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THE PRINCIPLES ON THEIR WAY TO THE FIGHTING GROUND - THE CROWD IN NEW ORLEANS.
New
Orleans, Feb.6. - Ryan and his backers boarded the 8 o'clock train on
the Mobile Road, and left here for a point near the State line of
Mississippi, where he will lay over tonight. Sullivan started on a
later train for a point in the close proximity. Richard K. Fox
telegraphed Ryan today that he had sent him $1,000 to bet on the ring.
Sullivan says he has the money to cover it. This virtually makes the
stakes $3,500 a side. Harry Hill, who is on the spot, says Sullivan
will whip Ryan, if at all, inside of 20 minutes. Within the past day
the bets have favored Ryan, his friends asking no odds, as heretofore.
Thirty-five cars of the Mobile road have been set aside for the
spectators, including two special cars, one secured for the city
officers of New Orleans and friends. It is estimated that 3,200 tickets
had been sold up to midnight, the charge being $10. Several hundred
people went over on the evening train to the point on the road where it
was expected the fight would occur. Matt Grace, the wrestler, of New
York, was arrested by a detective this afternoon on a dispatch from New
York that he had brought here with him a large amount of counterfeit
fifty dollar notes for circulation. He was released on $1,000 bonds.
Most diverse opinions in regard to the fight were expressed.
Mike Keenan, of New York, said that he backed Sullivan because he
thought him the harder hitter and better boxer. Mark Maguire, the
veteran sporting editor of the New York Sun, thought Sullivan's youth
was against him, and that he lacked experience in the prize ring and
could not stand punishment like Ryan. Arthur Chambers expressed himself
as a Sullivan man. He considered that the Boston boy was a terrible
hitter and could cope with any man in the world. James Colville, of
Boston, was confident that Sullivan would win. The betting today and
tonight seemed about even, and very large sums were staked. The utmost
secrecy was observed in regard to the place selected for the battle.
During the day it was reported that the Governor would issue
instructions to stop the fight if it should take place anywhere in
Louisiana. He was assured positively, however, that it would be fought
beyond the State line. A point on the New Orleans and Mobile Railroad
within the limits of Louisiana has been selected, but the action of the
Governor made a change necessary. It looked at one time as if the fight
would have to be postponed, but late in the evening Sullivan agreed to
the choice of a place beyond the Louisiana line. He would not however,
sign new articles.
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