New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-06-16

Governor GiIIett Takes Steps to
Prevent Jeffries- John
son Battle.
HE DEMANDS QUICK ACTION
Many Think Pressure Came from
Washington-Rickard May
Take Contest to Utah
or Nevada.


OF the state and country, Governor
James n. Gil.ett to-day took steps to
prevent the championship fight between
James j. Jeffries and Jack" johnson.
scheduled TO be held in San Francisco
on July f.
In letter to Attorney General Z. S.
webb. the Governor expressed his dis
approval of prizefghting in unmeas-
ured terms, and directed that the aid of
the courts be invoked to prevent the
battle
He concluded with a positive order
that in case the plea for restraining or
der be not granted and the fight be held
the Attorney General proceed to gather
evidence and prosecute the principals
and those interested in the fight for vio-
lation Of the penal code of the state
The letter declares that the Supreme
Court of California has never defined a
prizefght, and suggests that an oppor-
tunity be given it to do so. This is
taken by those interested to indicate
the Governors intention 60 press his op-
position to the end.
While the status of the fight is in an
unsettled condition tonight the sport
ing fraternity is much cast down, and it
is generally believed that the death
knell Of prize fighting in California. the
1.-The mecca of prizefghters,' according
to the Governors letter, has been
sounded
This belief is borne out by the fact
that the Governor telegraphed to Attor-
ney General Webb later in the day to
take similar action as to the fight sched-
uled for June Is in San Francisco be-
tween Sam Langford and LAP Kauf-
man.
Surprise for TEX" Rickard.
Tex Rickard and John Gleason, the
promoters of the big fight, said that they
had heard no whisper of the Governors
intended action. When the news reached
him Rickard rushed to the office of At
torney General Webb and asked what
that officer purposed to do After
conference with Webb, Rickard said he
believed that the fight would be held in
San Francisco on the advertised date,
despite the Governors orders.
Riciard would not say what his course
Of action would be until Mr.. Webb
handed down an opinion, but insisted
that he had no intention Of abandoning
the effort to hold the fight here Both
he and Gleason devoted much time to-
day to a conference with their attorney,
Herbert Choynski The course of legal
defence decided on probably will not be
given out until Mr.. Webb has made a
statement.
Rickard said the Attorney Genera
had promised him, because of the great
expense Of erecting the arena and other
matters connected with the fight, that
his opinion would be Forthcoming with
out delay. Rickard expects it within
two days. In the mean time, Rickard
saws he would prepare to take the fight
to Nevada. Or Utah, if compelled to
leave California.
Just what will be the nature of the
legal proceedings to be Instituted by
the Attorney General is not known. The
Governors letter is positive in directing
that the courts be asked to intervene
and urging a definition Of prizefighting
by the Supreme Court. For this reason,
1t is believ ed that Mr.. Webb will apply
for a writ of mandamus before the
states highest tribunal, thus bringing
all parties before that body for hear
ing and procuring a temporary injunc-
ton. pending a decision By this step
he would avoid delay. since the promot-
ers would have to appeal if Judgment
were rendered against them.
When word of the Governors order
reached Ben Lomond, Jim Jeffries re-
fused to believe it The camp was
thrown into an uproar by the message.
Jeffries, however, after declaring his
disbelief, retired to his cottage, and was
found there later sound asleep
The Midnight Situation.
The situation tonight is portrayed by
the following statements:
"I shall file petition with the Su-
nerior Court in two or three days ask
ing for a restraining order against the
Johnson and Jeffries fight principals
and promoters" said Attorney General
L. S. Webb tonight
I'VE will not contest the action Of the
court if the first ruling goes against us.
IF will then be Reno, Ely or Salt Lake"
said TEX" Rickard. promoter and ref
cree.
.J will fight wherever they get us to-
eetl,er. | will fight Johnson tomorrow
down here on the river bank, SAID
Iar,es 7 Jeffries at Ben Lomond-
..I am ready to go any place TO fight
T, makes no difference to me" said Jack
Iobpeon at the Cliff House.
1T looks like the finish. can see no
wav to contest it. The Governor repre-
aats hath the civil and the military au-
of the state. They have put a
or,,,n in the game in California" said
Jimmy" Coffroth.
That the fight will be held in Reno, |
IT., or Salt Lake all agree. l. certainly
IA not he held in California If the Gov
can prevent il, and sportdom be-
60 he can Seat sales for the fight |
,ural Sl3u,DD in cash. Expenses
.,-eo5v incurred. according to Rickard. |
az eo'tkn.
Bia Money at Stake.
,,o,,ard estimates that he VIII lose
GOO ono # he is forced to take the fight |
,t.a,,bere He said he would consider |
and Ely, New, and Salt Lake City |
;s said To favor the Utah capital
r,rark on the arena. which has pro- |
coed RAPIDLY since it was started |