The morning call., 1893-02-12
TUG-OF-WAR.
A Los Angeles Team That Is Anxious
for Glory.

A Los Angeles Team That Is Anxious
for Glory.
Although having met with heavy re-
verse when he introduced tug of-war on
horseback TO the people of this city, ID. r.
Mcneil has not altogether relinquished his
grasp on this great athletic sport.
The father of rope-pullipg is now cOnsid-
ering the idea OF getting up a tug-ofw war
contest on cleats between teams from this
city and Los Angeles. the winner to repre-
sent California at the Worlds Fair.
Recently some of the famous hippodrome
pulIers who figured In the big tournament of
two years sgO have been accomplish hing big
schemes on the gullible public who have
foolishly paid admission TO see downright
fakes. Two of the biggest fakes, or swim
dies rather. that ever occurred in this city
were witnessed at the Orpheum Theater.
The fools who were induced 10 speculate on
the tuggers have been kicking themselves
ever since their money took sudden de-
parture.
The fake contests held at the Orpheum
have given single-handed tug-Of-war,a black
eye in this city. and it is very doubtful
even under the auspices of an honest and
competent manager that q successful pull
could now be carried off in this city.
Mr.. McNeill had done his utmost TO purify
the sport. when it began to fall into the
hands Of swindlers. Finding, however, that
he was powerless to stop taking exhibitions
be remained out Of the race, so to speak,
until a few weeks ago, when he received
several letters from Los Angeles desiring to
know If match could be arranged between
the Les Angeles team aud tTst-class team
from this city.
A. z. Church of the Recorders office,
Los Angeles. writes TO McNell under date
OF January y, 1898:
I 20, sf,,,a M
heard from you, so viii try again aud see II The
sporting proclv lilies are SIN In the makeup
OF Inc san Francisco people. We are anxious 10
pun IN The ely and II We dOn't get chance soon
We are AFRAID that we Will grow rusty. Please
ny 10 put some backbone IN the tue-ofw4r men
In your city, for when we get at them we Will
pull II ali out OF them IN short time.
According to McNeilPS answer 1t will be
seen that the prospects of some good con-
tests in this city are favorable; and should
a tournament be inaugurated il is hoped
that all taxing pullers will be politely in-
vited to remain cut of the race, otherwise
the matches will certainly prove failures.
Mcneil writes:
4. p. Church. los 4n1cIes-DEAR SIR: Your
favor Of the 9th inst. just received. | received
TWO Others or one at least, that did not answer.
have been waiting 10 see what could be done
toward getting up tournament. and have come
10 tie conclusion that II cannot be done al pies
ent, and II II goes past this spring the honor OF
representing California at the Worlds Fair
team would come here and pull against a team
10 represent san Francisco, Tor the champion
snip OF the State and such a cash prize as may be
agreed upon, could get up tournament for an
choTmen and have the TWO teams pull best two out
OF three pulls, and Use the anchOfmen's tourna-
men 10 nl IN with, so tina, in case the ius should
De short. there would be something for the peo-
pie 10 and make an evenings entertainment.
This IS a new idea-thOught OF since received
your letter. sufficient number Of teams 10
make good touIna meut cannot be got 10 20
10 on their merits aud unless hey 60 In on their
merit II i no good. | think eight or ten men
could be got 10 euler The anch0men's tOurna-
ment for reasonable uTiZ-s / would have each
one put up al least 500 Of forfeit. aud think,
with good referee and ironclad rules, a success
ful tournament Can be given.
/ intend 10 give the Interstate tournament at
the Worlds Fair. but OF course Captain Duplessla
claims, and justly, TOO. that The Canadian team
has the right 10 represent he State; but think
that inasmuch as there appears TO be little
cloud on their Title to he championship. l would
be able 10 get them 10 consent o Team of San
trsnciscans. without regard 10 nationality, pull
lug your team for tie Championship.
i VIII say here, that even II You should think
fav0rably Of This, and sufficient number Of men
were found willing 10 enter The Anchormen's
tournament, all the money wonld have 10 be put
up and referee agreed upon before would an
nOuuce 10 the public that | would give lie tour
nameni, so That II could be given before some
time la April. be Chicago tournament VIII
take place IN August OF September. Hoping to
hear from you soon, remain, yours truly,
ID. K. MCNEIL.