Chess Archaeology HomeChess is a scientific game and its literature ought to be placed on the basis of the strictest truthfulness, which is the foundation of all scientific research.W. Steinitz

Preliminaries to Lasker-Steinitz
1894 World Championship Match
Researched by Nick Pope

The 1894 Match

Emanuel Lasker will sail for Havana next Wednesday, where he will remain four weeks. Short matches and exhibition games will entertain the chess-loving Cubans. A short time ago, the enterprising secretary of the Havana Chess Club, tried to arrange a match between Champion Steinitz and Mr. Lasker, offering to back the champion with a purse of $2,000, but it was declined by Mr. Steinitz.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.01.07

Regarding the proposed match between Lasker and Steinitz, this is what Steinitz has to say:

"It is announced that Herr Lasker intends to challenge me for the championship of the world and for a stake of $5,000 a side. The news, of course, requires further confirmation, and we can only say in the meanwhile, as we did substantially in the case of Lasker vs. Tarrasch, that a challenge from such a man would be entitled to respect, provided that all other conditions are of a similarly fair character."

New York Sun, 1893.05.01

The news of the challenge from Lasker to Steinitz is anxiously awaited in New York chess circles. There is no doubt that this encounter would prove the most important chess event since Steinitz met Zukertort.
New York Sun, 1893.05.02

St. Louis, May 10.—The announcement that Herr Emanual Lasker, the famous chess player, has issued a challenge to Steinitz, is not so. Lasker is stopping in St. Louis for a few days. He was seen to-night by THE SUN correspondent and asked if the report regarding the challenge was true. He said it was not. The only basis for this report, he says, is a letter which he wrote to one of his friends stating that he would challenge Steinitz if he could secure the proper backing for the match. He is willing, he says, to play Steinitz but is not yet prepared to issue a challenge.

A SUN reporter found William Steinitz at his home in Upper Montclair yesterday. He said:

"The statement that I am anxious to play is not correct. I never declared myself anxious to play; in fact, I never was anxious to meet anybody. Whenever the public wanted me to play and my friends and backers arranged the match I played, but I never was particularly anxious to meet any one, and I have met strong and weak players in my career.

"I received the first intimation of Lasker's intention to challenge me for the championship of the world and a stake of $5,000 a side through a despatch from Kokomo, after the conclusion of the Lasker-Showalter match. I said then all I had to say and could say about the matter. I regret that the words I used have been partially misquoted in various papers. Speaking of the proposed stake of $5,000, I said that a challenge for such a sum would command respect, whereas the other papers had it from such a man. Now, I do not want to disparage Lasker, for whose abilities as a chess player I have the highest opinion, and, as I remarked before, I have played against much weaker players than he.

"As to the question whether Lasker or some other chess player of established reputation has a right to challenge me to play for the championship of the world, I consider every one entitled to issue that challenge, provided that he has substantial backing and that the other conditions are of a fair character.

"I have always made it a point to heed the general demand. As to the present case, if there is any real business to be done, and if my friends and backers want me to play, I shall be ready, as I have been on former occasions. This, of course, would make it necessary to postpone my forthcoming book, but I have found that a majority of my friends would rather see me play and wait a little longer for the book. Of course, I cannot bind myself before I have heard something more definite."

New York Sun, 1893.05.11

Chicago, May 16.—Emanuel Lasker as arrived here to see the big Fair. He may also fulfil [sic] a one week's engagement at the chess club here. Lasker is busy collecting funds toward his proposed match with Steinitz. Upon Lasker's personal request the well-known problem composer, Charles A. Gilberg of Brooklyn, has consented to act as Lasker's stakeholder.

New York Sun, 1893.05.17

LEXINGTON, May 22.—A number of enthusiastic admirers of chess in this city are negotiating with the officials of the Franklin Chess Club, for the purpose of raising a sufficient purse to bring about a match between Steinitz and Lasker. It is proposed to co-operate with a third club, probably one in Baltimore or New York, with a view of having the games played in the three cities, and on a similar basis as in the match between Steinitz and Zukertort in 1886.

Lasker is now starring in the West. He will soon pay Showalter a visit at the latter's home, Georgetown, this State.

