Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-07-04

afternoon to decide the heavyweight
! championship of the world
| The original hour for the fight to be-
gin, namely. pm. remains unchanged,
but promoters and managers all have
agreed that on account of announce
ments and other delays it proba bly, will
be $3.50 before the bout begins
Rival Fighters Ready.
At their respective quarters this
| morning it was stated that both had
slept well and were ready for the con-
test From managers and principals
came renewed expressions of conf
dence.
The arena gates were not opened
until 1915 o'clock. At that time there
were but a couple of thousand spec
tators ready to enter the gates. The
sky was clear with a cool breeze
blowing. Airplanes and a giant gas
bag to take pictures of the contest
were being tested out.
The starting of the first prelimi-
nary contest, scheduled for 10
o'clock, was delayed owing to the
slow gathering of the spectators
Everybody had a bed last night. it
was said. largely for the reason that
every Toledoan who could went into
the lodging-house business for the oc-
casion. Early today they were astir,
turning out of pullmans. hotels, va
.,
breakfast and turning their steps to-
ward the great arena at Bayview
Park.
The road to the park was alive and
busting with the dawn, nor was it
entirely asleep during the night, for
now and then q truck loaded with
supplies for the vendors moved out in
the darkness. With daylight traffic
increased. Policemen and soldiers
were early at their stations. Innu-
merable sales were made Of sandwiches,
ice cream, soft drinks. p0stat A5ds and
to 4
$4,000 Seats in Arena.
busy putting on the final touches to
the vast amphitheater with its eighty
thousand seats. Thousands Of these
were still on sale this morning. Every
road leading into the city saw auto
mobiles bringing their loads of fight
enthusiasts from nearby cities and
some from distance. Many contained
family parties from the country come
to see. not the fight itself, but the
stirring. eager crowd attracted to
Toledo by the event.
Detectives from all the principal
cities of the land were mingling in the
crowds. while five Hundred Toledo
citizens were sworn in to aid the
regular city police force in maintain
ing order. Two hundred policemen
were stationed outside the arena and
fifty within it. The greatest problem
of the guards. it was said. would be
in preventing a rush for the gates
after the match.
Problem to Handle Crowd.
How the vast throng was to get
| osk lAvrN
concerning which there was more
| hope than confidence. At the last
| moment traffic regulations were
amended to permit traffic both ways
on Summit avenue. but it was admit
| ted that the street cars were totally
| inadequate to the task Of bringing
the crowd back to town. Two main
thoroughfares were available for au-
tomobiles and pedestrians. but great
| congestion was anticipated. and it
was thought certain that thousands
would have to make their way back
on foot.
The street car company planned to
| operate two cars a minute on one line
| of track. but persons experienced in
such matters said it would be impos-
sible to maintain such a schedule. as
delay to one car anywhere on four
miles of track would stall the whole
! line.
Parking space for $1,000 automo-
! side the arena. The money goes to the
city.
Willard Is the Favorite.
Willard remained favorite in the
betting. One man paraded the streets
| with a sign on his automobile read
| ing: II will bet this machine against
! $1,000 on Dempsey"
| Emergency ambulances and all po-
! lice patrol wagons were at police
headquarters for instant use in event
of trouble Of any sort. Fire officials
/ took every precaution and had men
stationed in various sections of the
arena. Fire apparatus will be sta
| t;onod oufsido tho aropo