A SOCIETY PET.

Otago Witness, Issue 1891, 17 February 1888, Page 26

A SOCIETY PET.

A big fuss is being mads in London about the latest pugilistic arrival from America. The reference is to Slogger Sullivan, who was hand and glove with the Duke of Marlborough while his Grace was in New York a short time ago. One of his own country journals thus spoke of Sullivan : — John L. Sullivan has taken the town by storm. Tho Emir of Heligoland and the Kihoo of Sohnipoor -were pretty big men in social circles before the advent of the Yankee champion. But they have had to make room for the big-fisted Bostonian, who promises to be even more the craze than Buffalo Bill himself. The latter personage, by the way, is said to feel a natural jealousy over the great success of his fellow conntryman, and remarked the other day, " I wish the fellow was an Injun. I would put a hole in him pretty, quick." All the little lords and baronets whose specialty it is to cultivate the exponents of the " noble art " are running after Sullivan ; and the champion causes considerable consternation at times by the cavalier manner in which he treats his lordly admirers. "Who's that bloke?" John L. inquired of Manager Harry Phillips, pointing to a noble lord who had astonished him by his drawl and style at a high-toned club on the previous night. Upon being informed, Sullivan remarked, " Well, that feller ain't fit to shovel out beans in a Boston restaurant." The champion's language is regarded as delightfully original by society • and they remark — "So American, you know such a real genius."

It is whispered about town that tho champion has been presented to the Prince of Wales at a well-kuown sporting club, which the heir to the English Throne frequently honours with his presence. Sullivan was not a bit abashed, and, in fact, felt in first-rate humour as a result of the grand reception which he has met with here. A gentleman who was present declared that Albert Edward held out his hand pleasantly to the champion, aud said:— "l am pleased to meet you, Mr Sullivan. I hope you are enjoying your trip to this country." " Glad to see you, too, Prince," replied John L., in thunder tones. v I've heard a pile about you; and they say you're no slouch with the gloves yourself, eh?" and. Sullivan made a pleasant poke with his fingers at the royal person. The Prince of Wales promised to attend the next exhibition at which Sullivan figured; and they had a friendly glass of wine together. " My best regards, Mr Sullivan," observed the Prince, M he raised his glgss, " Drink, hearty, old

sport," rejoined John L. ; and they clinked their glasses. Sullivan shoo the Prince's hand iv away which made his Royal Highness wince as he took his departure ; and it is said that the court physician was at onco summoned to repair the broken small bones. "Heis a fine fellow ; bat I could knock him out in half around," Sullivan said, when somebody asked him his estimate of the Prince. It is not among men alone that the arrival of Sullivan has created a furore. He is constantly receiving scented letters from ladies, and it asserted that more than one letter bears a coro. net upon the paper. The champion was taken to a ball at a Bigwig house the other night by & lordly admirer and introduced to maDy of tho ladies in attendance. A score j>f titled and mititled fair ones surrounded John L. aud listened with admiration to the great man's talk. Sullivan was ill at ease in the presence of so many ladies, and his remarks were made in foghorn monosyllables. The Queen has not yet seen Mr i Sullivan, but it is whispered that sho is quite anxious to gaze upon the champion pugilist of the world.