A BILLIARD HANDICAP of a somewhat novel character was commenced on Thursday evening last at the Spotted Dog Tavern, Strand, under the auspices of that most deservedly popular veteran, Old Oxford Jonathan, whose sonorous voice is so familiar to lovers of billiards, the handicap being a cannon one. There were in all eight players-viz., W. Owen, alias Young Oxford Jonathan; J. St. Leger; J. Warr, better known as Johnny, of the Gaiety; Hart's willing and obliging assistant T. Cook, the brother of the Cook; H. Haines, and W. Taylor, the brother of the Taylor; J. Owen, brother of Oxford Jonathan, and C. Smith.
The first game on Thursday was won by St. Leger, who made one particularly good break of eight cannons, defeating W. Owen by twelve points, each heat being 100 up, and each cannon counting two.
The second game was won by J. Warr (Johnny), who beat the ex-champion's brother, and, being his first public match, we congratulate him on his victory. The game was an exceedingly good one, the men passing and repassing each other repeatedly. Warr won by six points.
The third game was won by Haines, who defeated Taylor by one point.
No great breaks were made the first day, but those who remember the cannon game on an English table in America between that prince of players, Cook himself, and Rudolphs, will make proper allowances.
The first match last night was between J. Owen and C. Smith. No great breaks were made by either, but Smith won by 24 points, his best breaks being two of five cannons each.
The next game, the first in the second draw, was between J. Warr and C. Smith, the winner of the last heat, and though Smith played very well, he had the best of the luck; he made one good break of eight cannons, and won the game by 38 points. The handicap will be concluded this evening, C. Smith being the probable winner.