New York Sun, 1893.05.23

No further progress is chronicled of the negotiations in the proposed match between William Steinitz and Emanuel Lasker. It is stated that an effort is being made to have part of the match played in Philadelphia, and that subscriptions to the prize fund are being solicited there with this object in view. Mr. Lasker, at last accounts, was in Chicago.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.06.03

W. H. K. Pollock, in the Albany "Journal," gives the following from an interview with Lasker, published recently in the Chicago "Herald":

"The leading question put was: 'Do you expect to defeat Steinitz?' and the great unconquered gave the following answer:

"'Certainly I do. Else why should I risk $5,000 and my chess reputation? I confess that I anticipate the roughest fight of my life; that I shall be forced to exert myself as I never have done, and that I shall have to play better and deeper chess than I have ever done in order to beat him. I entertain an excellent opinion of Steinitz's ability. I know that it will be no easy matter to wrest from him the world's championship, which he has so honorably and bravely held for more than a quarter of a century; but I have enough confidence in myself to essay that difficult task. I am vain enough to believe that the match will be the greatest one ever played. All that I can say is that I shall do my best; but whether or not that best is good enough to defeat Steinitz, remains to be seen.

"'I wish to say that I have never played my best chess, for I have never been required to exert myself to defeat such players as I have encountered. I am willing to admit that Steinitz is decidedly superior to any one I have confronted, yet I shall face him with the firm conviction that I will defeat him. I may have some surprise in store for him and the chess world. I am regarded as strongest in defense and end games, yet in my match with Steinitz I may prove that my ability lies in attacks. I expect to open the eyes of chess players. I am imbued with an ambition to be acknowledged chess champion of the world, and if the match with Steinitz can be arranged, that ambition will soon be gratified.'"

One of Mr. Lasker's strong points is his confidence in his abilities. During his engagements at the Brooklyn Chess Club, he frequently stated that he considered himself equal to any player alive, and while he felt that he had not risen high enough to challenge Steinitz, his not doing so was not due to any fear as to the result. When he challenged Dr. Tarrasch he had backers, and was ready to play, but the great German master refused to play him, stating that as Lasker had no won an international tournament, he would not be considered in his class. Mr. Lasker had no fear of Tarrasch, and expressed regret that the match was not played.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.07.15

The London Daily News of July 17 publishes an article on the proposed Steinitz-Lasker match. The writer says:

"In the current number of Herr Lasker's journal, the London Chess Fortnightly, Lasker appeals to British amateurs for funds to play a match with Steinitz for $5,000 (£1,000) a side. In the first place we do not see why Lasker should consider himself called upon to play for such large stakes as he proposes. When the late Dr. Zukertort attempted to wrest the championship from Steinitz, he was content to play for £400, and this, too, after having won the first prize in the most important tournament of 1883, in which Steinitz and most of the greatest chess players of the world competed. Had Zukertort succeeded, which he did not, he would, at least, have been entitled to claim the championship, for there was no other player at that period who could reasonably put in a counter claim. Such, however, is not the case to-day, and if Lasker were to succeed in defeating Steinitz, he would no more be entitle to be recognized as the champion chess player of the world than several other masters, who for ought that is known to the contrary, might be able to beat Steinitz in a match. The latter in his two last matches with Gunsberg, in New York, and Tschigorin, in Havana, showed clear indication of waning powers, and his play in these two contests was not what it was in former years. Lasker has undoubtedly shown that he is a player of great ability. But up to the present his record cannot be compared with that of Dr. Tarrasch, his distinguished countryman. Lasker's greatest feat has been his complete victory in a match over Blackburne, but then it is a recognized fact among competent judges that Blackburne, although one of the finest chess players that has ever lived, and most successful in tournaments, is never at his best in a set match where he has to meet the same opponent day after day. Lasker has not up to the present won a tournament of any consequence, or even take part in one. Dr. Tarrasch, on the other hand, had three times in succession won the first prize in great international tournaments, and that with the loss of only one game in about fifty, against most of the leading experts of Europe. It is quite clear, therefore, that if Lasker can beat Steinitz, he would not convince the public that he is champion until he has also beaten Tarrasch. But, apart from all this, if Lasker is desirous of playing a match in America, why does he not raise his stakes in that country? Why should English amateurs be expected to pay heavily for a contest which will take place in New York or some other American city? A tournament is being arranged to take place in New York in September or October, and a committee is endeavoring to raise funds for the purpose in America. Several processional players will be sent over from this country to compete in the tournament, and their expenses, which will be considerable, will have to be subscribed by English amateurs. Surely, then, Lasker's appeal now for an unheard of sum for a chess match, is, to say the least of it, ill-timed, if nothing more. Let him take part in the projected congress in New York, and let him prove that he is equal to Tarrasch by winning the tournament, and then perhaps it will be time enough to talk of playing for the championship of the world, and even then it will be a very delicate question to determine whether he ought not to play Tarrasch instead of Steinitz, to decide who shall wear the crown of chess in the future, and whether £100 a side will not as well decide that point as £1,000. Lasker, in his journal, lays stress upon the fact that he intends to return to this country, and that it will be the proudest moment of his life if he can bring the championship with him. From a purely national standpoint it must be a matter of indifference to Englishmen whether Steinitz, who is an Austrian, or Lasker, who is a German, and a player of the German school pure and simple, is the best recognized chess player in the world."

