New Britain herald., 1928-08-22
|GENE TUNNEY GETS
 HOUSING RECEPTION
Fighting Champ Who Retired
 Welcomed Abroad

Plymouth, England, Aug. .2 (UP) On arrival here today Gene Tun- ney, former heavyweight champion, was not averse to talking for publi- cation but none of his statements in- cluded the date for the forthcoming nuptials-Tunney declined to discuss his marriage.
 Tt is a private matter" he told questioners.
 He said that his visit to Europe, previously announced as walking tour in company with Thornton Wilder, would include visit in England with George Bernard Shaw. The former heavyweight champion said that Shaw was coming 10 Eng land from holiday in Italy espe- cially 10 meet him.
 There was rousing welcome given the smiling. suaye former heavyweight champion as he came down the gangplank from the Maur- etania. Tunney seemed to appre- ciate the welcome greatly.
 A'iN Nl VooiA6 AiaS 0SSai delightful" he said.
 He planned to motor to the Savoy hotel in London immediately and then 10 proceed to Ireland tomor- row. He will return to London with in a week for visit with friends including greeting with Thornton Wilder-and then start on fort night continental tour.
 He said that his mother was com- ing 10 Europe to join him, presum- ably to be in Paris when the cham pion and his fancee are married.
 My visit to Ireland is the fulfill ment of a long standing promise. It is s pilgrimage to the land of my torefathers and a gesture to the Irish nation." Tunney said. There were scores of reporters and camcramen at the pier and they crowded about Tunney. Many pie lures were taken and photographers arranged to follow Tunney to Lon don by auto.
 Tunney made certain that every one understood he meant it when he said he was through with the ring. T am out of the boxing business for good and this is the last time shall give an interview as a public figure" he said. T will never put on glove again and shall never ex- hibit myself in public. am just Gene Tunney. private citizen. I feel like a schoolboy out of school and free at last after nine years of re- spons:blity."
 Commenting on the pleasure of this trip he contrastsed it with the last time he crossed the Atlantic when he was in the marine corps sailing for France.
 T was situated just under the powder magazine and it was not a very pleasant feeling l was in uni form then. of course, and could not go where l wanted to. I went where was sent as the guest of Uncle Sam.
 | "I have never been to the British Isles before but have longed to get over here and just look around and learn." he continued. But you kno" I had to remain in America for one or two things. such as to lick Jack Dempsey and few others"
 He grinned good naturedly at this comment and then peered out at the cliffs along Plymouth and remarked
 By jovc, wasn't 1t on some oi those cliffs that lLrake played bowl! before going out to lick the Span iards and wasn't it from somewhere around here that the Pilgrims sail ed""
 He was asked concerning the pos sibiity of his entering business upor returning to the United States ant refused to discuss the matter, point ing out:
 "Please, want to sink as fla into obscurity as possible and tha Is d private subject"