1897 - Assault-atArms at the Grand Opera House

On Tuesday February 2, 1897, Hamilton’s Grand Opera House was filled almost to capacity. However the theater was not filled with the usual ticket-buyers out for an evening’s entertainment of music and/or plays.

The crowd was mainly members of Hamilton’s ‘sporting community,’ a not-insignificant portion of the city in 1897.

The evening at the Grand was called an ‘Assault-at-Arms’ and was held under the auspices of the Hamilton Hunt Club:

“There was a large crowd present, the ground floor being almost filled and the galleries crowded. The ‘gods’ knew that no ladies were present, and they were noisy at times. Among those who occupied seats in the boxes were : Mayor Colquhoun, ex-Mayor Tuckett, Chief Smith, John Crerar, H. Carscallen, Samuel Barker, G. Lynch-Staunton, John S. Hendrie and Jas. W. Hendrie.”¹

            ¹ Hamilton Times. February 03, 1897.

Former Chief of Police and former Mayor A.D. Stewart was the master of the ceremonies for the evening sports entertainment. It would consist of two sections. The first would include an exhibition of sword exercises by members of the Hamilton Field Battery, while members of the Thirteenth Regiment demonstrated bayonet exercises and physical drill. Then there was to be a tug-of-war between a team from Corktown against opponents from the ‘lake’ district.

In his introductory speech. A.D. Stewart made an announcement about the tug-of-war:

“Mr. Stewart regretted that the ‘lake’ team would not pull, as arranged. They were present but objected to two members of the Corktown team. The latter men, attired in black jerseys, walked on the stage, bowed an inimitable bow and retired. They were Messrs. M.. Cashman, Geo. Bradshaw, John Dooley and M. Boyle. The ‘lake’ team was composed of Messrs. D. McAuliffe, Begley, Coote and Callaghan.”¹

Two wrestling bouts and a personal appearance by the world famous rower, Jake Gaudar completed the first half of the evening’ programme:

“Other interest was taken in the wrestling bouts between M. Kavanaugh and J. Sullivan. The first was catch-as-catch-can, and after a long struggle was won by Sullivan, who is much smaller than his opponent. He chose the same style for the second bout, which was won after another long struggle by Kavanaugh. In the course of the struggle, Sullivan’s trunks were almost torn off him. The last bout was the side hold, and was won by Kavanaugh in less than a second. He just picked his antagonist up and flopped him on his back, and earned the plaudits of the spectators. The first half of the program was concluded by Jake Gaudaur, the world’s champion oarsman, who gave an exhibition of rowing. He showed the styles adopted by Stanbury, Hanlan and Harding.¹

After an intermission, the second half of the programme was presented, it consisting solely of boxing. Before the fights began, A.D. Stewart had some comments for both the boxers and for those in the crowd:

“Before the sparring exhibitions commenced, he made a short speech. He said that more exhibitions of boxing would be given were it not for the fact that they are brutal. He asked for the best of order, and said that the men would spar for points – not blood.”¹

The first match was an exciting one:

. Frank Wood, the runner, and Robt. Wilson had a six-round go. Both are in the middleweight class, but Wilson was much the taller man, although not as nicely-built  During the first three rounds, the men played with each other. Wood’s ability as a runner stood him in good stead. Although the rounds were only two minute ones, Wilson was almost winded at the end of the third. He got his ‘second wind’ at the beginning of the fourth and mixed up beautifully. The men punched each other freely, but not hard. The ‘go’ was declared a draw, although it was generally believed that Wilson had the best of it.”¹

The next match was between two ‘colored’ men, Mike Bell and James Johnson:

“The spectators got their money’s worth out of the six-round set-to between Mike Bell and Jas. Johnson, two colored men. Bell was too light – in weight – for his opponent, who was not only much heavier but had more science than Bell. Bell, however, had better wind and was quicker than Johnson. The latter was inclined to fight foul and the referee had to warn him several times. In the first round, he clinched Bell and threw him against the ropes, and then punched him several times. Bell bled from a cut on the head. In the second round Bell tried  to rush the fight, but only succeeded in landing on Johnson's face twice – with both mitts at once. This was very funny. Johnson ‘cut loose’ and scared Bell all over the ring. Johnson in the third round gave Bell an upper cut and sent him over the ropes toward the floodlights. But for Mr. Stewart who seized the ropes, Bell would have been forced of the stage. After the gong sounded in the fourth round, Johnson struck Bell and the gods yelled ‘foul.’ The referee would not allow it though. In the fifth round, Johnson discovered Bell’s weak spot – the ribs – and alternately slapped him on the side and head. Bell became groggy, but landed a right-hander on Johnson’s big chin. He then dodged him until the bell rang. Johnson, of course, got the decision. The men fought three minute rounds.”

The penultimate match of the card was the one which was most-anticipated, not to mention the one that most bets had been placed upon:

“Then Joe Aussem and Enoch Taylor, the bantams, took the ring, and the crowd became excited. The best ‘go’ of the evening was expected. Both men sparred for a few seconds for an opening. Aussem got it and gave Taylor a ‘beautiful right hand jab’ on the chin, knocking him down. He – probably accidentally – stepped half over him. But he did not stop – he struck him squarely on the forehead with his left, and immediately nearly everybody in the house arose and yelled ‘foul, foul.’ As soon as the excitement subsided, the referee stepped to the ringside and announced that Aussem had fouled his antagonist, who was awarded the decision. Aussem’s second claimed that the blow was accidental, but Mr. Stewart upheld the referee. A lot of money was bet on Aussem, and, of course, his backers lost – and were sore.”¹

The morning after the Assault-at-Arms at the Grand Opera House. Those at work at the Times office on King William street were surprised to see one of the boxers who came to have something corrected in the Times’ account of the fight he won after the controversial decision :

“Enoch Taylor called at the Times this morning and stated that he was not struck by Aussem before he received the foul blow. He was not knocked by Aussem, his fall being caused by over-reaching himself. ¹