The sun., 1919-09-14
AUDITORIUM OF THE CLUB

Government made boxing an indis-
pensable feature of military train
ing more than 100000 men engaged
from day to day in battles. one with
the other. a new era in this splendid
sport WAS then opened and posNbil-
ties for its uplifting, which never
previously existed. were at once pre-
eented.
Generals and others authorized 10
speak have stated that the knowledge
of boxing by the soldiers of the
Allies gave them such ascendency in
personal combat with their adver-
series that many thousands of pre-
Cious lives were saved. The knowl
edge OF boxing developed in our
fighting men the willingness and abil-
ity to fight at close range, to give and
take punishment. There is a close
relation in the qualities required for
boxing and bayonet lighting; both
demand agility, quickness of eye,
good balance and control and an
aggressive lighting spirit that breaks
down or weakens defence.
In a few short months the Army.
Navy and Civilian Board of Boxing
Control, Of which 1 have the honor
to be president, has accomplished
truly remarkable record. Incorpo-
rated only so recently as January
last, it has succeeded in passing
through the New York Senate, by an
overwhelming majority. bill which
gives this board authority to issue
licenses to all professional boxers.
promoters, managers, &c, throughout
the State OF New York, and it's pas
sage through the Assembly in jan
nary next ia virtually assured.
Licenses Issued.
Licenses have already been taken
out under the board by Messrs.
Dempsey, Willard, kearns, De For
est, Pecord and others who were
engaged in the recent contest for the
worlds heavyweight championship.
Progress has also been made in many
other directions, but the next most
important step which will be taken
with the object of lifting boxing to
the moral plane OF kindred sports,
and to which 1t has attained in Eng
land and France, will be the estab-
fishing of a club on the same lines
as the National Sporting Club Of
London. A syndicate composed of
reputable men, earnest and sincere
well wishers of the sport, has under
taken to build a club house at a
cost of no less than $500, 900. II the
board would grant to tia charter
and extend to It. the same helpful
ness and assistance as the National
Sporting Club of London receives
from the British Board of Boxing
Control. The board has acceded to
this request, and have been honored
by the offer OF the presidency Of the
proposed club, which have accepted.
In England. the Earl OF Lonsdale
is the president Of both the Board
OF Boxing Control and of the Ma
tional Sporting Club. King George
has given trophies for boxing and the
Prince OF Wales is constant visitor
TO the National Sporting Club of
London. It's members include Peers
OF the Realm. Cabinet Ministers.
Ambassadors, men standing high in
the ranks of literature, art and
finance, and there is always a long
waiting list of candidates for mem
bership The seating capacity OF the
International Sporting Club of New
York will be that of the London
club New York has more wealthy
and ardent followers of the sport of
boxing than the cities of all the
other countries OF the world COM
bined and present indications fore
shadow that the accommodation of
the new club will be taxed to the ut
termost long before its doors are
opened in February next.
y. VIII Excel London Club.
1t win be most regrettable If It
should be otherwise, as notwith-
standing that America can boast
OF seven out of the eight world s
championships, the National Sport
ing Club OF London claims the proud
tide of the Worlds Headquarters"
Of boxing. 1t has done 90 for a quar-
ter OF a century and its claims have
passed unchallenged The Interna-
national Sporting Club of New York
will enable the Worlds Headquar-
ters OF Boxing to be In. America
where they rightfully belong and