A LIVELY AFFAIR IN BIOJANEIRO.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2909, 12 June 1878, Page 2

A LIVELY AFFAIR IN BIOJANEIRO.

An " international wrestling match" for £1000 and the championship of the world took plate recently at Bio Janeiro between. J. Tomlinson, described as " the champion wrestler of Great Britain," and Jean de Rodrigo, of Brazil, the champion of South America. The English and American residents .backed Tomlinson, and De Eodngo was the favorite among the natives. The aspect of the theatre on the day fixed for the contest waß ominous. It was filled to overflowing, and among the spectators were matadors and many of the Mamaluerios, armed with dirk knives and pistols. Tomlinson's friends gathered in strong force, displaying the English champion's colours. Owing to the excitement over the proposed contest, the British consul agreed to hold the stakes and officiate as referee, and when he arrived at the theatre all was ready for tho struggle. A hitch, however, occurred at the beginning of the proceedings. De Bodrigo wanted Tomlinson to let him win, and, on Tomlinson declining to assent to this arrangement, De Bodrigo objected to go on with the match. A long delay insuecT, and at last the British consul, finding that De Bodrigo would not wrestle, that he would be compelled to decide that Tomlinson was the winner of the match. An exciting scene followed. The English champion's friends cheered and waved his colors.. De Kodrigb waved a red handkerchief to a fierce lot of ruffians in front. The matadors at oucedrew their knives, and made an attack on Tomlinson's supporters. These in turn drew pistols, and a free fight took place. The matadors for a time had the advantage, and with yells pressed upon Tomlinson's friends. The fight was not

stopped until the lights were turned out, and then it was continued outside the theatre. De Rodrigo was wounded, and a number of the partisans on both sides were cut and maimed. The British consul and Tomlinson made their escape at the back of the theatre.—Pall Mall Gazette.