Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-05
MAY REORGANIzE
JEFFRIES CLUB
BARON LONG HAS DECIDED TO
WITHDRAW
OTHER STOCKHOLDERS WILLING
TO CONTINUE
Financial Affairs in Good Shape, but
Manager Desires to Sell His Stock
and Go Into Other Lines
of Business
BY JAY DAVIDSON

The announcement yesterday by the
directors of the Jeffries Athletic club
that it had been decided to wind up
the business affairs of the club and
sell out to a new management caused
quite a surprise along the Rialto and
the impression that the club would
cease to exist and that the twenty
five-round game in the south would
go out Of existence created general re-
greet. Investigation, however, reveals
that the situation is not as bad as it
appears upon the surface and the pros
pect is most excellent for the club to
continue in business.
Baron Long has decided to draw out
of the club if he can dispose Of his
interests and this occasioned the de-
ciSion to wind up the affairs and sell
out to a new management. In the
event that Long can dispose of his
holdings to his satisfaction, a few of
the directors probably will go back
into the organization and reorganize
the club with the assistance of Longs
successor. The club is in good condi-
ton financially and has no troubles to
cause it to disincorporate
Already three bids have been re-
ceived for the stock held by Long and
for a controlling interest in the club.
which would go with the sale of Longs
stock. If Long sells his stock to a
party that is satisfactory to the other
directors and stockholders they prob
ably will subscribe for their present
holdings in a new organization. II
fact, the situation seems to be summed
up as a desire by Long to withdraw
from the club and invest his money in
other lines Of business, and this has
necessitated a reorganization. So far
as can be ascertained there is no mis-
understanding or dissatisfaction in the
board of directors and there are no
financial troubles to worry over.
The retirement of Long will make it.
necessary to reorganize, but most of
the present stockholders are willing to
continue with the club, and one of them
said last night that he believes that the
club will go ahead under the same old
name, but under a new management
and after reorganization. The club
has successfully staged several big
battles since it was organized and has
made money, but Long has been
anxious to withdraw for some time il
order to take advantage of business
opportunities that offer better invest
ment for his money. Several meetings
OF the stockholders have been held in
the last week to consider ways and
means for making the change. and it
finally was decided to sell out and re-
organize
Manager McCarey of the Pacific
Athletic club has been mentioned as
among those who were bidding on the
transfer Of stock, but he was asked to
confirm or deny the report last night
and he said that it was not true. He
J S not bid on it and will not do so,
but he might consider a business prop-
osition if it was presented. Should Nc
Carey acquire the controlling interest
in the club he would be in a position
to defy all attempts at competition in
future, as he would have a. club in the
city for the ten-round game and the
outside club for the bigger events over
a longer route
The name of Jimmy Coffroth has
been mentioned also as a probable sue
cessor to Long, but Los Angeles fans
hardly would take to such a change
with any degree of confidence or en-
thusiasm. 1t would be a big drop
from Long to the Coffroth type of pro-
mOter. Long has conducted the affairs
OF the club in a businesslike manner
and all scraps pulled off under his
management have been on the level
and without the slightest faint. The
invasion Of Los Angeles by the Frisco
outfit would be next thing to a death
blow to the game.
1t is regretted in sporting circles that
Long shoulG decide to quit the game
and that his decision should cause any
uncertainty regarding the future of the
CLUB. Long Is quite popular and has
just succeeded in getting the club to
running smoothly in its new home.
The future seems to hold forth excel
lent prospects for profit to the club
and entertainment for the fight bugs,
and now that the club has weathered
the financial storm occasioned by the
necessity for building the pavilion Ind
making additional improvements. it's
future never seemed so bright. If ne
disposes Of his stock the fans gener-
ally hope that some worthy sportsman
will be his successor, so that the club
will be reorganized on a permanent
basis and be controlled by local men.