In Chicago

Boxing in Chicago seems to be develop- ing ramifications not covered by the Marquis of Queensberry in his rulebook. Last week Jackie Fields,* sleek Chicago Hebrew, and Young Jack Thompson, flashy San Francisco Negro, were pummeling each other about a ring there for what the promoters insisted was "the world's welterweight championship." They had reached the eighth round when two men, not pugilists, started a fight of their own in the balcony. One drew a revolver. Nearby spectators scrambled away. In a moment there was general pandemonium. One whisper said: "Race riot." Another said animals quartered nearby for a circus had escaped. Another, seeing smoke from a photographer's flashlight, said: "Fire." The 10,000 spectators sought exits, not calmly. Many were trampled. One man, who fell or was pushed over the balcony ledge to the floor below, later died. Sportswriters hid under the ring. Police finally restored order and the bout went on. Fields won the decision.

*Real name--John Finkelstein.