Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 February 1917 — Mat Fans Await Clash of Idols This Evening. [ARTICLE]

Mat Fans Await Clash of Idols This Evening.

Morocco took on a circus day appearance today and the business houses are deocrated in celebration of the meeting this evening of the two f;reatest wrestlers in *their division, ohnny Billiter, of Toledo, world’s champion lightweight, and Frefl Hall, challenger. Morocco is excited as she never has been before and the ire that the greatest crowd that ever witnessed a mat mattle in this section of the country will see the two gladiators step into the roped arena this evening. "Rs whispered about that the Moroccoans and everyone from near about will -bade-their-idol, Hall, with real coin this evening. Visitors began to arrive early and helped to swell the crowd at the ringside. Who Fred Hall Is has never been known for certain, but it is our guess that he is more than a mere amateur who happened to drop into that place last year. Beyond a doubt he is one of the cleverest in his division and the Ohioan, Billiter, will have a mit full this evening in handling \the doughty little grappler. Johnny Billiter is getting old. He has reigned .supreme in his division for several years. Johnny is slowing up and who knqws but what his star is to set this evening when he mixes it with Freddie. Anyway, Morocco fans are earnestly hoping that before another sun arises they will have in their midst a champion instead of a challenger. Several from Rensselaer•* will witness the bout this evening.