New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-01
PLANS OF THE PRIzEFIGBTgRs.

There was prizefight in The Bronx on Sat
urday night, at which fifty or more persons
were present "by invitation and several po-
lcemen who had not been invited. Whether
because natural instincts triumphed for a time
over official duty or for some other reason. the
police did not interfere until the gong had
sounded for the eighth round, but at that point
the fight was stopped and the principals were
arrested, as well as the hotel proprietor whose
hospitality the company had been enjoying.
The next morning the three chief culprits were
arraigned and fined SO apiece for "disorderly
conduct" Possibly the circumstances prevent
ed n more specific accusation and a heavier
penalty, but the result is not entirely salts
factory. The incident is worth mentioning be-
cause from the fact that such violations Of the
law are not infrequent the argument is drawn
that the law ought to be so amended as to
permit boxing matches" subject to what their
advocates are pleased TO call suitable regua-
tons. An effort 10 that end was made at AL
bany last winter, a letter from Mr.. William
Barnes, ST., which printed yesterday re-
minded our readers, and defeated for sound rea-
sons which he clearly set forth
The attempt which failed year ago is Writ
ually certain TO be renewed at the coming ses-
sion, and the opposition ought TO be prepared
for prompt and effective resistance. The prize
fighting fraternity, though it no longer derives
a large revenue from carrying on the business
In this State, is able to command plenty Of
ready money and the services Of n certain class
Of politicians. Doubtless also it has the sup
port for practical purposes of some respectable
citizens, who see no harm in encouraging the
art and science Of sparring, under restrictions
which they think might be made rigid enough
10 exclude priZefghts. Hence the specious plea
for relaxation Of the present statute gathers
strength from various sources. But the pugil-
istc ring knows what it wants, and entertains
no doubt that it would be able to do business
on a satisfactory scale If once the bars were
let down.
Under the Horton law, Ostensbly designed to
prohibit priZefghting, the prize ring fourished
exceedingly in this State for years, growing all
the while more insOent brutal and degraded
Toward the last moreover, the business became
a systematic swindle, that the multitude OF
persons who made il lucrative were not ONLY
demCraliZed but cheated. Thus the State was
put 10 shame in the face Of the whole country
Having long pointed the finger Of scorn at other
communities which tolerated the evil, the peo-
pie OF New-York found themselves objects of
dcrision and contempt. Fortunately, they rec
ognized their position, and after repeated eff
forts succeeded in escaping from It, The re-
peal Of the Horton law has nearly met all rea-
sonable expectations. There is still a consid-
cradle amount of przefghting, but it is clan
destine and Of a minor order New-York is no
longer the favorite home Of pugilism Its chief
exDonents with their greedy hackers and foul
brood Of congenial spirits have to go elsewhere
when they want 10 settle a championship"