Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-06-16
THE pUGILIsTs.
A Few Facts About Referee George
 Siler, Deceased.

1llSAs oVO~UoSN'
 George Siler. for more than twenty five years recognized authority on all matters pertaining to boxing, who refereed four of the greatest cham pionship battles ever known, whose integrity was never questioned and whose decisions were always recos- nized as just, has answered the call of the Great Referee. He died at hls home in Chicago Saturday night.
 Siler was e. years old. He was stricken OH the street June 4 with an attack of heart failure. He was taken home and everything that medical aid could accomplish was done for him, but all to no purpose. He passed out quietly, simply, as he had lived, with his family gathered about him, ana with the knowledge that he had lived his life clean and lived 1t well.
 In sporting circles there has been no more honored name than that of George Siler. Personally man of most lovable disposition, generous and charitable, he was not q spendthrlft nor a gambler. Sporting with him was a most enjoyable occupation and lie followed it because he loved 1t. For many years he had been a writer on boxing topics ,- for. the Chicago. Tribune, and his articles were copied all over the world where the manly art of self-defense is known, for he was a recognized authority.
 In his youth Siler became lover of sports, and when he was not out Of his teens had become recognized as m able boxer. He was in the light weight class, fighting at aDout 130 pounds. Of late years his weight had considerably Increased. but in his youth he always worked at about that weight.
 It was not as a participant in ring battles, however. that Siler became best known. Most of his life was spent in Chicago. ana there he had many battles and was interested fin sporting events of every nature. But none of his fights ever brought hin recognition except that of being m honest man and thoroughly aequaint- cd with the rules of the game.
 It was not until March. 1896, how ever. that his reputation became in- ternatlonal. That was the year of the Fitzsimmons fight with Peter Maher Maher was backed by Joe Quinn, Buck Cornelius. Johnny New ell. Detective Roger O'Mara and sey- eral other Pittsburg sporting men
 The Fitzsimmons-Maher fight wns looked upon as one of the great events of the century. The Irish hoy had been touted for a winner. As usual there was hue and cry by the An tl-Everything Association and nrcpa- ratlons were made 10 prevent the sx- blbition taking place. It was finally found necessary to select a battle ground just across the Rio Grande from Jangtry. Texas, on Mexican soil. Even here the Antis tried to get tine National Government to intercede with the Mexican government to stop the contest.
 The battle lasted just one and a half minutes. Maher going down to defeat in less than one round. The brevity of the affair disgusted those who had spent vast sums of money to witness fl, but none. could deny that the laurels had been placed on the brow of the real victor. The fight was for s10O00. winner take aIl. It ended Maher ss a prospective champion and gave Bob FItzsImmons the credit which rightly belonged to him.
 Siler's work in this fight made It natural that he should he selected for the next big event, and March 1T, 1897. he refereed the FItzsimmons- Corbett fight at Carson City. when Fitzimmons was given the decision h fourteen rounds. Sller's fame was made then and there was no question when be was selected to referee the match between Jim Jefrries and shar- key at Coney Island Athletic club. November 8. 1899.
 The Gans-Nelson fight at Gnldfsld. Eev. September 3. fnns. was inc fourth great championship hattIe rp- fereed hy siler. The decision went ts Cans at the end of the fortysecssnd round. Since that tine siier has rsfc- reed no important battles FalIing syesight made 1t impossible for him so always note every sctinu. and rathsr than do an injustice to q Hr1t- r be retired from the position of referee
 slser's decisions were made wifhsut ~zard to fheir popula rity and he was never knovn to falter. rs<zriiezs of what the crowd might think
 sone yssrs zrp sIipr bought a sae fErn ia wiscozsin. and there hs spent