The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-10
THE GAME WAS A DRAW.
Simultaneous Plays Were Made
on Tables Arranged for
the Spectators.
THE TEAMS WELL MATCHED.
Three Rousing Cheers We're Given
for the Manhattan Chess Club
of New York.

LONDON, March "a large number of
chess amateurs assembled to-day in the
Victoria Hall, on the second floor of the
Criterion Restaurant, which was tastefully
decorated with white and gold. 1t was the
same hall in which the famous interna-
tional tournament in 1888 was played.
At 3;25 P. NJ. Lasker, the referee, drew
for the move and after the names of the
players were exchanged it was the opinion
of all 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 a table with ten
chessboards was placed so as to give the
spectators a chance to see the progress of
the games On these boards the moves
We're made simultaneously with those on
the boards of the players. Here was where
The spectators congregated. and the moves
were followed with the greatest interest
and eagerness. The cable instruments
were placed opposite the players at the
end of the hall
The general opinion prevailed here that
the play on both sides was very cautious
on all boards Much disappointment
however, was eyinced as time passed, for it
was seen that the game could not possibly
be fought out. Secretary Bryne said all
were very well satisfied with the cabling
arrangements, but they can now see that
more time should have been given. The
experiment, however, was a good one and
viii certainly result in having an immense
influence for the promotion of other inter
national matches.
Lasker had this to say: 'The circum-
stances considered the experiment was
highly satisfactory. Playing was very
good on both sides and the result shows
how little difference there really is be-
tween the two teams 1t was really a
great encounter and attracted world wide
interest. The British chess club had gath
cred very strong team"
1t was a rather dramatic scene when the
play was stopped. Sir George Newnes had
cabled to New York, at Lasker's sugges-
ton, to call the match draw, and he sat
down beside the operator awaiting an an
swer. Time passed and no reply At
1850 the manager of the hall asked all to
leave. The officers of the British club re-
quested to be allowed to stay until the
answer to their query arrived. The man.
ager, however, replied that he must close
the premises, and that the electric lights
NOuIt DG switched Oh 1T IllOIlSDE. NeWneS
and the others showed the greatest anxiety
and uneasiness as the hour approached.
Lasker declared he would have to
leave in order to catch a train
but he was persuaded to stop few min
utes longer Again the manager of the
hall appealed to the people to depart, and
then, as the hour struck, the lights went
out, leaving the room in darkness except
for few gaslights under the ceiling. AS
they were leaving the room the instru-
ment clicked. Newnes and the others
halted and the operator shouted
DRAW accepted.
Tell them, cried Newnes, Eve are Civ
ing three cheers for the Manhattan Chess
Club" and, lifting his hat, he shouted
"HurrahW and the company warmly re-
sponded.
As Newnes left the Criterion one of the
company asked him whether he was salts
fed, and he answered; Yes; entirely 50.
1t has been great -