The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-03

Although 1t was an epochal event when
men OF the high character and power
flu! influence OF W. Warren Barbour and
Major a. J. Drexel Biddle became iden-
tilted as officials of a championship
bout FOR the first time In the history of
pugtlism In the United States, there has
developed among the old line followers
OF boxing an undercurrent OF strange
hostility. For fifty or sixty years box
ing In America has. under varied but
uniformly inefficient management. de-
generated to a point where reputable
men have consistently declined to have
their names connected with the sport.
Following the days OF the disreputa-
be London rules came the Horton law.
with its scandals and exposes. Then the
Fraw,ey law went into effect, and the
conditions still were deplorable. result
ing In the repeal OF the law.
In this emergency prominent citizens,
with no interest in boxing except to
place It on a high standard of honesty
and thus assure public approval have
come forward and offered their services.
Immediately there arises discordant
protest from the rank and file OF those
who have In the past been Identified
with the sport and hope to continue
their association with the business.
In Re Intrtcactes.
The burden of complaint Is that the
men who have extended a helping hand
TO boxing, a friendless athletic orphan,
are not deeply enough versed In the In
tricacies of the nport to handle II In an
efficient manner The latter could with
Justice retort that those who have mis-
mo mayed boxing in the past doubtless
were too deeply versed in the intrtca-
cies Of the pastime
Under the circumstances the outlook
for boxing is not promising. There is no
hope for the sport under a commissioner
or commissioners appointed on their
merits as politicians That system has
been tried and found wanting. and an
other recourse to II will prove It's fulfil
ity.
There is not the slightest chance OF a
national association by promoters, man
ayers and boxers who never have had
the business sense to organize for the
protection of their own interests. 1t
must be evident TO all interested in the
subject that the only salvation for box
Ing lies In Its control by strong infiuen-
tial men who are willing to lift II out OF
the mire and put II on solid founda-
ton OF public favor.
Foreigners Consider IL an Honor.
4
In England, France and Australia,
reputable men consider II an honor to
be connected with important boxing
events. but in this country, previous to
tho incorporation of the Army, Navy and
Civilian Board OF Boxing Control. men
| OF standing in the community have not
cared to be conspicuously associated
with boxing or boxers. But now has
| come a chance, and many OF the leading
citizens of America have slgnihed their
willingness to rescue the sport from its
unfortunate position.
The motives of these men cannot be
questioned. for they have no financial
| interest in the game. and are actuated
solely by desire to put the sport on a
solid foundation of public confidence.
| Those who have managed the game In
the past have most signally failed and
they now should stand aside and permit
others TO take the helm.
The gentlemen who compose the coun-
Gil of the Army, Navy and Civilian
| Board OF Boxing Control may commit
technical errors in their management OF
the sport. but there will be not the
slightest doubt Of their sincere deter
mination to conduct the game honestly
end with q Arm purpose to bring about
radical Improvement.
II the opponents Of the board can aug