The writer in the Daily News has evidently overlooked the fact that Dr. Tarrasch has repeatedly refused to play matches. Tarrasch is an amateur, and pretends to play chess only once a year, during his vacation. he refused to play Steinitz two years ago, when the Havana Chess Club was trying to arrange the contest, and refused to play Lasker when the latter sent him a challenge. The writer also forgot that Lasker is the present English champion. The match between the latter and Blackburne was played for the championship of England, and it is also a fact that Lasker won the last tournament of the British Chess Association, and later on, another contest, which which Blackburne, Gunsberg, Mason, and Bird, the pick of English players, were engaged. Seeing that Lasker is a resident of London, that he edits an English chess periodical, surely it could not altogether be a matter of indifference to Englishmen whether Steinitz or Lasker is the recognized chess player of the world.

New York Sun, 1893.07.30

Emanuel Lasker and William Steinitz, the stars of the chess world of America, spent the afternoon and evening watching the games. Mr. Steinitz did not give the exhibition that was expected of him; his reason being indisposition. Mr. Lasker remarked that he would be in New York until fall, and gave the impression that he would be a contestant in the Columbian Chess Congress.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.08.11

William Steinitz, Emanuel Lasker and S. Lipschutz were among the visitors on Thursday. The champion retains much of his vigor, and, considering his disability, which must have a depressing influence upon his general condition, can be said to appear in as good health as he has been at any time during the last few years. Lasker is much browned by the breezes of Chicago; he has lost much of the paleness that gave him an appearance of effeminacy when he first came from England a year ago. He spoke of the pending match with Steinitz as still dominant in his plan, and seemed disappointed that the money had not been subscribed. The present stringency in financial affairs in this country did not, in his opinion, offer sufficient excuse for lack of subscriptions. He announced that pervious to the announcement of the challenge he had received offers of blacking from so many that he did not anticipate the slightest difficulty in raising the money for the match. He will remain in New York until after the Columbian Congress in finished.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.08.12

The London Chess Fortnightly (Lasker's organ) announces that Mr W. H. Cubison has accepted the position of English stakeholder for Mr Lasker in his contemplated match with Mr Steinitz.

Charleston Sunday News, 1893.08.27

Emanuel Lasker has challenged William Steinitz to play a match for the championship of the world and $3,000 a side, the match to commence not later than Jan. 1, 1894; time limit fifteen moves an hour; the winner to be who first scores ten games.

There is every probability of the acceptance by Steinitz of the challenge; both men have see [sic] enough of each other lately to make it probably that the present challenge is only an official statement for the benefit of would-be subscribers to the fund.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.09.02

Emanual Lasker, the champion of Great Britain, has issued the following challenge to W. Steinitz, the champion of the world:

Manhattan Chess Club, Aug. 31, 1893.
W. Steinitz, Esq.
My Dear Sir: From the notices in various newspapers you will have seen that it was my intention to challenge you for a set match of ten games up for the championship of the world. I now beg leave to ask you to play such a match with me under conditions which I beg to suggest to be as follows:
First—Winner to be he who first scores ten wins.
Second—Time limit to be fifteen moves an hour.
Third—Minimum stake to be $3,000 a side.
Fourth—The match to commence not later than Jan. 1, 1894.
Awaiting the honor of your esteemed reply.
I remain, my dear sir, faithfully yours,
Emanual Lasker.

