The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-25
THE LA BLANCHE FAKE.
Much Dissatisfaction Because the De-
cisfon Was Not Made.

cisfOD Was Not Made.
SAN FRAycIsco, Feb. 24.-ISpecial. l.
About 300 members of the California Club
attended the investigation of the La
Blanche-Mitchell fiasco last night. Presi-
dent Fu.da said that great deal of evil
dence had been gathered by the board of
directors to justify the general suspicion
that La Blanche had faxed" his side of
the contest. and that the members waited
with good deal of patience to have the
evidence produced. They were. however,
disappointed, for the evidence produced
was nothing more than facts which have
already been published. Much was evil
IDENTIFY held back. 1t will perhaps be pro-
duced at the next meeting.
The most significant proceedings of the
evening was formed by contradictory
statements by several directors. The prin-
cipal witnesses were AL Lean, the wrestler,
and Private Detective Mattlock, who told
straightforward story of how they had
followed La Blanche, and seen him ap-
preached by several persons, and how he
drank before going into the ring.
When the directors met after the con-
test Friday night, Director Ferguson, ac-
cused of having bought a pool on Mitchell,
positively denied that he had done any
betting, but last night he admitted that he
had "bet both ways" but ''only to small
amount"
Director Vice also denied having bet. but
finally admitted that he placed $500 on La
Blanche for his friends.
Another peculiar statement was made by
Director Fish. He was mentioned as one
of the persons who had been seen in La
Blanche's company at the Grand hotel
and Detective Mattlock said he had heard
Fish mention something about ticket
to Chicago" Director Fish, in his testi-
m ony, admitted he had been with La
Blanche at the hotel, but denied saying
anything about ticket to Chicago.
This denial brought La Blanche to his
feet. and he said that Fish did come to
him at the hotel and say. "I've sent down
$500, and il you want ticket to Chicago
you can have it," La Blanche was asked
no questions.
Young Mitchell said that two men mad
approached him at his training quarters
on behalf of LaBlanche, as already stated,
but La Blanche denied that he had sent
anyone to see Mitchell, and further that
he had trained faithfully for the contest
Directors Mclaughlin and Leek were
the only two who voluntarily admitted
timoRy went it showed clearly that the
match had something mysterious behind
IT. The investigation, however, closed
without developing anything definite, al
though those present agreed that more
damaging case could have been made out
against La Blanche if those in charge of
the investigation had pushed matters
The meeting was postponed until next
Tuesday. much TO the disgust of members
who believe that the iron should have
been struck while hot. One thing, how
ever, was developed, and that was that the
future OF the club demands the immediate
resignation OF several members on the
board of directors.
Along the street il is the general topic of
conversation that La Blanche and at least
one director of the club put up the fake.
One director. who testified 10 the contrary
last night. was seen by several witnesses
in possession OF pool tickets bearing
Mitcheli's name, and it is well-known
fact that he has always been La Blanche 3
friend and particularly so in the late affair.
Another fact which was not brought out
last night Is that certain Canadian friend
of La Blanche, who continually freGuented
La Bianche's old saloon on Stockton streeI,
was seen in the poot rooms on the night of
the tight buying Mitcheli's end of the
pools. Several other men who are known
TO be intimate friends Of La Blanche were
also seen betting quietly on Mitchell. As
a matter of fact. there is sufficient evidence
to be had to show conciusively that La
Blanche had previously arranged TO .'turn
up the fight.
4 majority of the members of the club
are disappointed AZ last nights proceed
ings. and the general opinion is that the
directors should have pushed the inquiry
and given their decision last night and
thrown La Blanche cut of the club.
Denver sporting men had the tip that La