The sun., 1907-04-27
HEARING ON The BOXING BILL.
GOV. .HUGHESLEARNS SOMETHING
ABOUT THE MANLY ART.

Fra~Iey In Advocating His BIII Said There
Was No More Danger In Amateur Bouts
Than In Gymnasium Exercises -Chur ch
League and y. VI. G. A. Favor the BDl.
ALBANY, April 2s.-K Gov Hughes didn't
know anything about boxing before, he
learned considerable about the manly art
OF self-defence this afternoon. For an
hour or more he sat and listened to experts.
Senator James J. Frawley, the author Of
the amateur boxing BILL became 80 en-
thusiastic in detailing the benefits Of box
ing that there were fears that he might
invite the Governor to a practical lesson
| in the game When Senator Frawley said:
-You know. Governor the rules under
which these bouts are conducted are dif-
ferent from the Marquis Of Queensberry
rules, the Governor nodded his head as
IL he understood all about the difference.
The hearing was on the bill permitting
the Amateur Athletic Union OF the metro
poIitan district to conduct boxing bouts
OF fifteen minutes duration with eight ounce
gloves. and only between amateurs. Capt
John Dickson OF the Military Athletic League
OF New York city. John Boyle Of the Pastime
Athletic Club OF New York city and Thomas
the A. A. o.. and who also represented
the Church Athletic League of New York
city. in addition to Senator Frawley. were
the speakers. The only time the Governor
asked a question was when Mr.. Nevins said
he represented the Church League.
Are you here with the approval Of the
governing body of your organization2"
he asked in a tone that might have been
h.sn -
one seeking information.
Yes. sir answered Mr.. Nevins, and he
enumerated the churches he represented
in the league.
Senator Frawley, who has refereed nearly
all the championship battles between anna
teurs held in the State. said that the Hor-
ton law had made II possible for the pro-
fessionals to degrade the manly art Of
self-defence, and he spoke in approval Of
the repeal Of the law.
-On account Of these professionals we
have been compelled to suffer" he said.
The Horton law made IL possible for hand
full Of men who were organized for the
sole purpose Of making money at the ex-
pense OF the sport to practically control
the boxing situation in New York city.
The amateurs were driven out. The Young
Mems Christian Association and the Inter-
collegiate Association were compelled 10
abandon boxing because OF these men.
Now when We wish to hold our champion
ships We have to go TO Boston, to Chicago
or to California. The A. A. u. is not "A fake
organization. We are organized aolely
and wholly for the best interests Of the
young men Of New York"
Senator Frawley described the manner
Of conducting bouts.
why, Governor" he said, there is no
mora danger In thaae hoI1ta than occ,,--
from any sort OF exercise in any gymnasium
It isn't a money making scheme. The
boys wear big gloves and there is no bru-
tality."
Capt. Dickson told Of the efforts OF his
organization to conduct clean sports and
to purify athletics.
III we are permitted to give boxing ex-
hibitions," he said, we will derive but
little revenue from them, but they will tend
70 promote interest in athletics. This pro-
posed law will result in a better physical
standard for young men and will show
them how to defend themselves in a gem
tlemanly manner"
The last statement caused the Governor
to lift his eyebrows as IL he was trying 10
grasp how man could defend himself
with his fists in "gentlemanly manner"
He looked az II he would have liked more
light on that, but refrained from asking
the question.
Letters were received from DR.. Lutber
Guhck OF the athletic department OF the
Y. M. c. A. and Gustave Kirby, prasident
OF the intercollegiate Association, indorsin1
the Frawiey BILL