WRESTLING.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 473, 3 April 1909, Page 5

WRESTLING.

WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP: GOTCH v. HACKENSCHMIDT. |nr tbleou Aril—Pit ess association—corriiiaßT.i (Rcc. April 2, 10.40 p.m.) London, April 2. The American F. Gotch has signed an agreement to wrestle the Russian Hackenschmidt in Melbourne in January next for tho championship of the world and a purse of 13,000 dollars (£2600). GOTCH ON HIMSELF. DENIES HACKENSCHMIDT'S CHARGES. Ever since the American Frank Gotoh defeated Hackenschmidt at Chicago, and the latter accused Gotch of unfair and brutal tactics (including "gouging"), the world has been looking forward to the two men meeting again. Australia, who secured the fight for the world's boxing championship, will now, apparently, sco tho contest for tho world's wrestling championship finally decided. Gotch some timo ago wont to England, promising to defend there his title of champion against Hackonsohmidt, but tho usual haggle has been going on for months. Speaking to an interviewer, Gotch said: Non-Smoker, Non-Drinker.. "I was raised in Humboldt (Iowa), and from n boy always lived a moderate, healthy life. I have been an athlete since boynood. When a young man I was first in field sports, could run 100 yards in llsec. offhand, and, though not tho best man at all games, could beat anybody at any number of sports they cared to name. I have never smoled in my life, never taken intoxicating liquor, and live as dose to nature as I can. The horse works 365 days a year, and is seldor. ii!. My nerves aro 60 sensitive that I dare not drink intoxicants. 1 am an unmarried man, and passionately fond of children.' This is my first visit to England." ■ • "How does Hnekenschmidt's version of tho contest reconcile itself .with facts?", asked the reporter. Gotch drew nearer to his inquireri'and, with a serious look which, as his'description proceeded, brightened into a good-natured smile, added: First of all, let me say that I havo not come here to hound him. It would bB undignified; but all he has said is false, every word of it. The pictures prove it, and when they are shown no more need be said."

Boat Him Fair and Square.

"The public of England," added'Gotch, "will not convict me until they have tried me. I oiuy.plead.for' a fair trial,-'-I beathinrfair and square. r ..r . .„ ' : tlie referee your own choice?" Why, certainly not," replied Gotch. "X hail no more to do with selecting him than you. ihey do not hkt! me in New York, and naturilr i wished to wrestle in Chicago, where a ™f® r has a better chance." were you greased in the ring?" Gotch. laughed, and repeated, "Greased! Hack is perverting the truth. Where would be the advantage? I was clothed from neck to ieet in ,long tights. Whoever hatched that story told a good one. It was made up in New York, I will forfeit 1000 dols. if they can prove that I used grease?" "You are accused of using profane language during the match." "No," retorted Gotch, mildly, but sternlv swearing is not a habit of mine. I did talk and kidded to him. I said, 'You are a fine champion of the world. Why don't, you do something? I wanted •,him to' start in and show me some wrestling, bat'-he' nttfer once got behind me. . .. ,S-

Request for a Draw. ,

a ' )ou ' the request for a draw?" i,„i si nl^ e frOl P- Hackenschmidt when we lmd wrestled one hour, one hour thirty rainmi ' ai i d a £ aln one hour forty-live minutes. to consent, but I ob'li„i1? '\ D ! S!l r ' . W1 " here all day and ability."" r must have 6how i'some BaP\o'Vat E ?" rd t0 th ° gOUBill2 ' what do i"°u Wi'nf'f?'" 6n ' d G°tali; "false, every line of it. nl .i i exception of a scab, which was re-th,e-9tJ«l?Sloand bled, lie had not a f U f lus / nc ®* man could have hi»d fairer treatment extended to him by the people of Chicago Ed Smith was the referee. Our ine flnh VI '"i" 16 event of not a E''«mg„Rob Edgren was to select him.- He deand'tho nn nr , OM® refcreo to Hackenschmidt health prevented lilm." WaS Boßlmoted ' but

Opinion of HackenschmidVs Wrestling. •i '? 3 ' oUr "J? 1 ' 0 IS? Hackenschmidt as •' man and a wrestler?" nower Iws n ° linking power. He tells you vhat he is going to do before he does it. He is not clever but vfc strong. I do not hold the press of England re sponsible for all ho has said to them?" *" you?" Hack(?DSt!h,nillt ever a chance with "Nevfer," retorted Gotch. "He was nlwnvc underneath, and begged me to get away from him, saying: 'I s t o p. Please, Mr. Gotch you the match.' I asked him to ml) m* on his back When he left the ring the "foee gave him additional privileges, and told him lie had only forfeited one fall. He asked him ™>f, V s to England before he would leave. Jt was his-win, lose, or a wn ? , treate[l 'ike » prince in ChicE the °'"h members, and declined on to make an appearance. The see him S ™ <*oitemcnt, and wanted to ?„i. v WaS not 80 R00(1 an(l "ot so fast a, now. My measurements are: Neck 18in *L ! 45in., waist 3Sin„ thigh 25in. calf irin*w hest Mfilh' ( r' eal ' ni . height sft. lUin.!' we ?nSt 1961b. I consider my height is against mn T SMtt SL ™" • AtSTJ