The World's Championship.

Otago Witness, Issue 1989, 7 April 1892, Page 37

The World's Championship.

The Wyllie-Reed dispute about the championship title has been going on for a long while> prominent draughts authorities both of America and Home being divided as to the validity of Reed's claim. It was generally argued that, the late Mr Dunlap liaving reluctantly handed over the forfeit to Reed,

there could be no questioning the Matter. But notwithstanding the acknowledged astuteness of Mr Dunlap as a stakeholder, he made a mistake iv the case in question. The West Lothian Courier of January 30 clears away what little doubt there may have been existing on the point by publishing the following letter, showing that Mr Dunlap had no idea of Wyllie forfeiting through delay :—: — - New York, Dec. 6, 1890. James Wyllie, Esq.

Dear Sin, — Your letter of the 9th October received here December 2. Long time on the way. 1 notified Hefter, and he writes that it is doubtful of Reed waiting so long to play you, as if you do not leave before . March you cannot possibly play before June or July. You stated that he must play you before April 1, but you cannot get here to play by that time, unless you play at once on your arrival. Can you do this? We are all sorry you have put it off so late. If Reed does not play I think Freeman will, and your deposit to play Reed can remain to be covered by Freeman as ■ soon as I hear from you. Freeman would rather play you than anyone else, and I think he will wait until you are ready to play him, and you must play him at Providence. Still I think Reed will play you, the only thing is that he has no business and he cannot afford to wait in Chicago, as the American Checker Review has gone up in publication. 1 trust you are in good health and will remain so for many years to come. Please write as soon' as you can, and advise me if you cannot leave for America eavlier than March 1.

I will hold your draft to order, and if Reed's friends decline to play or wait for you I will advise you as soon as they advise me. — Yours, <fee,

A. J. Dunlap.

Read with the foregoing the two following clauses from the articles of agreement : —

2. That a forfeit of lOOdol shall be deposited by each party at the time of signing these articles. A final deposit of 500dol from Mr Reed and 400dol from Mr Wyllie shall be deposited with the stakeholder at least 10 days before the commencement of the match.

6". That the match must commence within 60 days after Mr Wyllie's arrival in America. The hours of play being from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and must continue every day except Sunday, until the match is finished.

There is no date of match specified in the articles, and as Wyllie did not arrive in America, there is no foundation for Reed's claim.

Wyllie is willing to play Reed under thearticles already signed, on condition that Mr Paterson be refunded the lOOdol which he forwarded to Wyllie.