New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-11
CHESS TABLE, TALK.

Anpnt nv remarks 81 MAY osth Mr. .Ianusch the
honorable secretary Of the Columbia Chess Congress
Committee. has written 10 me expressing his opinion
as well as that Of hi, colleagues that tho COMMITTEES
Will Issue a disclaimer reference to Offering the
title Of champion Of the world TO the winner of
their con'eu plated Tournament This will be- salts
factory, but another item Of in connection with
the congress winch again comes TO me- first through
foreign newspaper deserves. think. In the Interest
OF the game s serious reconsideration tie
part Of the committee.
In letter to Mr.. Gnnshcrg. dated MAY :. which
appears Ia Tho London Evening News and Post -
Of Mny 20. Mr.. Jtuusch states THAT this committee.
al II meeting held about a month ago, resolved that
the PLAYING rules. Including those regarding drawn
games, should be- submitted 10 the contestants when
assembled, and If at all possible. tcir Views should
greatly influence If not determine, the fna; dis
position Of these points
ON good authority | learn II IS still open 10
SOME doubt whether the committee will collect the
minimum OF 5000 on which they have based the
proposed congress, but II they raise the funds
feel satisfied that the above NAMED novel expert
ment Will greatly endanger the success Of their en-
terprse The duration OF the tournament will chiefly
depend on the question whether drawn games are
to be rpaycd not ami cons, flcnily intending
competitors. who desire 10 come from great distances
Of this continent and from abroad VIII be- unable
10 gauge beforehand the length OF their in New
York and the amount Of their "Xpcu.es. As is we'll
known som" more or less professional players raise
the necessary costs Of their participation I'm tourna-
ments by selling In advance half Of any prize which
they may gain TO a body of subscribers for various
amounts. according to their presumable chances.
The supporters of such players naturally require 10
know the principal terms Of the contest and II will
be an obstacle TO those competitors in the way OF
their raising funds If Of the important
dltions are held back. other objectionable points
In the proposal Of the committee too complicated
I" be fully explained. Playing rules may be IN
PRODUCED which, In great measure. might influence
results aud which may not meet with approval among
masters who are regarded chief rivals for the
highest prizes. The English contingent. which may
be- expected TO be- well represented. might arrive
an understanding ms their players can easily com
municatc with each other before their arrival. They
will probably vote In body but II j. of course
uncertain whether they viii be guided solely by the
OF fancied real selfint"rcst will influence their
votes. some American players who live at great
distances from each Other, as WEI as masters
the English language. unable to express their
views clearly, will however be at disadvantage. and
altogether II seems To me- doubtful whether some Of
the great maados win irsur the risk of time and
expenses on unknown conditions which finally they
NAV not agree with.
il is quite right that the committee should solicit
ms much rs possible the views Of prominent players
who are likely 10 compete In their contest. This
was done by the London Congress OF 1ss:i I'm refer
ence to ne drawn game question ana me sixth
American Chess Congress OF lisp submitted pre-
competitors and to the criticism of the press before
Issuing final one. The Columbian COMMITTEES ought
to act In similar manner and. In accordance with
all precedcnts. they ought 10 show fortitudc enough
Ia decide way another. Ia the best of their
judgment. without leaving the least uncertainty on
matters Of Importance. In my opinion the commit
tee might as well delegate the whole arrangement of
the Congress 10 the decision OF the players to
reserve even conditioraly such vital points the
draw n game question and other playing rules" for
more or less determining vote Of the contestants
when Assembled