Omaha daily bee., 1909-10-10
TOO MUCH MONEY TO THE STARS
billiard Table Owners Complain
Against Prices They Ask.

Against Prices They Ask.
NEW YORK. Oct. 9.-There is every like
lihood of changed conditions in the billiard
world this winter, and there is a possibility
that the shift will not be brought about
without a serious fight against those who
have held undisputed sway for years over
the green cloth pastime.
The owners of the rooms, who take all
OF the chances in the game, believe they
are getting the smallest end Of the profits
accruing. In the first place the owner of
a billiard parlor has to pay what he terms
enormous prices for his tables and sund-
ries. The output has practically been in
the hands of one concern and the owner
has to pay a given price or face the
charge Of having inferior goods in his
place. Another phase that does not appeal
TO the keeper of a room is the fact that
the star billiard pros-Willie Hoppe, Calvin
Demarest Albert Cutler and others-who
play exhibition matcheH in the various
rooms, have a habit OF demanding and get
tihg large sums for their appearance. The
public, which likes good billiards, wants
10 see these men in action and the room
Keepers have to stand for the exorbitant
demands. Between the manufacturer and
the billiard star, claim the keepers, they
pAOllNs
A brief outline of the plan pronosed for
adoption was obtained recently. II is
planned to organize for the purpose of
bringing down both the manufacturer and
the exhibition player from the present
steep prices, 10 maintain a blacklist of
known sharpers at the game, who infest
the halls looking for easy marks who
want a little friendly game; to run the
various championships according to com
mon sense rules, and last, but not least.
to operate a circuit lasting eight months
In which the stars will be given a regular
tour to play at a mutually agreeable
price. This circuit will be mapped out
exactly as IN vaudeville and will take in all
the towns of the country where the billiard
game is at all appreciated. In this manner
the Keepers hope not only to get the stars
at a reasonable figure and boom billiards
all over the country, but they will also be
able to put out of business any billiard star
who does not live up to his contract or
who falls to appear when booked.
The first move will be made as quickly
as possible. This will be the holding Of
a championship tourney, with rules accord
ing to the idea of the noted billiard stars
and not according to the dictates Of a
manufacturer. II is proposed to force
Willie Hoppe to play or forfeit his cham
pionship. He will be told the rules and
must either play or relinquish his claim.
Maurice Vignaux, the Frenchman and a
favorite with bllliardists, has already
agreed TO come over and play for the
worlds championship. and it is thought
that Demarest, Hoppe, Morningstar and
Cutler OF the younger set. will all be found
playing against Slosson, Sutton and the
other older shining lights.
The tourney will not be held at the end
Of the season, as heretofore, but within
four or five weeks, when billiards are
beginning to boom. When the tourney is
over, then the keepers will get I'D a sched-
ule and offer a reasonable amount to the
stars to play all over the country. II the
move is us successful as planned, none OF
the stars will be able to get any serious
number Of engagements without complying
with the rules and prices Of the new asso-
citation. 1t will also give the stars some
thing to count on for the better part OF
the year.
The fight against the manufacturer end
OF the bargain will come differently. II Is
proposed to allow the different manufao-
turers to bid for the big advantage OF
having their tables used by the stars in
championships and other big exhibitions.
1t is proposed TO put mp a purse OF 1000
for the championship series and the manu-
facturers will be permitted to help out in
this purse, the highest bidder to be given
the rigth to have his table used. In this
manner It is expected that the competition
will be started.