The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-10-15
Champion Joe
 Determined EAs Businessmen
By ROBERT RICHARDS United Press Sports Writer)

United Press Sports Writer) New York, Oct. IS = (UP) - Joe Louis said it was almost as hard as learning to fight, but he was going to be good businessman.
 Outside his new restaurant the kids pressed their noses against the plate glass window and screamed when they caught sight of Joe. He turned, smiling at the noise, and shook his head.
 T still give money away" he said; but not like I did" a j They come every night to his 125th Street place. Some come with babies in their arms, and some come with ten cent cigars in their mouths Some want a quarter to buy pack age of cigarettes, and some want $5, 900 to start new business.
 "Joe," they all begin. You re- member me, Joe"
 T used to five'em," Joe said. "I just about lived myself to death, but I don't do it too much now"
 Wants Letters A Negro woman walked in hold ing small child by the hand, and asked: Will you help me with his schooling, Joe?"
 Write me a letter about it." Joe said slowly. Write me a letter, and we'll sec"
 He wasn't stalling her. He really wanted the letter. He might give her the money, or he might not, but he wanted the request in writing.
 T learned" Joe explained T want that letter for my income tax. They might not let me take it of, but want it just the same.
 Anybody asking for much dough now, telrem the same: Write me letter about it." Joe was realized and he talked easily, after climbing the stairs to a private office
 "The Army did it." he said T reckon it didn't help me any as a fighter. It couldn't, not taking away all those years. But it sure helped me to meet people. I guess I met thousands, and I ain't afraid any, more"
 Joe said he might retire sooner than people thought. He likes this idea of business career.
 Anything can happen with two guys in ring" he said. Look at that Tami (Tami Mauriello) if he had hit me lower with that punch, I might have been in lots of trou- ble.'
 But some people feel that he still hasn't learned to keep tight enough hand on his pocketbook.
 Gave Away $50
 T stood beside him for two hours when his place opened up," one man said. They kept coming up and asking, and he shelled out $SO in two hours. I know, because I counted it If he knew them, he gave'em five. If he didn't, he would slip them anything from half-a- buck to two dollars"
 That was different" Joe said. That was opening night, and I just let up a little I don't do that regular. I generally hold it down to six, seven dollars night now. Just small change"
 Joe had letter on his desk from a man in New Jersey who wanted to borrow s3,000, at six percent, to ex- pand his business.
 T dunno" Joe said, "IIl look into it. At six percent, I might let him have it."
 Downstairs a white customer sat slipping at a rye and soda.
 "Joe ought to be down here now" he said. He ought to be seen and be mixing. That's how they handled Jack Dempsey. He was there, and people could see him."
 He'll be down." another man said. He always comes down"
 That's all 1t takes" the first man said. Let them see him, and let them start coming.
 Once they get the habit = you don't even need him anymore"