New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-14
BILLIARD PROBE
MAY FORCE OUT
MICHIGAN MEN
Charges of Profession
alism Likely To Be Laid
TO Heddon and Huston

BY declaring that neither he nor his
business associate, Corwin Huston.
would enter the championship tourna-
raent to be held at the Boston Athletic
Club, Charles Heddon. Of Dowagiac,
Mich, has probably instituted a move
rnent that will cause the retirement of
both from membership in the National
Association OF Amateur Billiard Play
ers Action to that end was considered
AZ the annual meeting Of the asSoeia-
ton held at the Amateur Billiard Club
Monday night Precipitate action was
avoided by referring the question TO
the executive committee, with power
20 dispose Of II.
The expressed sentiment OF promi-
nent members Of the association is that
the designations Of Heddon and Huston
should be asked. Morris d. Brown, OF
Brooklyn, lawyer, capitalist and ma
tionsl amateur champion in 1912, says
Of the prospective action:
Il would regret 20 see Heddon retire
from amateur billiards. But II may be
that he will have TO resign. II the
National Association drops him that
action will be equivalent to declaring
him a professional. He will be in
eligible 70 compete in events con-
trolled or sanctioned by the National
Association and be eliminated from
smateurlsm.
Heddon Alleged Owner
at Is asserted that he owns 81 per
cent Of the stock Of the Sweeny- Huston
Company Of Detroit. in which there are
one hundred and FIVE tables; also that
he has played with professionals IN
events 20 which admission was charged
and at the conclusion of which cash
prizes we're awarded 70 professionals,
and money. presumably 70 buy prizes,
was given TO amateurs. There is no
rule of the National Association which
prohibits an amateur from financing a
billiard proposition which he does not
control, but there is a restriction
against amateurs playing with profess
SIGNALS where gate money is charged,
and any amateur who ignores that pro-
vision automatically becomes profess
sional.
"A moderate investment in billiard
enterprise, the proceeds of which do
not form a considerable part Of the
investors income, does not affect the
standing Of an amateur billiardlst.
Ownership Of controlling interest in
billiard room, particularly a big one,
iSa different matter. When man has
81 per cent of the stock Of any con-
Germ his control may be assumed to be
absolute.
Where the Shoe Punched
81 have been informed that Heddon
found fault with the length Of the
games PLAYED in class A events. He
wished them reduced from 400 points
10 800. He also favored the playing Of
championship tournaments in billiard
rooms Ny opinion is that if a player
has not the skill, physique and energy
required TO play game Of 400 points
At 1872 balkline he does not belong in
Class A. As for playing a champion
ship tournament in a public billiard
room, / do not believe such thing
will ever happen. Glasses and {
will decide their championships in
billiard rooms, but class A events will
always be managed by clubs. With the
possible exception of the new room in
Detroit, there is not a billiard room in
the country that could accommodate
such gatherings as attend class A
tournaments. Suppose the management
Of a billiard room we're asked TO pro-
vide for such crowds as assembled at
the tournaments held at the Union
League, Philadelphia, in 1918 and 1915,
would IL be possible to comply? | be-
lieve not. There is no room in the
East that could be arranged to fur
nish required accommodations.
"In billiards an amateur Is one who
plays the game for recreation or re-
taxation, and is not inspired by any
sordid motive 10 is a scientific and
beautiful diversion II gentlemen who
indulge in IL for he'eXercise and en-
ioyment they derive. Some play occa-
sionally, others frequently. but none
regularly as do professionals. The
professional plays the game as bust
ness and plays daily. For the purpose
of competitions the distinction between
the amateur and professional should be
clearly defined.
Purpose of Association
"The National Association OF ANA
teur Billiard Players was designed TO
promote competitive billiards among
gentlemen. To carry out the object for
which it was organized II has clearly
defined what an amateur shall be. Any
deviation, directly or incidentally, from
that standard involves disqualification.
Amateur experts and professional ex-
perts may play in friendly or practice
games, and amateurs may be instructed
by professionals, but this is as far as
the billiard relations Of the two classes
can 20. In skill amateurs are not the
equals Of professionals. That is why in
competitions amateurs require protec-
ton against professionalism or a faint
of professionalism. Such protection is
not a reflection upon the professional.
IL is simply means 10 guard the ANA
teur and perpetuate the integrity of
the National Association. II Heddon
and Huston cannot measure up TO the
required standards they should be de-
clared ineligible to COmnete IN am