Evening star., 1933-02-05
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star

Recently Analostan Island was ac-
quired by the Theodore Roosevelt
Prize Fight on and by it transferred
the Island to the Government OF
lAe ASiono' the United States as
part Of the park system Of the Capital.
Fifty years ago it was occasionally the
scene of sporting events, as the follow
ing item in The Star Of January 81,
1888, indicates:
"a prize fight between George Kess-
Ter. who weighs about ITO pounds, and
Ben j. Williams who weighs 1885,
pounds, came off yesterday on Analostan
Island and was witnessed by between
rs and 100 persons. mostly idlers and
lcungers of 'Fcggy Bottom in the old
first ward in which the combatants re-
side. Fcggy Bottom skirts the river
front On the Washington side, running
from K street Bridge towards Observa-
tory Hill and Easby's Wharf. The
difficulty between the contestants was
about an overcoat which Williams &C
cused Kessler of stealing. This engen--
dered considerable bad feeling, and
finally they agreed to settle it by this
fight. Some go or more spectators got
over to the island on the ice and
small boat to cross the channel, while
others walked around by the Aqueduct
Bridge and crossed over the causeway.
The fight commenced between IL and
II o'clock and cnly three rounds we're
fought. During the first round Will
liamS received blow over the right eye,
which raised knot but did not blacken
the eye. The second round was well
contested, and lasted for some time,
each getting about equally punished.
On the third round Kessler was dis
abled by striking Williams a powerful
blow on the shoulder and putting three
of his fingers out Of joint, which ended
the fight in Williams favor. 1t took
place in the old pavilion Of Analcstan
Island. 1t is probable that Judge Smell
may have something to do about it."
X
Questions Of social precedence at
official dinner placements arose so years
A Protest Against recent years in
Class Distinctions. Was VA n stag ngt0n; n;
February 8. 1883, says:
Are We becoming a Nation OF snobs
and flunkieS? And are We to have
recognized class distinctions in the
United States, as they have them In
heaven-Ordained monarchical countries?
Indications point strongly that way. At
the reception recently given in honor
Of the governor general Of Canada at
the British legation in this city spe-
cial table was laid in one part of the
dining room for the guest of the eve
ming and a small party. from which
other guests of equal official distinc-
ton and personal respectability were
excluded. In some houses in the city
1t IS announced as good form for all
the inmates of a room to rise when the
President enters, and a request to that
effect has been made on more than
one occasion. And now, to crown all,
1t Is officially announced that the Presi-
dent will next week give reception
to the diplomatic corps and officers of
the Army and Navy OF course, the
President, as any other individual, has
the right to extend his invitations to
and withhold them from whom he
pleases; but why, on an official occa-
sion, a class distinction like this should
be made and a slight put upon the
officers of the civil service by the head
Of q government which Is supposed to
be civil rather than military In its
character will be difficult for the aver
age American citizen to understand He
will be thinking pretty soon that it is
time to take new bearings and return
to the good old days Of republican sim
plicity and democratic equality and
take action accordingly 1t is well for
those who sail q ship to note the signs
in the sky before it Is too late"