The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1919-06-13
MAI. BIDDLE ASKED
TO NAME REFEREE
Both Willard and Dempsey Agree to
Accept His Choice for Big
Contest

Toledo, Ohio, June 10.-Tex. Rick
ard promoter of the heavyweight /
championship contest between Jess
Willard and Jack Dempsey here July
A, tonight requested Maj. Anthony J.
Drexel Biddle, president OF the army,
naval and civilian board of boxing con-
troll, to select the referee for the con-
test. Richard said Willard and Demp-
sey had agreed to accept the selec-
ton of the board. ~
Richard in his letter to Maj. Biddle
suggested that the board name all en-
Gals to be connected with the contest
which includes the referee and two
judges, If the board so decides; APP
point the official timekeeper and alter
any conditions of the match, which the
board believes will be helpful to the
glove sport
Richards announcement came as
distinct surprise to the score or more
candidates who have sought to be APP
pointed referee. Richards letter to
Maj. Biddle follows:-
Il am writing to you in your capa-
city as president of the army, navy
and civilian board of boxing control.
For many years have been convinced
that boxing in this country is handi-
capped because of the absence of a
proper organization to look after its
interests.
Boxing was in an even worse con-
dition in England when Lord Lonsdale
had the moral courage TO come forward
and establish the National Sporting
club and board of boxing control
All honor to you for having done
the same thing in accepting the presi-
Idency OF the army, navy and civilian
board OF boxing control, which l I'M
derstand Col. Roosevelt would have,
had he lived.
Il feel that in being responsible for
the exhibition between Willard and
Dempsey, 1t is in my power to do some
thing to strengthen the authority OF
your board and after discussing the
matter with the Toledo boxing commits
sion, two of the members of which
the mayor, Cornell Schneider, and its
chairman, Christopher Wall-are on
your board. we have decided to invite
you to assume control in regard to
the appointment OF all the officials, the
referee, two judges (if you think them
adyisable) and the timekeeper.
also ask you to alter any conditions
under which the exhibition will be con
Quoted. il in the opinion of your. board
any such conditions are inconsistent
with the laws of humanity and the
irules OF clean and wholesome sport.
Before sending this Invitation q
! your board, !, OF course consultet
Q Willard and Dempsey and when
POINTED out the great amount OF goot
: II was in their power 10 do to boxing
by supporting your board, to theft
credit be 1t said, they readily as
, lsented mv- 70 rOiip- u -
Il will be Obliged IL you could in
form me at your earliest convenience
!. tcf the decision OF your board In tn,
1 matter"
4 Maj Biddle, a millionaire sports
man of Philadelphia always has beer
0 a supporter OF boxing and won somI
z amateur glove championships hisself
: He seconded Philadelphia Jack
o O'Brien in the latter's contest Will
n Stanley Ketchel several years ago
q 1t was said here tonight that III,
4 board would = respond favorably Il
Epromotor Richards appeal. Riekar,
|. said he had absolutely no suggestion
TO make in regard to the selection O
{ a referee and neither Willard no
. Dempsey would offer any suggestions
a Willard covered four miles on tn
8 the road this morning and boxed Sc,
!. en- rounds this afternoon. The cut owe
Dempsey's eye did not permit the cha
lenger to do any glove work.