New York Sun, 1893.09.02

Mr. Lasker states that his health is excellent at the present time; he is willing to play a match with any one, and looks forward to the match with William Steinitz with pleasure. The plans of Mr. Lasker are not laid out positively; he may go across the continent. The match with Steinitz will probably not occur till February.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.09.16

William Steinitz has accepted the challenge of Emanuel Lasker, agreeing to the stakes, $3,000 a side. It is not probable that it will be played before next spring.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.09.23

Mr. Steinitz has formally accepted Lasker's challenge for a match, ten games up, for a minimum stake of $3,000. Play will hardly begin before February.

New York Evening Post, 1893.09.23

A match is on the tapis which, if arranged, will be unique in the annals of the game, as it will be a fight for the championship of the world between the oldest master that has yet held the title and the youngest genius of our time, who is the only other notable player in the field with an excellent and hitherto unbroken record. We may state that the challenge will be accepted and every effort will be made to organize the contest. There is every probability that conditions will be fairly settled and that the match will receive sufficient liberal support from amateurs in regard to the usual provisions of the expenses in order to insure the meeting of Messrs. Steinitz and Lasker.

Baltimore Sunday Herald, 1893.09.24

Mr. Lasker, although only 25 years old, is one of the strongest players in the world. Next January he will play Mr. W. Steinitz a match for $3,000 a side and the championship of the world.

New York Recorder, 1893.10.19

The champion, William Steinitz, was at the Brooklyn C. C. during the visit of the players in the Impromptu International Tournament. He is in very good condition, physically, and moves around with more freedom than his infirmity permitted a year ago. The writer discussed the pending match with Lasker with him, and he was not adverse to expressing his opinions. He remarked that Lasker is a wonderful boy, and had great talent as a player ; he would not say what he thought the result would be, only that he would do his best ; in none of his matches had he been confident of winning, and would never predict the result. Lasker had had the advantage of Mr. Steinitz' researches in the openings, as was this in a better position, so far as they were concerned, than Lukertort [sic] had been ; he said that Mr. Lasker had remarked to him that much of his power was due to his studies of Mr. Steinitz' writings, and, therefore, while Mr. Steinitz did not actually say so, he left it to be inferred that should Lasker win the match, the champion would be beaten with his own weapons. Mr. Steintz [sic] stated also that one of the German experts recently told him that Dr. Tarrasch had said that he had derived much of his strength from the study of Mr. Steinitz' writings.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.10.28

The proposed match for the world's championship between Messrs. Steinitz and Lasker hangs fire from lack of funds. It is a noteworthy fact that while hundreds of so called athletic clubs are willing to hang up purses of thousands of dollars to see two pugilists pound each other, all the chess clubs of the country combined fail to contribute the small purse of $3,000 to bring about a grand contest at the game of chess between two of the greatest players of the world. Mr. Lasker in discussing the question of the raising of the required stake of $3,000 for the match says:

"We have been waiting for some club to come forward and offer a purse, and unless that is done we shall certainly not meet. Why shall we risk our reputations, and why shall we work hard for two or three months and spend our own money? Such a thing was never heard of before. When Steinitz and Zukertort, Gunsberg and Tschigorin and Tschigorin and Steinitz met at Havana and in this city the Havana and the Manhattan Chess clubs allowed those players their expenses. Tarrasch gets his expenses from the St. Petersburg club, and it is really asking too much to expect Steinitz and myself to sit down to play a championship match for the benefit of the chess community. Suppose I loose [sic], who will compensate me for my time and mental exertions?"

The match could be readily arranged to be played in New York in January next if the $3,000 purse was forthcoming. Both contestants have received promises in the way of contributions, but not the required amount by considerable. The Manhattan Chess club would have undertaken the match but for the heavy outlays the club as incurred within the past year in fitting up their new club rooms and in paying the expenses of seven tourneys and special contests arranged under the club auspices. The Havana club would doubtless put up a purse, but neither of the contestants desire to play there, certainly not Lasker.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1893.10.30

The most important topic just now that chess players all over the world have to talk about is the proposed championship match between W. Steinitz, the present champion of the world, and Emanuel Lasker, the British champion. Few persons, however, know that there is a very little chance of seeing these two great masters actually engaged in such a contest.

