REFEREE WYATT EARP IN JAIL

Portrait of Wyatt Earp.

Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, December 4, 1896.

REFEREE EARP IN JAIL.

Sharkey-Fitzsimmons Purse Withheld.

WHOLE AFFAIR HAS A BAD LOOK.

Fitzsimmons Believes He Is Being Robbed and Appeals to the Courts—Sharkey Undoubtedly Hurt ln Region of the Groin.

   SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4.—The city is divided as to the result of the Fitzsimmons-Sharkey fight, which continues to be the topic of the hour. No one questions that Fitzsimmons had the fight practically won in the eighth round, and many assert that he was unjustly deprived of the decision. Sharkey's friends vehemently assert that he was knocked out by a foul blow and was consequently, under the rules, entitled to the honors of victory, including the purse of $10,000. A third class base their opinions solely upon the reports of the physicians in attendance upon Sharkey. The doctors point to the swollen and discolored condition of the sailor's skin in the region of the groin as evidence of a foul blow, and some ardent Fitzsimmons advocates reply that this condition was purposely caused by an injection of a drug immediately after the fight. A number of physicians and newspaper men were present in Sharkey's room when an examination of his injuries were made. All said they were convinced that Sharkey's condition was the result of a foul blow.

   Many prominent men, however, condemn the decision and refuse to believe that there was any fouling. Such men as Commissioner Gunst, Riley Grannan, Major Frank McLaughlin, who was chairman of the Republican state central committee, and others believe that Fitzsimmons should have received the decision.

   It is pointed out that the whole affair has a disagreeable look. The facts are cited that Lynch, Sharkey's backer, refused to consider the name of anyone as referee, declined every man suggested by Julian and refused to suggest any man himself, leaving the selection with the few individuals comprising the National club.

   As soon as the club announced its choice of Wyatt Earp, famous as a horseman from Arizona, but not a ring expert, the odds which had been 10 to 4 against Sharkey, unaccountably rose to 10 to 6, with more Sharkey money offered than could be well handled.

   It is recounted that there were whispers during the afternoon that Sharkey would be favored in the decision, and these rumors reaching Fitzsimmons' ears he requested the club to substitute anyone else as referee. Even at the ringside, when both Julian and Fitzsimmons stated in Earp's presence that they had been told he intended to referee unfairly, Earp stood quietly by and insisted on acting as referee despite the protests. It is pointed out that Fitzsimmons fought a clean, skilful, scientific and winning battle, while Sharkey's fighting was rough and unfair. For his unfairness it is charged that Sharkey was not even reproved by the referee. It is claimed that the uppercut on Sharkey's chin in the eighth round was really a knockout blow and that no foul blow was delivered by Fitzsimmons, but that Sharkey, when knocked out, alleged the foul blow as an excuse.

   All those constitute the case of Fitzsimmons by which his attorneys hope to prove the existence of a conspiracy to deprive Fitzsimmons of the purse of $10,000. An injunction has been applied for to restrain the Anglo-California bank from cashing the National club's check until Fitzsimmons has the opportunity to prove the conspiracy.

   When Lynch and Referee Earp went to the bank with the check, payment was refused by the teller, who referred Lynch to Manager Lienthal. The latter stated that he had been advised by his attorney that the bank was in the position of an innocent custodian of the money which would be involved in the promised legal controversy and that for the protection of the bank he would refuse to pay it.

   Lynch supposed that the bank had been formally enjoined from cashing the check, but it afterwards developed that the bank was acting on an order from the officials of the National club, who requested that payment of the check should be temporarily deferred. As the check had been certified, the right of the bank to refuse payment is questioned and will form the basis of an attack by Sharkey should he be worsted in the injunction suit. Meantime, Sharkey is in bed, with three doctors in constant attendance, and he is likely to remain where he is for several days; the $10,000 is in the bank and is also likely to remain where it is for some time; and Bob Fitzsimmons, without mark or bruise and followed by an admiring and cheering crowd, is walking the streets receiving continued ovations as the real winner of the encounter.

   When Wyatt Earp appeared in the ring to act as referee he was disarmed by Police Captain Wittman, who took from the Arizona man a large sized pistol. Earp was arrested on a charge of carrying concealed weapons. He was released on bail.

   Bob Fitzsimmons, through his attorney, has commenced suit in the superior court to restrain the Anglo-California bank from paying Sharkey the $10,000 purse awarded the sailor by Referee Earp. Fitzsimmons charges conspiracy between Sharkey, the National Athletic club and others.

   Judge Sanderson granted an injunction as asked for.

Margaret Fuller Next Tuesday.

   Miss Margaret Fuller and her excellent company of players will be seen at the Cortland Opera House next Tuesday evening in an elaborate production of Dumas' masterful drama, "The Princess of Bagdad." The play is of absorbing interest and replete with thrilling and intensely emotional situations.

   Mr. Branch O'Brien long known to the public as a manager of keen judgment and liberal ideas, has spared no effort to produce "The Princess of Bagdad" in a manner commensurate with its great authorship. He has selected for Miss Fuller's support a company of skilled players. Margaret Fuller, a veritable Hebe of the stage, is seen to the best advantage as Lionnette, the Countess de Hun. Tickets on sale at the Candy Kitchen.

MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS.

The Residence of W. B. Rood on Elm-st. Mysteriously Visited.

   It appears that possibly there was an attempt at burglary at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Rood, 12 ½ Elm-st., Wednesday night. Mr. and Mrs. Rood had retired and at about 10:30 o'clock the occupants of the upper rooms were aroused by a sound as if of some one tampering with a side door. Mrs. Crapser, one of the occupants of the room, looked out of the window and s aw the form of a man at the door. As soon as the stranger discovered that he was seen he fired a revolver into the air. This aroused the occupants of the house and the police were notified and a search made, but the man had fled.

   To a STANDARD reporter this morning Mrs. Rood stated that nearly every night for the past two weeks they have been disturbed by some unknown person coming to the side door and trying to get in. There are marks on the window sills where attempts have been made to pry up the windows. Last night the visit was not repeated and the experience of the night before may have frightened him away. Anyway, the actions of this midnight marauder are peculiar and the motive is shrouded in mystery.

GAVE A BANQUET.

President A. D. Wallace Entertains the C. A. A. Governors.

   Mr. A. D. Wallace, the newly elected president of the Cortland Athletic association, gave a complimentary banquet to the board of governors of the association last night at his popular restaurant, the Brunswick. The boys are always sure that when they place their knees under Mr. Wallace's mahogany they are to receive a rare treat and last night's banquet was no exception. Full justice was done t o the elaborate spread and then cigars were passed, and a season was spent in telling stories, experiences and discussing association matters.

   Those who sat down to the banquet were Messrs. E. S. Burrows, A. S. Brown, William Grady, S. H. Strowbridge, P. J. Tooke, W. A. Wallace, A. M. Williamson, C. E. Mudge, A. C. Kinney, Jas. F. Costello and A. D. Wallace.

BREVITIES.

   —The monthly payroll of the employees of the Willard state hospital amounts to about $12,000. Last week they were all paid in gold.

   —"Happy Bill" Daniels has secured the services of Mr. D. Carver of Seneca Falls, harpist, to play with his orchestra this season.    

   —A regular meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital association will be held at the hospital Monday next, Dec. 7, at 3 P. M.

   —There is fine skating on the cove above the mill dam on Clinton-ave. and the ice is covered with skaters each afternoon and evening.

   —The Lehigh Valley R. R. will sell round trip tickets to the W. C. T. U. convention at Cuyler on Dec. 10 at two cents per mile provided that ten or more go.

   —Two tramps giving their names as Frank Gran and John Norton were lodged at the police station last night. This morning descriptions of them were taken and they were allowed to depart.

   —New advertisements to-day are—Kellogg & Curtis, Special Sale, page 7; C. F. Brown, Christmas Good Things, page 8; H. G. Stone, The Holiday Season, page 7; Blair Camera Co., The Baby Hawk-Eye, page 6; Dey Bros. & Co., The Spirit of Christmas, page 4; Warner Rood, "The Princess of Bagdad," page 5; Beard & Peck, Holiday Hit, page 4.

   —Dr. Elisha H. Winter, formerly of Marathon but more recently of Cortland, died at his residence, 6 Winter-st., last night of Bright's disease. He was 63 years, 6 months and 8 days of age. He was an eclectic physician, but had not practiced for several years on account of failing health. The funeral will be held Sunday at 2 o'clock P. M.

   —The extent of the burglary at the Fair store Wednesday night proves to be greater than was at first thought. All day yesterday additional articles were found missing and this morning it was discovered that more were gone. It transpires that the miscreants secured besides the watches and money mentioned yesterday, about two hundred rings, two sets of silver forks, some orange spoons, and a few silver drinking cups.

McGRAWVILLE.

Crisp Local Happenings at the Corset City.

   Reports from Mrs. Potter and children, who were injured in the accident Wednesday, are favorable. Mr. Tuttle returned to his home in Freetown yesterday.

   Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wakefield were called to Homer Wednesday by the illness of his sister, who died Thursday morning.

   The employees of W. L. Bean, together with their families, were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Bean at their home Wednesday evening. A delicious supper was served and a pleasant evening enjoyed by the participants.

   Earl Yonker of Cornell university, who has been spending a few days with relatives at Blodgett Mills and Smith hill, made a short visit at his cousin's, S. H. Johnson, last week.

   A carload of packing cases in shucks was unloaded at the corset factory Thursday.

   Clyde Beers is suffering with a bruised face and ear. Mr. Beers refuses to give any information as to the cause.

   A pleasant party was held at the home of Arlie Ensign last evening. Palmer's orchestra furnished music. Refreshments were served and a good time enjoyed.

   At the meeting of the board of trustees of this village held Wednesday evening, the following ordinances were adopted:

   All persons are hereby prohibited lounging or loafing in the firemen's rooms or in any way meddling with the stove or fire apparatus.

   All persons are hereby prohibited dumping or emptying coal ashes in any of the streets of this village.

   The penalty for violation is fixed at $2. The first was called for by persons turning on the drafts of the stove and leaving the fire to burn out, and the latter by persons getting rid of coal ashes by throwing them in the street to the detriment of sleighing in previous winters.