Pugilists Call on the President

January 14, 1900

PUGILISTS CALL ON PRESIDENT

Executive Busy and Unable to See

Dixon and Armstrong

Washington, Jan. 13- George Dixon, who was defeated a few nights ago by Terry McGovern and Bob Armstrong, who aspires to honours as the heavyweight fighter of the world, strolled into the White House to-day and requested permission to see the President. They said they simply desired to pay their respects, but the President was busy with a Cabinet officer and did not see them.

"After a man has fought square all his life", said Dixon to a group who gathered about him on the White House portico, " It is pretty tough to be accused of faking in his last battle. My fight with McGovern was on the level. I have fought hundreds of fights, and am 29 years old. My age and many fights told on me. If I had been younger the result might have been different. Yes, I am going to retire. I have some money, and that, with the benefit to be given me, will probably place me in comfortable circumstances.

Armstrong says he will fight any heavyweight in the world.

When seen last night, Tom O' Rourke, who managed both fighters said:

" Yes, I heard that George and Bob wanted to see President McKinley, and I lost no time to wiring to a friend in Washington instructing him to corral George and Bob and send them home. One day in Washington evidently has been too much for them. They must swear off."