As the readers of THE SUN remember, Lasker issued a challenge to Steinitz some time ago, and the latter promptly accepted the same. According to the challenge, the match should be played next January for a stake of $3,000 and the championship of the world. It was generally expected that, after Lasker had got through with the recent international tournament played in this city, something of a definite character regarding the match would be decided upon. Lasker, however, paid a visit to Baltimore and Philadelphia, and when we was seen by a report of THE SUN on his return to this city, he did not care to at first say anything about the proposed match with Steinitz. Upon being further questioned whether he was ready to post his stake, and if a place had been decided on to play the match, &c., he said:

"I do not think it concerns anybody, whether I am ready to post my stakes or not. Furthermore, I don't know whether Steinitz has got his stakes, and I really have not the slightest idea where we shall play our match. We have been waiting for some club to come forward and offer a purse, and unless that is done, we shall certainly not meet. Why shall we risk our reputations, and why shall we work hard for two or three months and spend our own money? Such a thing was never heard of before.

"When Steinitz and Zukertort, Gunsberg and Tschigorin, and Tschigorin and Steinitz met at Havana and in this city the Havana and the Manhattan Chess clubs allowed these players their expenses. Tarrasch gets his expenses from the St. Petersburg Club, and it is really asking too much to expect Steinitz and myself to sit down to play a championship match for the benefit of the chess community. Suppose I lose; who will compensate me for my time and mental exertions?"

The directors of the Manhattan Chess Club claim that in consequence of the hard times, the debt that the club had to incur in fitting up their new promises, the money which had to be spent in arranging the Walbrodt-Delmar and Hodgest-Albin matches, and the purse which had to be collected for the international tournament, nothing could be done toward arranging a match at present. Matters might look brighter, however, if the directors were to consider the case officially.

Lasker is determined not to play this match at Havana under any circumstances. He objects to the climate, because he believes that it would be a serious detriment to his changes.

New York Sun, 1893.10.30

It was learned at the Manhattan Chess Club yesterday that some time ago a letter was received by W. Steinitz from Señor D. Adolfo Molliner of the Havana Club de Ajedrez in which the Cuban asked the masters to state their terms under which they would be willing to play the championship match at Havana.

After due consideration Steinitz and Lasker replied to Señor Molliner, and stated their terms, and a reply from Havana is daily expected. On Lasker being asked whether he would play at the Cuban metropolis, he said:

"If the Havana Club de Ajedrez does accept the stipulated terms, I shall have to play at Havana, although I should prefer to play the match in this city. I think the southern climate is against me, and that I could not do full justice to myself when in Havana."

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1893.11.01

The Steinitz-Lasker match is being red-taped and dragged about. The latest is the news from the Havana club. The Sun states that Messrs. Steinitz and Lasker received an invitation from Havana to play a match there, and the question is only about the consideration. The Evening Post says the Havana club is to invite Tschigorin or Tarrasch, whoever wins, to play Steinitz. It may be so; however, what the other contemporary says, it's so, you know. One thing is certain-that the Manhattan club does not wish to subscribe any more "purses," even for the champions.

New York Recorder, 1893.11.02

The present condition of the arrangements for the match between Emanuel Lasker and William Steinitz indicates a possibility of it being played under the management of the Havana Chess Club. Mr. Lasker is usually conservative in his expressions, and his remark one day, that, under no circumstances, would he play at Havana, followed by a complete change the next day, when a proposition came from Cuba, is not his usual style.

The attitude of the Manhattan Chess Club is proper. That club is not situated as the Cuban club is; the Havana Chess Club is only a part of a large association devoted to many pastimes, with a very large membership, capable of subscribing any amount, and can well afford to spend money for the notoriety given by its yearly chess exhibitions.

Mr. Steinitz and Mr. Lasker are not content to play for the stakes, amounting to $6,000, $1,500 of which will be for the winner; $1,500 to be given to the subscribers of the fortunate players' stakes, together with the money subscribed. They want some club to take charge of the match and allow each player about $23 a week for expenses. It is calculated that, counting draw and won games, more than thirty games will be played before either player scores ten wins; this will involve an expense of about $500, and with finances in New York in their present condition the Manhattan Chess Club does not feel like assuming the responsibility. It is claimed that the St. Petersburg Club is paying the expenses of Dr. Tarrasch during the match now in progress, and instances are not wanting where other clubs have acted similarly, but the cases are slightly different, and indeed it is doubtful if the Russian club is paying the expenses of Tschigorin.

