimming be. suspended for the duration of the war. The swimming management has therefore erranged inc following, schedule;
 Feb. 16, Springfield Y. M. c. A. Col lege at Middletown; Feb. .2S, Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology at Middletown; March 2. Williams at Williamstown; March 8, Amherst at MiddletoWn.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
WILLIAMS-ERTLE
 FIGHT TO DRAW

Baltimore, Dec. 18.-Kid Williams of this city and Johnny -Ertle of St. Paul fought 12 rounds to a draw here last night.
 Williams had a hard time in the first two rounds Displaying remark able recuperativel powers, he safely weathered the third and fourth and in the fifth, again his old self. started in to deal out a terrific lacing to the St. Paul lad.
 After the fifth, excepting probably in the eleventh, when Ertle once more made his knees buckle with a right Williams did practically all the fight. ing.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
FRANK GOTCH TO BE
 BURIED TOMORROW

Humboldt, Ia.,, Dec. IS - Funeral services will be held Wednesday for Frank Gotch, retired worlds wrestling champion, who died at his home here yesterday. Friends of the wrestler will act as pallbearers. The services will be conducted by the Rev. Alex ander Bennett of Salina. Kan. for merly of this city and a friend of the Gotch family.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

Garlic White and Joe Yelling are looked upon as the most likely con- tenders for the honor of D wrestling from Benny Leonard his lightweiht laurels Both have gained confidence their ability to overcome the cham pion, since 1t was found that Leonard is only human and can be hurt, as third round of his bout with Irish Pat sy Cline.
 An interested spectator at ringside, last night, was Jack McAuliffe, form CT lightweight champion of the world and the only champion who retired without being defeated. McAuliffe is pleased with the recognition afforded him in the statement that Leonard is the greatest lightweight since McAul- iffe's day. The ex-champ is playing at a New Haven theatre, this week.
 Hope is held out to Eastern Lea gue players, now that so many of the majors are going into the army and navy, for regular berths on some of the teams of the big circuits. There will be 8 shortage in players next sea- son, and though baseball will not be conducted on as elaborate scale as irl the past, owing to wartime conditions many men will be needed to fill va cancies.
 The Grover Cleveland Alexander deal may fall through, after all. Alex ander is in the draft, and it is quite possible that he will be called upon to do his bit before he can twirl a game for his new owners. -.-
 Curlin is going to be played in Bos- ton, this year, with more zest than ever before. Which is reason enough for not wanting to live in Boston.
 Yale is making desperate effort to restore sports to a sound basis. Nc restoration would have been neces- sary if the Yale authorities could have seen, early in the fall, that by permitting a championship football
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
LEONARD STOPS BROWN IN FIFTH
 ROUND OF BOUT

New England Champion Pokes Jaw Into Leonards Way and Is Rewarded By Being Dropped to the Floor Takes Count of Nine Twice, and Then Is Saved From Complete Knockout By Action of Referee in Stopping Eight Leonard Admired By Crowded House Char
 aeterizes Brown As Toughest Opponent He Has Met Since Winning Championship.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
YALE ATHLETICS
 TO BE RESTORED
 UNDER NEW PLAN

Board of Athletic Control Being Reorganized to Meet Situation Arising From War-Winter Sports to Be Carried On Vigorously New Members Added to Ad- vlsory Board to Handle Athletic Program for Coming Spring Early Decision Regarding Spring Sports Is Anticipated
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

tended indefinitely, for nearly every
 boxer has tried to pull some punch
 that, even if entirely fair, is not en- tirely unobjectionable.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

John B. Miller, captain of the St
 Louis Nationals, enlisted in the U: S Marine Corps at Newark.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

Upper New York state is having the
 co1dest weather ever experienced, 24 degrees below zero,
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18
TO-DAY IN PUGILIsTIc ANNALS

s09-Jimmy Clabby defeated Guy Buckles in ten rounds at New Orleans. 1s09-Wiiiis Lewis Sid Russell in fifteen4P Paris, F~aFce.
 93Ef'ci7a bardier knocked
 orbeek eleventh to den.
 19a .lttling Nelson outpointed IWfliit Howard in ten rounds at New ~..-..a. 5auf Ads. One Gent a Word
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

Two islands off the coast of Asia Minor have been occupied by the Turks.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

HOLLY-XMAS TREES
 WREATHS JOHN RICK & BON
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-18

Ea.nss. Ean1 Ads. one cens 2 word