MACE HAD THE BEST OF IT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3603, 29 January 1883, Page 4

MACE HAD THE BEST OF IT.

The following amusing incident, in which Jem Mace took a prominent part, must prove interesting - to those who have seen and heard of his performances while in New Zealand: —Once when a travelling Shakespearean company was playing in New York, Mace was engaged for one of the characters in order to secure as much realism as possible. When tho company visited Washington, Chandler, the manager, unfolded to him a plot to "put up a job" on Lord Roseoe. If successfully carried out, Mace would receive a substantial reward. Mace consented:. That evening Conkling dropped in, as was his wont. Chandler introduced the pugilist as one of his constituents, a lumberman from Michigan. It required but little manocuvermg to arrange a set-to between the New York senator and the "lumberman." Tho latter with a blunt candour disclaimed any knowledge of science, but added that lie was used to " rough-and-tumble fights, and could give and take some powerful blows." Colliding smiled serenely. Here was a foeman worthy of liis stool—a veritable pugilistic diamond in the rough. He would show the assembled spectator* how science could conquer brute strength. He removed Ms coat and vest and tied his suspenders around his waist. They too];: their places. Maso's position was one of studied awkwardness. lie held both hands in front of him, and instead of bracing himself with one leg behind the other both feet were wide apart and nearly on a parallel line. Conkling's movements were the perfection of grace. He flourished his fists rapidly for a moment before Mace's face, stud then with a Look out for yourself!" he struck a blow straight from tho shoulder. But somehow it fell short. The lumberman in his heavy, awkward fashion had, by good luck, it seemed, just moved back far enough lo escape it. Conkling laughed and said, in a patronising tone, '' You did that very cleverely," A few moments of sparring followed.. Conkling saw a good opening and made for it, but the lumberman clumsily avoided it, and countered so heavily that Conkling measured his length on the floor. He came up smiling, however, and complimented the lumberman on his extraordinary luck. Not a suspicion entered his mind. In the next round Conkling succeeded in planting a few light blows on his opponent's chest, but was knoched down at the conclusion with so much force that lie "was unable to rise for an instant. When ho rose to his feet it was plain to be seen he was very angry, but he struggled hard to control Ins emotions. He was badly used up. His "hyperion curl" had lost its curve and hung limp and soggy on his forehead. His clothes were torn, wliile great drops of sweat rolled down his face. The spectators were ready to shriek with laughter. Mace then "went in." He pushed Roseoo. He crowded him; he pounded him. He worried him so that at last Conkling dropped into a chair so weak and exhausted that he could no longer retain his legs. Then the pent tip merriment of the spectators broke forth. They howled and yelled. You could have heard them a block. Slowly the truth dawned upon Roseoe that he had been made the victim of a ridiculous practical joke. Calmly he drew off his gloves ; quietly he arranged his disordered attire. Meanwhile the laughter continued. He cast withering glance of scorn and defiance at his tormentors, and then, with the dignity of a prince marched down the stairs.