A SOCIETY PET.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1698, 14 February 1888, Page 2

A SOCIETY PET.

A big fuss is being made 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 Tort a short time ago. One of his own country journals' thus spoke of Sullivan John L, Sullivan has taken the town by storm. The Emir of Heligoland and the Kihoo' of Sohnipoor were pretty big men ini 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 success of a countryman, anal 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 speciality 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 fib to shovel out beans in a Boston restaurant.” The champion’s language is regarded as beautifully original by society, and they remark—“So American,you know; such a real genius.”

It is whispered about the town the. i champion has been presented to the Prince of Wales at a well-known 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 firstrate humour as a result of the grand reception which he has met with there, A gentleman who was present declared that Albert Edward held out hi# hand pleasantly to the champion and said: —“I am pleased to meet you, Mr Sullivan. I hope you are enjoying your trip to this country.” “ Qlad to see you, too, Prince/* replied John L., in thunder tones. w I’ve heard a pile about you; and they say you’re no slouch with the gloves yourself, eh ?” and Sullivan made ft

pleasant poke with Ms fingers at the royal riba. . The Prince of Wales promised to attend the next exhibition at which Sullivan figured; and they bad a friendly glass of wine together. My best regards, Mr Sullivan,’ _ observed the Prince, as he raised his glass. “Drink hearty, old S P°™, rejoined John L.; and they clinked their glasses. . , , , . Sullivan shook the Prince s hand in a manner which made his Eoyax Highness wince as he took his departure ; and it is said that the Court physician was at once summoned to repair the broken small bones. He is a fine fellow; but I could knock him out in half a round,” Sullivan paid, when somebody asked him his estimate of the Prince. It is not among men alone that the arrival of Sullivan has created a furore. Heis constantly receiving scented notes from ladies, and it is asserted that more than one letter bears a coronet upon the paper. The champion was taken to a ball at Bigwig House the other night by a lordly admirer and introduced to many of the ladies in attendance. A score of titled and untitled fair ones surrounded John L., and 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 gnot yet seen Mr Sullivan ; but it is whispered that she is quite anxious to gaze upon the champion pugilist ot the world,