A LIVELY AFFAIR IN RIO JANEIRO.

Grey River Argus, Volume 21, Issue 3046, 21 May 1878, Page 2

A LI VELY AFFAIR IN RIO J ANEIRO.

„ — t-.. ■■• „ ! i [PALL MALL GAZETTE.] j An " international wrestling match" for LIGOO and the championship of the world took place the other day at Rio Janeiro be? tween J. Tomlinson, described as " chamj pion wrestler of Great Britain," and Jean de Rodigo, of Brazil, the ciam pi on of South America. The Theatre Sfc. Pedre was the place selected for the contest, and large amounts of money were staked oh the result. The English and American residents backed Tomlinson, and De Rodigo was the . favourite among the natives. The aspect of the theatre on the day fixed for the contest was omiripusL It was filled to overflowing, and among the spectators were matadors and many of the Mamaleuno3, ; armed with dirk knives and pistols. Tomlinson's friends gathered in sfcron? force displaying the English champion's colors. Owing to the excitement over the proposed contest, th;e British consul agreed to hold 4 the stakes and officiate as referee, and when hie arrived at the theatre all was -ready for the struggle. A hitch, however, occurred at the beginning of the proceedings. De Rodigo wanted Tomlinson to let him win, ' anil, on Tomlinson's declining to assent; fco this arrangement, De Rodigo objected to, go pn with the match. A long delay ensued, and then the British 1 consul finding that De Rodigo would not wrestle announced that he would be compelled^ to decide that Tomlinson was the winner of the match. An exciting seene 1 followed. The English champion's friends cheered and waved his colors. De R,odigo waved a red hankerchief to a fierce lofc of ruffians in front. The matadors at once drew their knives and made an attack on Tomlinson's supporters. These in turn drew pistols, and a free fight took place. .The matadors for a time had the advantage, and with yells pressed upon Tomlinson's friends. The fighfc was nofc stopped until the lights were turned 1 out, and' then it was continued outside the "theatre. ' De Rodigo was wounded, and a number of the partisians on both 6ides were cufc and maimed. The British consul and Tomlinson made their escape at the back of the theatre.