Evening journal., 1909-03-15
Sports
LATEST NEWS OF
SPORTING WORLD
PueiIists Await Something
Definite From Johnson
and JeffrieS
TURFMAN TO OPPOSE
OPEN RACE BETTING

UTLlV NAIL DL ltlNU
Every pugilistic enthusiast in the world
is waiting eagerly to know whether James
J. Jeffries will meet Jack Johnson In
contest foe the heavyweight champion
ship Of the world. The recent arrival in
this country OF Hugh d. Mcintosh. OF
sydney. Australia, has added greatly to
the public interest IN the possibility of
such a contest. but considerable feeling
has developed that McIntosh's offer OF a
purse for the match on foreign soil should
not be accepted and that the question as
To the merits OF the men should be de-
cided in the United States
II IS known that Jeffries is not inclined
TO fight abroad. and that n he decides to
re-enter the ring he probably would favor
tho offer for worlds championship bat
lie in Seattle during the exposition there.
lie has taken up road work In connection
with tho light indoor exercise he has been
doing and viii continue this work the
coming week. Jeffries tells his friends
that his wind is Improving rapidly, and he
says ne intends to work up gradually, II
possible TO his real fighting trim.
1t is no secret among friends Of Jeffries
that he is anxious TO fight johnson and
has practically made up his mind to do SO
as soon as he feels sure that he will be
able do himself justice in the ring.
johnson. who has declared his willingness
TO fight Jeffries. is expected in the East
within the next two weeks. He and JEFF
fries manager then can come TO an agree
ment-
American bicycle riders will compete at
the Geological Gardens. Berlin, IN a six
day bicycle race this week. The race will
begin to-day and the same conditions
which govern the annual New York race
will prevail. Among the American riders
who viii compete are Floyd MacFarland.
San Jose. Cal; Walter Damara San Fran
cisco, and James Moran. Chelsea, Mass
Jack Clark. an Australian, who Is now
racing under American colors, also is en-
tered.
The New York Athletic Club win hold
It's annual indoor carnival at Madison
Square Garden tomorrow. Every athlete
OF prominence in Eastern colleges and
clubs has sent in his entry.
Tonight Dorando Pietri. OF italy. and
Johnny Hayes. winner Of the London
Olympic Marathon, will meet in Madison
square Garden for tho third time In a
match TO settle the question OF Marathon
supremacy. Dorando broke down at Shep-
herds Bush, and Hayes fell victim TO
Dorando's prowess last fan in New York.
Thereupon the race should be an inter-
esting one.
The Marathon wave has hit Pittsburg
and two contests have been arranged In
that city for the 10th and S0th Of this
month The indoor track there measures
seven laps TO the mile To-morrow 10 men
W,ll qualify there TO meet five New York
amateur distance men, including r. II.
White, Tom Morrissey, Samuel Mellor and
NJ. j. Ryan at the full Marathon distance
IN the Pittsburg Rink on March 30.
Edward Payson Weston win celebrate
his seventy-frst birthday this afternoon
by starring on a iSoo-mile walk from
New York TO San Francisco He hopes 10
reach the Pacific Coast within 100 days
The old ped will start from the general
Postofnce. New York. at o'clock.
Members OF the Jockey Club and track
owners. It is understood have decided that
the sport may be successfully continued II
conducted along the lines that will not
infringo upon the present statutes II VIII
take some time 10 educate turf followers
up 10 the new conditions which forbid
bookmaking. The spriug season probably
will commence about the middle Of April
and, with the exception OF Brighton Beach
course. It is expected that dates win be
apportioned to all the Metropolitan tracks
Officials OF tho racing associations look
for decreased attendanccs under the new
order Of things when compared with the
crowds OF former years. and 1t is likely
that there viii be racing only on three ol
four days a week.
Betting on the races. perforoe. viii bI
greatly restricted at the tracks until th'
courts have given final determination e
the scope and application Of the presen
antiracetracS gambling laws passed at I'M
last session Of the State Legislature. In
dividuai betting without records or wager
being made. which has been held legal b.
The lower courts. will provide speculation
Tor those in position 20 make such wagers
The Jockey Club, however, will do every
thing IN its power to prevent open betting
aud Il will, it is understood. take sum
mary action against any persons who see
20 break the law. Racing officials say tha
ractrack plunging. which did so much {
hurt the sport, win not be possible unde
the new order Of things.
Amateur and professional billiardisl
viii have an inning this week in Ne
York Amateur three-cushion players {
Chicago. Kansas City and ST. Louis wi
play a series against Eastern experts ts
day. tomorrow and Wednesday. Tt
games win be at 50 points each The Yves
ern team viii consist OF James Shei
Charles NORM. Chicago; Jordan w. Ian
bert and Or. William Campbell. st. Loui
and T. J. Backus, Kansas City. The Eas
ern players viii be A Brock, T. Peiser ,
Palasco. d. Ballou- James Blair and ]
I.outerbach
George Slosson. professional Isl ball
line champion. viii defend the title again
George Sutton Thursday in the Gards
Concert Hall. New York The match w
be 900 points up.