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_ The excitement relative to this contest is increasing,
and the betting runs wild and unprecedented. Two
to one are freely offered on Heenan, and freely
taken. It is said that Morrissey is betting heavily
against Heenan, and whether the report is correct
or not, it has gained currency, and made many more
takers than otherwise there would have been on King
A private letter from Heenan, received by last steamer,
is full of confidence, and announces an "easy" success.
King, he says, is in splendid condition, but he (Heenan)
was never in so good. King's tactics are to fight low --
body blows --and Heenan is prepared for this, by,
from the waist up, being a "mass of iron." Above
his hips there is nothing but cords, muscles, bones.
English residents are willing to take even bets, but
the odds are so freely offered that they do not make
the proposition. Harry Clifford, of Broadway and
Eighth-street, has 83,000 placed in his hands to bet
on King. He is authorized to bet even, and awaits
takers. A singular bet was made on Wednesday
evening -- $150 even that Heenan would win in
thirty minutes. This is merely throwing away money,
the knowing ones say; Heenan's "quick fight" will
not avail him with one who knows his tactics, is an
old stager and an acknowledgedly courageous and
enduring man. A chance blow, it is true, may early
decide the contest, but, saving that, it will be iron
muscle against iron muscle, iron will against iron
will, and thorough training against thorough training.
The matter of a "prize fight" is offensive even in its
suggestion, but this is occupying a prominence in the
public mind which fully justifies reference to it. That
it is "international" is a mistake. The English papers
have combatted this idea in order if Heenan wins, to
qualify the character of the defeat. This side of the
water it can be claimed as not "international," because
there is neither a liking for, an approval or recognition
of this most brutalizing, disgusting exhibition of the
"manly art of sell-defence." Heenan fights on his
"own hook," and is likely to have a much fairer
chance than he had with Sayers. He has made
many friends in England. The bets on him there are
heavy and "fair play," compulsorily, must be the order.
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