Omaha daily bee., 1914-10-25
BOXING BADLY OFF ON COAST
Californisns Now Against Practice
Of Ring Game Anywhere in State.
HIDDIEs DEATH Is CAUSE
Change of Sentiment blamed Upon
the right from the Effects OF
which Arthur CarrOIPs
Opponent Died.

ny RINGsIDE.
NEW YORK. oct 2.-The ancient sport
Of boxing Is in a precarious condition out
in California. The ring game is doomed.
from all indications. in the state which
has fostered more championship battles
than any other commonwealth IN the
world.
Little did Arthur Carroll. a preliminary
boxer, know that when he delivered the
blow that resulted In the death OF his
opponent ''Bill Huddie," several weeka
ago. that he was also delivering me
death blow Of boxing on the Pacific
coast Huddio expired from the effects
OF a beating he received at the hands Of
Carroll in San Francisco ring
Five men must stand trial for the un-
fortunate happening. True. all five will
most likely be exonerated of blame, as
the coroners autopsy showed that death
was due TO a cerebral hemorrhage. New
ertheless those opposed TO boxing have
mighty weapon TO bring about a cessa-
ton OF boxing In California.
Whether or not the ring game IL TO
survive will be determined within a fort
night. Supporters OF the anti-prize fight
referendum law to be voted on at the
November election were quick TO seize on
the tragedy as an argument. and they
viii be depended upon to press their point
with visor until the polls are closed.
Not the First Time.
This Is not the first time the ring game
has been on trial IN California. Pcriodi-
caily agitations are started against box
ing there but in every instance the leg
isiators. after reprimanding the promot
ers and warning them against unscrupu-
ious dealings. have permitted the game
to go on.
Every year. however. added pressure
IL being brought TO bear on the law dis
pensers TO abolish boxing in California
Last winter a measure was introduced
TO stamp out the game. A counter bill
was submitted, and the latter passed by
the margin OF a single vote. So II can
readily be seen how dangerously close 20
oblivion the sport OF boxing II in Calf
fornia.
Despite this untoward state Of Affairs
coast promoters are going along as n
tho sport were never TO be threatened.
They are busy arranging ali sorts OF
matches, but as yet not one has been
definitely contaminated. II may be that
the promoters are showing a bold front
10 mask underlying fears.
Meanwhile boxing is thriving in this
glorious metropolis. Everything presages
the most successful winter the sport has
ever enjoyed here. There are a number
OF reasons for this optimistio outlook. but
chief among them is the fact that new
era has entered tho sport with the adj
- yAA MAJ ~
the Show association. which viii hold
forth In the amphitheater at Madison
Square Garden.
Johnston Is not a newcomer In the pro-
noting field. He has successfully en-
gineered many big matches. hut at
smaller clubs The Garden mosuis needed
n man who could stage boxing matches
without losing money for them. john
ston was selected. and a better selection
could not have been made.
johnson Has Wide scope.
Johnston has a wide scope OF things
pugilistic. and his theory IL that "a boxer
N not worth one penny more than he can
draw IN at the box office With this
legend in mind Johnston has announced
that any boxer who performs for him
will have 60 fight on a percentage basis
No moro guarantees will be given Says
Johnston;
This ultlmatum-for I consider It such
goes for Mike Gibbons, Freddie Welsh.
Johnny Kiibane, Kid williams. A4each
Cross and all the others who have pre-
tensions 10 championships. II they think
they can attract large gatherings TO see
them in action. they will be tho benefi-
ciaries; for the moro money they can
put into the Golfers the more they will
DO paid for fighting. Fair enough. Isn't
III"
Quite fair enough, is the opinion OF the
majority OF US.
Johnston was installed as boss OF the
Garden less than two weeks ago. but he
is already at work arranging for the best
matches in sight. First he desires 20
settle the white hope" dispute by bring
ing together Jess willard and Gunboat
Smith. the two leaders OF the heavy
weight class.
This meeting would doubtless fill the
Garden TO capacity. But little hitch
arises In the arrangements. Johnston. OF
course. will give no guaranty, adherins
10 his laudable percentage scheme. How
ever. Jim Buckley. manager for smith.
insists on 1900 for his charge to display
his wares. Buckley does not make this
demand OF Johnston. but desires TO have
Wizards mentor. Tom Jones. come across
with that sum. Buckley claims Jones
promised 10 guarantee Smith $500 II the
gunner would consent TO meet Willard
several months hack Now Buckley wants
Jones 20 keep his promise,
So II 10 up 20 the loquacious Jones
whether We are to see battle that prom
ises TO settle the white hope" question.
| for the tune being al least.
N m