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Show II BURNS PAYS TRIBUTE I TO FRANK GOTCH ' CHICAGO, Dec. 17. "Farmer" Burns, who developed Frank Gotch as A "wrestler and under whose tutelage and management the champion first gained fame, said tonight: ' "I met Gotch at a tournament at Fort Dodge, la., in December, 1S99. He Jvas a splendid physical specimen, Weighing more than 200 pounds, and I quickly saw the possibilities open to him as a wrestler. I urged him to ally himself with me, telling him that not only money, but the championship as a heavyweight wrestler awaited him if he would try for it. He was the most amenable to discipline of any pupil I ever taught and soon surpassed his instructor. in-structor. Gotch was the strongest and the quickest big man I think I ever met. Right here in Chicago he threw Mahmout, Hackenschinidt, and Zbys-zko Zbys-zko in about one hour, which may be taken as an indication of his prowess when it is understood that those three wrestlers were tho best of the big men. He was the kindliest hearted of men every animal on his farm knew and came to him on call. I have, known for a year thathis health was failing, but he failed remarkably fast for one of such a magnificent constitution and splendid physique." |