It is to be regretted that the match cannot be played in New York, but, considering the fact that only a few weeks ago $800 was raised by subscription for the Impromptu International Tournament, it is questionable whether the money asked for could be obtained.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.11.04

The other day it was announced in THE SUN that Steinitz and Lasker had been asked by members of the Havana Club de Ajedrez to forward the terms under which they would be willing to contest a match for the championship of the world at Havana. According to the Newark Daily Advertiser the terms were to be as follows:

The club will have to provide a purse of $2,500. $1,800 to the winner and $700 to the loser, and free passage to and from Havana. Should the players not be able to get the full amount, viz., $3,000 as a side bet, then the Havana club will have to raise the amount of the purse in proportion, so that the winner will clear $3,300.

As the readers of THE SUN know, in a chess match of $3,000 aside only $1,500 are given to the winner, while the backers take the remaining $1,500. This the players had in view when they stipulated in their terms that the Havana Chess Club would have to raise the amount of the purse in case either player should not have the full amount, $3,000; in which case, however, they did not want the prize to be less than $1,500, independent of the $1,800 to be given by the Havana club.

The Cuban mail which arrived in this city yesterday brought the latest issues of the Diario de la Marina, in which no reference whatever is made respecting the promised match.

New York Sun, 1893.11.07

Telegraph advices from Havana state that the efforts of Senor Moliner to arrange for Steinitz and Lasker to play their chess match in that city have failed. Senor Moliner, who was formerly secretary of the chess club, is a member of the Centro Asturiano, a leading social organization that in the past has been very hospitable to chess players and liberal in contributing to purses for matches. He was seconded in his efforts to arrange for the Steinitz-Lasker match by such well known enthusiasts as Senor Enrique Conill and Senor Ad. Ponce, but the directors of the Centro Asturiano would not accept the terms of the players. Some of the leading enthusiasts in New York will endeavor to have the match played in their own city.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1893.11.10

HAVANA, Nov. 9.—Moliner says it will be impossible to arrange that Steinitz and Lasker shall play their great chess match in this city.

It must now be taken as a certainty that the great match between Steinitz and Lasker cannot be played in Havana. Yesterday it was stated in THE SUN that the President of the Havana Club de Ajedrez had no official knowledge of arranging this contest to be played in Havana, while the above United Press despatch now clearly states that Moliner cannot see his way to arranging the contest.

As the readers of THE SUN know, Señor Moliner is not the secretary of the chess club any more; but he is a member of that leading social club, the Centro Austuriano, the former Casino Español, an organization which in former years had put its most magnificent saloons at the disposal of the chess players for their annual carnival, and also contributed $500 to the purse provided for the players. With the assistance of such well-known chess enthusiasts as Señor Enrique Conill, Señor Ad. Ponce, and others, Moliner tried his best to get the directors of the Centro Asturiano to accept the terms of the players, but according to the above despatch he failed in his endeavors.

Lasker informed THE SUN reporter late last night that he had not received a reply from Steinitz, to whom he had sent a despatch asking for news from Havana, and it must thus be taken for granted that the champion did not get the promised letter from the Cubans.

Inasmuch as the Manhattan Chess Club has also refused to take the match in hand, an effort will be made by some enthusiasts to have the match played in this city after all.

New York Sun, 1893.11.10

The probabilities are at present that there will be no match between William Steinitz and Emanuel Lasker, unless there is a large modification of their desires. The refusal of the Havana Chess Club to manage the contest leaves the arrangement of it to the players, and while there is talk of a movement in New York to raise the needed expenses, it has no present basis in fact.

Brooklyn Daily Standard-Union, 1893.11.11

The directors of the Manhattan Chess Club declined any further consideration of the "purse" question in the Steinitz-Lasker case, and if the Cubans were willing, they were welcome, say the directors.

