The Alaska Daily Empire

WINNING BACK THE EAGLE
(Chicago Herald)

Twenty-eight years ago the admirers of John L. Sullivan's fistic prowess presented him with a costly specimen of the goldsmith's and jeweler's skill as an emblem of his supremacy over all other pugilists. But Sullivan had been fighting an opponent not of the flesh, though many truly believe it is of the devil.

Though his "strength was as of the strength of ten," Sullivan couldn't beat John Barleycorn until he changed wholly his plan of battle. No man can. For years John the man fought John the spirit in the old way, and weakened in every round, until at last he was beaten by opponents of flesh and blood also. And in the succession of defeats that followed even the cherished emblem of gold and jewels went in pledge and John L. Sullivan was like a French regiment of the days of Napoleon's glory which had lost his "eagle."

Then John the man changed his plan of battle with John the spirit. It took years of hard work to win back the fortune so lavishly squandered. But because man if he will may overcome an evil spirit John the man had the satisfaction the other day of buying back in Chicago that belt of gold and diamonds and was like a French regiment of the days of Napoleon's glory which had won back its "eagle" from the foe.

There is little reason to fear now that John L. Sullivan's victory over John Barleycorn will not be maintained as long as life endures. And what an encouragement his victory must be to other fighters against that foe! They can win, no matter how hopeless seems the struggle, if they will change the plan of battle as did John L. Sullivan. The grace of God which some are old fashioned enough to believe must help in such struggles can be won if sought in resolute faith, and with that aid the victory is assured.