The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-10
BOXING BILL IS
 AIMED TO UPLlFT
 PLANE OF SPORTS
Introduced by Senator M'Neil Jr. Supported by Richard
 Howell.

Hartford March 10-Sport here and there-especia1ly boxers and wrestlers throughout the State Of Connecticut-will be interested to learn that a bill pertaining to boxing and wrestling was heard at the Cap itol yesterday afternoon before the committee on public health and saf- ety. The bill was introduced into the Senate some weeks ago by Senator Archibald McNeil, IT,, of Bridgeport and was referred to this special com mittee for hearing, which was grant ed yesterday. The bill has been giv-g en quite a little considera tion by the committee which consists of Sena tors Bailey and Brinsrnade of Windsor and Washington respectively, and the fol- lowing members from the House; Chairman Thompson of Pomfret, Clerk Woodhouse of Wethersf1eld, MT. Alcorn of Enfield, MT. Wilson of Sey- mour, MT. Clarke of Prospect, MT. Learned of Lisbon, MT. Sedgewick. of Litchfield, MT. O'Connen of Stafford and MT. Kelsey of Westbrook
 The bill was drafted by Richard Howell of Bridgeport who is identi fled with one Or two Connecticut pa pers and has taken a considerable in terest in this branch of sport. The bill as he has authored it, requires that boxing and wrestling contests be held only by incorporated clubs who have filed the certificate showing their incorporation with the State Secre- tary, or who have received a charter from the General Assembly. To hold a contest of either order it will be necessary to get a permit from the selectmen, the burgesses or the com mon council Or board of aldermen in the town, borough or city in which the exhibition is to be given. Since the bill was drafted an amendment has been attached, proposing to strike out the clause pertaining to a permit for the city contests.
 An important feature of the bill is that it requires that a supervisor shall be attendant upon the exhfbi- tions, and his powers are almost com pIete He is to be appointed by the mayor of the town, borough or city in which the contest is to be waged. It shall be his duty to see that con tracts are fulfilled. both by clubs and contestants. His approval as con- cerns the ring and the time and the contestants must be met with and abided by.
 It is provided in the bill as ori- ginally drawn that no gloves weigh ing less than eight ounces shall be used in boxing contests. An amend nent has been proposed which will re-
  ounces. No platform over three feet high unless a stational platform like a stage shall be used. Three ropes must be stretched about the ring. The word of the supervisor is to be final in these points. A registered physi- clan must in attendance and must approve of the condition of the con- testants, for which he shall receive fee.
 This act will not apply to amateur exhibitions. The penalty to club members or contestants who violate this act will be $500 or three months in jail. All laws contrary to the act will be repealed.
 The bill received no opposition at the hearing yesterday. The bill was supported by Senator McNeil, who said that he had heard of no opposi- tion whatsoever. He introduced Rich ard Howell, the author of the bill, who spoke of the proposed amend ments and explained the need of 1t. Edward J. Maroney sealer of weights and measures in New Haven, also supported the bill. After being con- sidered in executive meeting by the committee it will be reported to the General Assembly for disposition. It is believed that such bill will do much toward establishing cleaner bouts. MT. Howell Is strongly in fla for of the supervisor and the doctor provisions.