The Annointed Great White Hope

Besides marking the 234th birthday of the Republic, today also marks the 100th anniversary of the thrashing of former heavyweight champion Jim Jeffries, who was coaxed out of retirement to restore the honor of the white race by defeating the uppity and arrogant Jack Johnson. It was Jeffries who was first anointed with the rather dubious sobriquet "The Great White Hope." As the fight unfolded, it became clear that Mr. Jeffries was neither great nor hopeful.