THE SPORTING WORLD. 251 



tlie softer feelings that actuate the general con- 

 duct of mankind. This is error founded not 

 on what they know, or have seen, but what they 

 conceive must be, from the nature of the pursuit 

 the man occasionally engages in. If we reflect 

 the pugilist must be allowed generally to be free 

 from the three most despicable feelings and acts 

 of which man is capable; namely, cruelty, treach- 

 ery, and taking advantage of the helpless state 

 of his fellow man. Perhaps, of all men, the 

 pugilist is the least actuated by either of these 

 detestable vices. The ideas his pursuit engen- 

 ders, those promoted both by example and the 

 conduct of his associates tend to the same pur- 

 pose, and he holds a man guilty of either in 

 sovereign contempt. As relates to the pugilist 

 possessing a greater share of courage than other 

 men, he in some cases most unquestionably does ; 

 he fears no man. This creates a manliness of 

 bearing and conduct that renders it unnecessary 

 as well as unthought of in liim the taking 



