The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-10
ACROSS THE WATER.
Scenes In the Hall Where the English
Amateurs Played.

LONDON, March "a large number of
chess amateurs assembled to-day in Vic
toria Hall on the second floor of the Cri-
terion restaurant, which was tatefully dec
GRATED with white and gold 1t was the
same hall in which the famous information
al tournament in 1883 was played. AT ex-
Rctiy 3:45 p. m. Lasker the referee, drew
Tor the move. and after the names of the
players were exchanged it was the gen.
eral opinion of all those present that the
teams were well matched. The players sat
down at separate tables. being roped off
from the public. but along the middle of
the hall table with ten chess boards was
placed, SO as to give the spectators
chance to follow the progress of the games.
On these boards the moves were made
simultaneously with those the boards
of the players. Here where the spectators
congregated, the moves were followed with
the greatest possible interest and eagerness.
The cable instruments were placed oppo-
site the players at the end of the hail..
Among those present were Lasker. Guns
berg, Tinsley. Techman and Meiss. At
tri-colored rosettes. Sir George Nawnes,
Haronet, N. p. thepresdent of the British
contest and was greatly interested in the
the play on both sides was very cautious
on all boards. Much disappointment, how
ever, was evinced as time passed, for it
was. seen that the games could not possibly
be fought out Secretary Byrne said that
all were very well satisfied with the cabling
arrangements. but they can now that
more time should have been given. The
experiment, however, good one and
will result in having an immense influence
matches.
Lasker had the following to say to
"a 81 n rod fhn
experiment was highly satisfactory. Play
ing was very good on both sides and the
really is between the two teams. 1t was
really a. great encounter and attracted world
wide interest. The British Chess Club had
gathered very strong team Owen had
come specially from Liverpool and Mills
from Edinburgh. and there were many
the best solution. If there had been only
pne or two TO adjudicate, the adjudication
would have been done satisfactorily to both
Eides, but under the circumstances the clubs
acted wisely to call the match draw. At
any rate, this should be a red letter day
In the history of the game"
1t was rather a dramatic scene when
play was stopped. Newnes had cabled to
match draw and he sat down beside the
operator awaiting the answer. Lasker
British Chess Club were in conversation
with each other. Time passed and no reply.
Newnes and the rest of the company were
at midnight on Saturday At 11:50, the
manager of the hall asked all to leave
The officers Of the British club requested
TO be allowed to stay until the answer to
their query arrived The manager. how
ever, replied that he must close the prem
Uses and that the electric light would be
switched Off at midnight. Newnes and
others showed the greatest anxiety and
uneasiness the hour approached. Lasker
declared he would have to leave in order
70 catch a. train, but he was persuaded
to stop few minutes longer. Again the
manager appealed TO the people to depart
and then the clock struck IL the lights
went out, leaving the room in darkness ex-
cept for few gas lights under the ceiling.
WELL said Newnes, If we must go it is
not our fault" and he rose and donned his
overcoat. AS they were leaving the room
the instrument clicked. Newnes and the
others halted and the operator read: Draw
accepted"
TELL them, cried Newnes, 1--WE are giving
three hearty cheers for the Manhattan"
and Iiftings. his hat he shouted ''hurrah,"
and the company warmly responded. Then
they left and were led down the stairs in
comparative darkness by walters holding
lighted tapers. AS Newnes left the Criter-
ION. one of the company, asked him whether
he was satisfied and he answered. Yes
entirely satisfied. 1t has been great