MR. AND MRS. JOHNSON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3330, 23 September 1911, Page 4

MR. AND MRS. JOHNSON.

HOW “LITTLE ARTHUR” TRAVELS.

BRIDAL SUITE BOOKED

In the course of an- interview at Fremantle Mr H. MTntosh said that Jack Johnson, the world’s champion pugilist, who is coming to Australia to fight*. M'Vea and other colored boxers, will sail from London on 6th October. Jo-hin-son, Mr MTntosh says, will occupy the bridal suite. He will be accompanied by his wife, li-is valet and several sparring partners. His motor cars and Mrs Johnsoiw’s jewellery have- been- insured for £20,000. Since- he secured tire world’s boxing championship Johnson lias travelled everywhere in regal style. He went to London for the Coronation, and Ms departure from- New York is thus described by the New York correspondent of the London “Daily Telegraph” : “Jack Johnson, the world’s heavy weight champion, won his biggest fight against race prejudice when: lie sailed for London from New York as a firstclass passenger aboard the Kronprinz Welhelm. He is accompanied Ms buxom white wife, and the couple have the distinction of being described on the passengers’ list, which included several Counts, as ‘Mr and Mrs Johnson.’ Europeans who- have never lived on this side of the Atlantic can hardy appreciate the terrific force of the punch which the negro giant has delivered unon the solar plexus region,, as M were, of American. social convention. Notwithstanding the famous Declaration of Independence, intimating that ‘all men are born equal,’ etc,.negroes in many parts of America, even these Mho are well educated and prosperous, are not allowed to ride in the same vehicle as whites, let alone eat together in the same restaurant. Nciw Jack Johnson, who has paid £l5O for the use of officers’ rooms, is entitled to- sit down amongst barons, counts and ladies in the firstclass dining saloon, and also to attend the- 4 o’clock teas and disport himself on the promenade deck just like a white person, a privilege which it is hoped the champion will not exercise too freely, or there will be a riot amongst the American citizens aboard.

“It- is known that 'Little Arthur,’ as he is called, must have booked by a subterfuge, but with lids fare paid and a cabin assigned to him, he can now hurl defiance at the entire shin’s company. Ho -has taken with- Mm an enormous ba-ss viol, the saim© instrument with which he relieved the tedium of Reno during his training to- meet Jeffries by twanging plantation melodies. “Johnson, will not have any difficulties with the customs officials on returning. In 'his big red touring car he called at the port collector’s office, and emptying a gold jewel bag, containing a pair of superb diamond earings, a diamond ‘sunburst’ as big as a small plate, and many diamond rings, had them registered. hAh’ni g-oin’ to wear these bits of glass,’ said the champion smiling broadly, ‘at the Coronation, and ah comes heah cos we don’t want no trouble about smugglin’ when we return*J

“In one cabin adjoining the champion’s state room there is a Yon Somebody, and in the other a, baron from San- Francisco. Johnson was proudly walking the deck with liis wife just before sailing. Mrs Johnson is not only buxom but young and very handsome. Like her husband, she was covered with jewels. On his Tight hand the boxer wore a ruby and on his left hand a large emerald. To the company of pressmen who had assembled in the champion’s honor—he is by long chalks the most important personage aboard—the conqueror of Jeffries said, alluding to the colors of the stones:

“ ‘Ah always dress port and starboard to sail, ’cause in, the night, When ah’m out on deck, and it’s dark, people can see the light, and tell whether ah’m cornin’ or goin’, and it avoids collisions.’

“Johnson confided to the ‘Daily Telegraph’ representative that he is always very pleased to visit London, ‘ because a ‘White man’ always had a square deal in London as regards travel, seats at the theatre, or in dining. He recognises also that England is a nation of spoilsmen. He mentioned the names of several restaurants in> your metropolis where his ‘tainted dollars’ have been joyously received. “Asked whether he would do any boxing in London for the Coronation visitors. Johnson, smiled spaciously, showing many gold filled teeth, and said l : ‘Ah’m just willin’ to fight any livin’ thing. For £6OOO ah’ll fight any man, and if you can’t get a mam, to meet ’lil Arthur in London, why just send me along a great big bear. Befor’ all sails for New Yoric I’se jus’ tickled to death to chaw up one of your British champions.’ ‘ ‘Johnson intimated that he might appear'in London musio halls before he returned, and he is accompanied by two white sparring partners, Joe Monahan and Monte Cutler. The champion’s colored chauffeur, and also two motor cars, form part of his travelling equipment. . “Mrs Johnson’s retinue consists of two maids of varied coloring. “In adition to a big bass viol, there is a, huge phonograph, with a big green horn, and twenty trunks.”