New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-12
VIOLATION OF HORTON LAW
CRITICISM OF SHERIFF OF WESTCHhS-
TER COUNTY IN CONNECTION WITH
NrcoVERN-PATNER FIGHT
MGOVERN-PALMER FlGHl

~, r,,o ccbt arranged to take place in the open
air at Tuckahoe. Westchestor county, pe'"'en
NcGovern, Of Brooklyn. and Palmer OF hhslah''
v,as postponed yesterday account OF the RAIN
The management of the mill say that the CON
test will take place to-day provided the weather
IS clear Vow II this fight were to take place In
n building leased owned by the promoters OF
tho fight the weather would not be factor in
the proceedings, but as the contest Is 10 taKe
placo in the open air tho weather plays the prln-
cpal role far the box Office receipts are con-
ccrncd
Prize fight promoters have been lodging ever since
the Horton law went into effect three years ago
hut as they have held their fights I'm buildings
leased for the purpose these slippery individuals
have been able to carry on their trade almost
without molestaton. The law abiding people OF
This CITY and Of Westminster County would Ike 10
know why IL Is that this proposed fight Is 10 be
allowed 10 take place At Tuckahoe. in direct viola
ton Of the laws OF the State II New-YorlS The
law is plain. and any one conversant with the
Horton act cannot understand how this fight IL
going to boz pulled of without the principals, pro-
motors aud attendants being arrested Possibly
william H. AIollov the Sheriff Of Westminster Coun-
may De called upon explain why this violation
Of the law is allowed 20 take place to-day or any
other day The promoters watching the OUT
come with considerable concern. They argue thar
II the authorities allow the fight IN WESTMINSTER
there Will be nothing to prevent them from having
weekly fights A. the Polo Grounds. Manhattan
Field Ambrose Park ana other fields badly In need
~ gate receipts 10 make them even on a rather
disastrous outdoor season.
Here is the Law the subject. and Il Is worded
So plainly that it does not require person or
legal learning to understand IT.
An act 70 amend the Penal code. In relation to
prize fighting and sparriug exhibitions Became n
law Apru H. 1885, with the approval ot the Gov
ernor Passed. a majority being present. me pco-
III. If tho state ~ NeN-York represented In senate
ar,lf
section T. section -, ~ tho Penal Code Is heronY
amended SO rs 10 read as follows:
Sec As Prize lighting and sparring eXnioIupns
aiding therein. etc.--A person VINO Nlthh 'lS
STATE engages IN. instigates. aids. encourages OF
docs any act To further contention. or HEh' WIN
ONT yya3p0ne between TWO or moro persons, "t 4
rrhf commonly called a ring or priz" nght, 'llh'r
,,fhu or VIII h0ut the State, or VINO engages I'D I"
triblic or private sparring exhibition with or "ln
n,t GLOVES within the state. ar which an anHlS
eior To- IL charged received either directly or IN
directly or who sends or publishes cnallengc; OF
ar..rftnco of a challenge for such q contentloh'
cxhii'flon or fight. or carries or d"iVers su'n q
on.il.,'ga or arceptauce or trains or assists any
,nre,r I'm training or preparing for such Il con
linton exhibition or fight. Is guilty OF a misde-
,neanor provided, however, that sparring OK
ifhfions with gloves Of not loss than I'VE ounces
csrh IN weight may be held by a domestic incotpo
ratod athletic association In building leased n> ~
for athletic purposes only. for A. least one year o
IN a building owned and occupied by such asSo'"-
Sec . THIS Rqt shall take effect September l.
1896.