New York Recorder, 1893.11.11

Montreal, November 11—Great efforts are being made to arrange the world championship chess match between Lasker and Steinitz here instead of at Havana. Steinitz arrives here to-morrow.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1893.11.12

Lasker called at THE SUN office yesterday and said that he would like to cable to St. Petersburg and to ask Tschigorin whether he would be willing to play a match with him, if he were to go to the Russian capital. But before cabling to Tschigorin he would first ascertain whether Steinitz would be willing to play a match with Lasker under the following conditions:

A Board of Patrons to be formed, who would be willing to subscribe $500 to the purse; to play the match at a first-rate hotel, when it is expected that fifty season tickets could be sold; to write notes and technical introductions for newspapers, for which a nice sum could be raised, and for a side bet of $1,500.

The message was wired to Montreal, where the champion is now exhibiting his skill at the local chess club, and this answer was received from Steinitz:

"I really cannot give any definite answer to this. I have already notified Mr. Lasker in answer to his challenge that any challenge should be regularly made in writing, either to myself directly or through the club or umpire. As far as the offer contained in this despatch is concerned it is one that would require a great deal of consideration, and I am not prepared to say anything just now."

New York Sun, 1893.11.16

Montreal, Nov. 16.—The prospects of a match between Steinitz and Lasker, the great chess kings, are not at all bright at present. Steinitz, who is now in this city, said to THE SUN correspondent to-night that he had just received a letter from Signor Moliner of Havana, who was conducting negotiations for the match between Steinitz and Lasker. Signor Moliner's letter is dated Nov. 7.

He says that in consequence of Lasker saying that on no account would he play in Havana, Signor Moliner had broken off all negotiations for a contest in that city.

Steinitz stated that in view of Signor Moliner's action there was no probability of the contest taking place in Havana. Steinitz also expressed the opinion that had it not been for Lasker's statement the Centro-Astnoriano of Havana would have taken the matter up and arranged a successful contest. Steinitz further said that he could not consider any proposition for a match unless it was regularly conveyed in writing through the authorized channels.

New York Sun, 1893.11.17

Emanuel Lasker has issued challenge number three to Steinitz. The first one, for $5,000 a side and the championship of the world, was sent by telegraph from Kokomo, Ind., immediately after the completion of the Lasker — Showalter match. Lasker then gave the chess community about six months' time to recover, when he issued challenge No. 2 in the first part of September. This time the stakes were tuned down to $3,000 a side, and the challenge in writing mailed to Mr. Steinitz. The latter immediately went to work to raise his stakes, and as soon as he had found positive assurance that he could get the money together, he wrote to Lasker that he accepted the challenge. Mr. Steinitz found his backers in Havana, and was willing that the match should be played there. Lasker, however, could get no backing, and he has now proposed to raise a purse for both through gate-money and other devices, and to play "for a side bet of $1,500."

New York Evening Post, 1893.11.18

Apropos of the Steinitz-Lasker match, we call attention of our readers to the following extract from a letter lately received from Mr. Steinitz, in which the champion says:

“The announcement in various journals about my having consented to a reduction of stakes from $3,000 to $2,500 is premature. No formal application for the purpose has yet reached me and I have had, therefore, no opportunity of deciding on the subject.”

New York Recorder, 1894.01.14

Emanuel Lasker received a letter from W. Steinitz yesterday in which the chess champion writes as follows:

"With great reluctance I agree to the reduction of stakes from $3,000 to $2,250."

The champion made many propositions in his letter, and when Lasker was asked whether he would accept them the Teuton said that he would have to consider them before giving a reply. However, as the money question has been settled, there is every reason to believe that the principals will soon agree about the conditions and other details of the match.
New York Sun, 1894.01.17, p8

Steinitz and Lasker had another conference at the Manhattan Chess Club on Saturday and both seemed to be ready to sign articles for the proposed chess match for the championship. They agreed upon all the rules and regulations to govern the great contest, but did not place their names to the articles, because it has not been settled where they are going to play. They are waiting for letters from certain clubs.

Lasker was seen at the City Chess Club by a SUN reporter on Saturday night. He said:

“Tell the readers of THE SUN that there is not the slightest hitch in the matter as far as the principals are concerned. Steinitz and I had many hours' conversation to-day, and I am happy to say we have agreed on one and all points. As soon as the clubs with whom we are in correspondence have arranged matters we shall sign articles.”

New York Sun, 1894.01.29

It was stated at the Manhattan Chess Club yesterday that Steinitz and Lasker would sign articles to-day.

New York Sun, 1894.02.05

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