PROPOSED VISIT OF LASKER TO AUSTRALIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2499, 5 February 1902, Page 58

PROPOSED VISIT OF LASKER TO AUSTRALIA.

While m London in October last Mr Val. A. S; encc, of the Sydney Chesi Club, wrote to Dr Lasker inquiring whether he would be willing to come to Australia to give exhibitions, play matches, etc. Lasker wished to know on what term«. To this Mr Spence replied that i ll vv*s the champion's Dla.ce to give worn* Mea

of the termß expected. Dr Lasker wrote as follows in reply. — "I thank you for your letter ot October 16. It is difficult for me to state definite terons in regard to my visit to Austialian chess clubs. The terms should include travelling expenses — say from London and back to San Francisco — expenses incurred on the Australian continent, and some consideration for time spent. Possibly will challenge me next year , in that case 1 should be very much hampered in my movements. Perhaps the Australian chess players would like to see a championship match. lam sure that both and myself would be very much pleased to come over to your country, and such an event would greatly stimulate chess life wherever it would take place, especially, I believe, in a great, but yet — in a chess sense — undeveloped country like yours. I shall be pleased to make some iime your personal acquaintance, and I remain, yours very truly, (Signed) Emanubl Lasker, Chess Champion." \ The probability of auch an important match coming off in Australia is bound to evoke great enthusiasm among chessists resident hereabouts; but if the report contained in a late San Francisco Chronicle is true that Lasker has accepted a position as professor of mathematics in Owen's College, Manchester, the event will hardly be realised. That journal says: — "If this proves to be so it is not likely that Lasker will be able to participate in the Monte Carlo chess tournament, which commences February 1. This will also render impossible any match between Lasker and Pillsbury in ihe immediate^future. In the last tournament at Monte Carlo the absence of both Lssker and Pillsbury detracted largely from the enthusiasm usually accorded an international meeting. Pillsbury, however, is expected to be on hand when hostilities commence. His absence would, indeed, be a great disappointment to many of his admirers in this country."