T.R. JR. OFFERS TO BOX ILLINOIS CONGRESSMAN
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 15, 1921, Illinois representative Fred A. Britten*, former amateur light-weight champion boxer, invited Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.** to "work out" in the House Office Building gymnasium.
Colonel Roosevelt, son of the late President Theodore Roosevelt, accepted the invitation and added...
"What's more, I'll take you on for a few rounds."
The Washington Herald reported "the battle would be staged under Marquis of Queensbury*** rules...instead of parliamentry procedure...(with) admission...by card only."
*Frederick Albert Britten (1871-1946) was born in Chicago & attended Healds Business College. FAB served on the Chicago City Council 1908-1912 & in the US House of Representatives 1913-1935. He was one of 50 voting against the war declaration on Germany in 1917.
**Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. (1877-1944) served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under Harding & Coolidge 1921-1924. TRJ was one of five members of the extended Roosevelt family to serve in the position.
***Marquis of Queensbury Rules of Boxing were set up by John Graham Chambers of the Amateur Athletic Club of London in 1867.
SOURCES
"Assistant Secretary of the Navy," www.wikiwant.com/
"Solon And Young T.R. Booked To Box," The Washington Herald, March 16, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
