The Washington times., 1916-01-25
BEALE-MEYER
FIGHT A DRAW,
NEUTRALS SAY
Former Cabinet Officer and Ex-
Minister to Persia in Spirit
ed Fist Battle.
NEAR METROPOLITAN CLUB
One Invites Other Outside,
Where They CIaSh-LOng-
Standing Feud Alleged.
NEAR METROPOLITAN CLUB

Peace advocates are drawing texts
and morals today from fistic en-
counter between George Won J.. Meyer.
of Hamilton, Mass. former Secretary
of the Navy who came to Washington
to attend the National Security League s
Congress on preparedness, and TruXton
Beale, of Washington, former minister
to Persia and Greece. The combat took
place outside the Metropolitan CLUB.
1t was said on good authority this
afternoon that the board or governors
OF the Metropolitan club would make
an Investigation of the incident. Tho
members OF the board, however de-
clined to discuss this report, explain
ing that ii was the policy OF lhe cluD
never to discuss any OF It's activities
or business for publication.
The contestants hadn't time TO be
weighed in, and since have not had the
disposition. but their ages stand: Meyer,
81; Beale, SO.
Neutral observers call the round a
draw, but neither participant was Badly
bruised While 1t lasted the action was
swift and furious.
Feud of Long Standing.
After delivering preparedness ad-
dresses before the Security CONGRESS,
Mr. Meyer decided to remain in Wash
ington for several days. Entering the
Metropolitan Club he met Mr.. Beale.
There is said to have been long stand
ing feud between the two men. dating
back to i'll feeling engenderod years ago
in the, old Knickerbocker Ciuo in New
York.
Mr.. Bcale is reported tc have invited
MIR. EAfeyer to come outside hr.
Meyer lost no time in go!ns, and Hftec
blows the two clirched, relied to the
sidewalk, and pummeled each other
vigorously for n time. regardless of
Marquis of Queensberry OF any other
rules. Then frienls with the help Of
theml
Beale strolled off to his home, a block
away. Both were tOuslod and bruised,
but neither seriously injured. Last
night and this morning neither was
''at home" to callers, or To telephone
Mr.. Meyer served in the Roosevelt
Cabinet as Postmaster General and was
Gecretery of the Navy under PresiGent
Russia, and Germany under President
Roosevelt. Mr. Bralc IS Il hrother-in-
law Of The Russian ambassador. Mr.
father Of Mr.. Bnale's first wife. When
blaine was Secretary Of Statc Mr.. Reale
was minister to Persia, and afterwnrd
minister 20 Greece, Roumania ana
in 1902 Mr. BeaIc was living IN Cali
fornia, when wec'iy socIntv puDh-
cation printed a paragraph which MT.
Eeale supposed referred t. a friend.
Mr.. Bealc and a friend. Thomas VI.
Williams. president o. the California
Jockey Club. met in club AND decided
it was up to them to rovive the days Of
Chivalry, accnrtlinE to testimony at the
trial. Mr.. Ecale telcrhcncd to r:eder-
ick Marriott. editor cf the publication.
who invited them to his home.
Mr.. Beale Married Here.
At the trial it was said one Of the
men struck Marriott when he ca ne to
the door and later. it was alleged. four
shots were fired by one OF the men,
three of tho bullets striking him in the
hack, one in the thigh, the last Grip
pling him for life.
At the trial 10th men were acquitted.
Marriott sued for damages and got
nothing from Mr. Reale. He did get
Slc,7S0 from Williams.
Soon after the affair Mr.. Bea!e and
Miss Marie Oge, daughter of a wealthy
Californian, were married in Washing
ton.