The San Francisco call., 1898-05-28
NEW HALL
 STANDS PAT Olympic President Talks of the DiSmiSSaIS. SAYS THEY WERE JUSTIFIED BUT THE MAJORITY OF MEM BERS ARE IN REVOLT. They Strongly Object to the Methods of the Management as Sacri-
 fcing Clean Sport to
 Money.

1 Never in the history of the Olympic l Club has there been such internal strife
 as has been created by the discharge of Professor Walter Watson and Professor Hugo Beleau Members have risen in open revolt against the action of the board of directors, and threaten all sorts of things, while the board, believing as 1t does that it has acted wisely and in the 1 interest of the organization, vows to re- sign if it's action is not upheld.
 The exclusive story of it's action as pub
 lished in The Call last Thursday has created a deal of discussion among mem-
 bers and the large following of the manly art in this city. It would seem that the consensus of opinion is that the directors are making grave mistake when they discharge such a recognized exponent of boxing as Professor Watson.
 Charges of lack of interest on the part of the leader, Howard Taylor, are ire Quently heard, and the directors are critl-
 cized for their bad management. It is said that If the latter had paid more at
 tention to the welfare of the members and not to money-making ventures such as professional fights there would be no need to retrench by discnarging Watson and Beleau.
 Howard Taylor's unpopularity with the members Is another reason advanced 10 account for the present conflict. In years past it is said, the gymnasium was crowded daily with gymnasts, boxers. wreStlers and fencers, because the leaders created interest by frequently holding tournaments. During the past six months members have been compelled to buy their way into the club to see men pum- mel each other, while under other dl- rectors they were able to witness clever exhibitions without charge. Under the present leader the interest in athietcS has subsided, and now, as was pointedly remarked by one dissatisfied member, "the club has been turned into good bathhouSe."
 With a view to meeting the present crisis. President Newhan called meeting of the board in his office yesterday put owing to the indictment weather but one put in an appearance. and he was Bllly Kennedy, a salaried employe. Another notice was sent out by MT NeWhall f for ,d a club on Tuesday next.
 When asked whether the, directors members menlb De ret2eV MT NewhSll D said: We have acted in this matter as we think proper and if the members are not satisfied with what we have done it is about time we resigned The reason why MT. Watson was discharged was because of his slow ness and inattention to business We had paid no attention to what was said. It IS said that Dewitt Van Court was slated for the position of instructor. but it is not bers, as also has Professor Bean. The latter has been strongly objected to, and if we can decide on neither we will send East and get the best to be had. Mem bers have frequently complained of MT. Watson, saying that he went about a les son as If he was conferring favor. He has gone round to many prominent mem bers who are my friends and asked them to intercede in his behalf. They have done so, but do not consider them judges of MT. Watson. as they are not in the habit of going into the gymnasium. The reason why we let MT. Beleau out is that there is not enough for him to do during the summer months. On June 1st the juvenile class closes for two months. Then again, a great many of the ladies are that Professor Meihling was able to at tend to these along with his other duties, not care to say anything about MT. Fay lor's qualifications as a leader, as he Is acting as sucn under my administration. in the matter. as the change is needed and is the best thing for the club"