The Washington times., 1910-06-02
Chief EXECUTIVE
PICKS ]. JEFFR|ES
TO WIN THE BOUT
Declares 1t Is Worth
$4,000 to Johnson
to Lose.
PLACES NO STOCK
IN PRIZEFIGHTING
Thinks Pugilism on Same Plane
With Foot Racing As Crooked
Sport.

CHICAGO, June 2.-That the Jeffrias-
Johnson worlds heavyweight champion
snil battle TO be staged in san Fran
cisco on July ( IS nothing more than a
"frame-up,' Il the essence OF an inter
view accredited to Gov. ]. N Gillett
OF California, and published in the Chi
Csgo Examiner today.
Governor Gillett is quoted al length
as saying that ne believes Johnson would
he afraid to win in California, and that
II he loses he Will be about $4,000 ahead
and viii be able to retire.
The statement as printed follows:
Il think the Jeffrles-Johnsou fight Is
q frame-up, and that Johnson has no
chance 20 win, and doesn't expect 10
win I am convinced that Jenries was
assured he would be the winner be-
fore no consented TO re-enter the game,
and that johnson has been offered. and
has agreed to accept, a big sum and an
interest I'm the moving-picture receipts
10 let Jeffries win, and thus throw the
championship back 10 the white race.
Arranged in Advance
Il believe II is a 'frame-up,' " he re-
peated. There was no chance to get
Jeffries In the ring again. In my opinion,
unless he w6s assured In advance Of
victory. Jefries doesn't need the money,
and while he may be patriotic and will
ing. to bear the white mans burden,
he had too much to lose In prestige To
take chance on defeat.
"On the other hand, Johnson has lit
tie 20 lose. If he makes a good showing
against the unbeaten champion it will
be great honor IN itself. and II he can
wiz enough 10 make him independent for
life by letting Joftries regain the title.
I think he will do It. lie needs the
money and I think ne has erranged 10
get II.
But eliminating frame-up, for JEFF
fries what chance has Johnson? He
would have To 20 into the ring prepared
10 whip not only Jsffries. but the ref
cree and a majority % the male popu-
lation OF California. I don't believe the
crowd would stand for the negro being
returned the winner. and I am confident
that Johnson. before he would take a
chance. would fall down and knock him
self out if that we're the only way he
could let Jeffries win.
Gets Fools Money.
"PrizehGhting and foot racing are on
8 plane with each other when it comes
10 frame-up' TO get the money Of fools
I wouldn't bet a cent on either event II
! we're a betting man. But this JEFF
fries-JOhusOn fight IS what the race
horse touts call q lead pipe clnch.
There is only one man in il. and that
is Jeffrios.
1t viii no doubt he a fine sparring
exhibition. as that IS needed in the NOV
ing pictures. but when the time comes
II VIII he on Johnson's dUsky brow that
will be pressed on the ring. and pressed
down hard.
: am not going TO interfere. The law
permits these bouts: the board Of super
Fihors has granted a permit and that
ends II so far as I am concerned. 7
could STOP il if there was likely 10 be
riot or public disorder. but I believe
there is no chance Of that. for. as 7
have said. I think that has all been ar
RANGED in advance.
Inc only thing that could start 2 rior
a. the ringSide would he Cor johnson 10
win. and there isn't a Chance.'