Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-04-25
NUMEROUS CHARGES
AGAINST n j R MIS-
DEMAND OF EXPENSES

Chicago, April IA barrage or
charges and counter-charges has
been unloosened on the heel of de-
clarations by officials of Drake Uni
versity and the University of Chi
Cago, that exorbitant demands were
made for the track appearance or
Paavo Nurmi, Finnish running mar
vel, and his fellow countryman.
Willie Ritola.
1t all started when Kenneth l..
Wilson, director of athletics at
Drake, asserted he had refused to
pay $500 expense money for Rlto "a
to appear in races in connection with
the Drake relay carniva. at Des
Moines, tomorrow. Wilson said 1t
had been limited Nurmi's appearance
could be arranged for figure equal
to transportation to pes Moines and
thence to Finland. The declaration
was followed by q statement from
officials of the University Of Chicago
that 81 600 had been requested as
expenses for the Finnish runner at
the National track and field meet at
Chicago in June.
Publication of Wilson's charges
immediately brought denial from
Hugo Quist, Nurmi's manager, who
declared in Los Angeles that he had
met Wilson only once and that eN-
panSeS of the runners positively
were not discussed" Wilson counter
ed by rciterating his charged that
Quist had demanded an "eXdrbitant
sum for the appearance OF his run
ner," and also asserted that he had
discussed The matter of expense for
the track men with Quist on three
different occasions.
Wilson said that Quist had de
fnitely set $500 as the amount OF
expense money necessary for the ap-
pearance Of Ritola." Regarding ne
gotiations for the appearance OF
Nurmi, Wilson said that while t
had been decided that Nurmi could
not appear because of conflicting
dates, Quist during an interview in
Chicago, January 16, limited that
Nurmi's appearance could be ar
ranged upon the extended transpor-
tation basis.
Quist said that the financial end
of Nurmi'5 track appearance had
been handled through the New York
office OF the Amateur Athletic Union
and that any complaints should be
taken up with that organization.
FTeueTlCh w. tSuDlell, CIlGlTiildll ol
the National registration committee
of the A. A. u, took cognizance of
the affair by declaring at New York
that If affidavits were filed with him
supporting claims that NErmi and
Ritcla had made exorbitant expense
demands he would see that an inyes-
tigation was conducted at once.
Declaring that he lad never found
a cleaner or finer. amateur than
Nurmi. Ruben said he had planned
Nurmfs trip through the West and
that the Finnish runners schedule
would not enable them to compete
at either Des Moines or Chicago.
Mr.. Ruben said he would like to
know who advised the western OIL
Gals concerning the expenses of
Nurmi and Ritola. II have person
ally arranged for Nurmi's appear
ances." he said. IF they have been
negotiating with other persons Nurr
mi cannot be held responsible"
He declared that Nurmi had full
filled the rules of the A. A. L., as
closely as any amateur who ever
visited America"
Officials of the Central A. A. T.,
declined to be quoted on the ques-
ton of expense money received by
Nurmi and Ritola, but insisted that
they were still in amateur standing.
Nurmi has participated in O score of
indoor races since he came to this
country this winter. The Films are
now on the Pacific coast.