Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 270, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 November 1915 — PROVES HIS GAMENESS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PROVES HIS GAMENESS

Courage of Georges Carpentier Shown in Great War. American Fight Fans Thought He Had Streak of Yellow on Account of Actions In Fight Years Ago With Billy Papke. Most American followers of boxing have always .had an idea that Georges Carpentier, heavyweight champion of Europe and greatest idol in the history of French sports, has every qualification of a boxing champion with the exception of gameness. This was particularly impressed on their minds when he quit to Bill Papke, former world’s middleweight champion, in 17 rounds in Paris a few years ago. However, this idea has .been proved false since the greatest European war started. Carpentier’s European record in the big struggle has shown him to be a man of unusual courage. Within Gun Range. During the early months of the war Carpentier was used as a messenger. It was his duty to carry messages on a motorcycle from one general to another. Often he was obliged to come mighty close to the enemy’s guns—in fact, near enough to forfeit his life if he came in the path of stray bullets — as he was frequently within range. What do you think he is doing now? And it is the supreme test of courage. He is piloting one of those airships that have to go up many, thousands of feet in the air and get a line on where the Germans and Austrians are situated. At any time he is in danger of having his machine struck by shot —and then it is a case of “farewell, proud earth.” The work of being a "chauffeur in the sky” is the most hazardous of all duties that a soldier can perform. Even in times of peace an air pilot

is always in danger of death, but in war times the dangers of losing his life are multiplied. To Be Honored. If Carpentier’s life is spared, and the warring nations lay down their arms, he will probably become one ol the most prominent figures in Europe, and it would be no suprise if the French government conferred some high official honors upon him —maybe some big job in the employ of the nation. Carpentier is one of the most picturesque figures in the history ot sport. He took up boxing when it was inaugurated in France, and won championship after championship until he captured the heavyweight championship from Bombardier Wells. He has the honor of holding every ring title from flyweight to the topwelght class. He won on a foul from Gunboat Smith in London early last summer and earned a fortune for this victory. The result caused all kinds of discussion, it being a question in the minds of the American public whether Smith quit or whether Georges was really hit low. It would not be surprising to hear that when his country no longer needs him, Carpentier will come to this country and challenge for a fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.

Georges Carpentier.