Jeffries and Ruhlin Sparring Contest at San Francisco, Cal., Nov. 15, 1901--Five Rounds

Edison summary: On the night of November 15, 1901, James J. Jeffries, of Los Angeles, California, and Gus Ruhlin, of Akron, Ohio, engaged in a sparring contest in the ring of the Twentieth Century Athletic Club, at Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco. By special arrangements with the promoters of the contest, Messrs. J. C. Kennedy, Wm. Madden and Wm. Delaney, our cameras were on hand, and we secured authentic pictures of the contest. In order to record these pictures, it was necessary to specially equip the building with a large number of arc lights. To this end no expense was spared, and when the fighters entered the ring it was illuminated with 300,000 candle-power of light. Thus we are able to present to our customers, not imitation or fake pictures of the contest, but the actual exhibition just as it took place, with the audience assembled. The pictures that were secured show every movement in the contest, from the time Jeffries entered the ring until he left it a victor in the 5th round. We give herewith an outline of the salient point of the exhibition by rounds. When Jeffries came through the throng and clambered into the ring there was great cheering. Ruhlin also received his share of encouragement when he arrived a moment later. Once in the ring the opposing factions showed the best of good nature. The preliminaries were arranged; Jeffries and Ruhlin shook hands pleasantly as they passed from one corner to the other across the canvas. The fighters were then introduced by Billy Jordan, the introduction causing a sensational shout. Captain Wittman, of the San Francisco police, then appeared to examine the gloves. Immediately he had left the ring the fighters shook hands and "went at it." ROUND 1. - Ruhlin led with a left and they clinched. Ruhlin put in a good solid heart blow. Jeffries gasped and laughed. Jeffries tried feinting and Ruhlin stepped in quickly and drove a right to the ribs. Ruhlin was breathing heavily as he went to his corner. The round was very lively, with particularly clever ducking and hitting on both sides. ROUND 2. - Both men crouched as they came together to the center of the ring and the fighting began in earnest. Jeffries was trying hard to land a left hand swing on Ruhlin's jaw, when Ruhlin struck Jeffries a blow under the heart which could be heard all over the house. The fighting was then particularly fast to the finish of the round. ROUND 3. - Jeffries rushes in and forces the fighting, but Ruhlin lands several "good ones." Toward the finish of the round, however, the fight takes on a decidedly Jeffries aspect, and Jeffries has his opponent travelling all over the ring. ROUND 4. - Ruhlin dips his head and throws a right in the ribs as he goes forward. They clinched, with Jeffries cool and collected. Jeffries was doing most of the forcing and the fight was terrific when the round closed. ROUND 5. - Ruhlin's face is perceptibly bruised as he steps to the center of the ring, but before he could lead, Jeffries caught him with a straight left hand blow fair in the face. Ruhlin clinches. Ruhlin is now ducking, and Jeffries forces him back to the ropes. As Ruhlin steps out, Jeffries hits him with the left upon the chin. Ruhlin's eyes closing, he went to his knees. He was up at the count of four and went into a clinch. Jeffries strikes him hard on the jaw with his left. Ruhlin's eyes are rolling and he seems all but out. Jeffries had him against the ropes. As the gong sounded Ruhlin bent down and walked wearily to his corner while Jeffries strolled strongly to his chair. At this point the fight was finished by the sponge being thrown up by Madden. The crowd jumps into the ring and makes a very exciting finish to the contest.