HINTS TO FOOTBALL CAPTAINS.BY WALTER C. CAMP.MUCHhas been written from time to time of the growth of the game of football, and the reasons for its popularity, but no one has described that which is the real secret of its fascination; viz., planning the campaign. Planning a football campaign is a most interesting piece of strategic work, and the amount of thought expended on it would astonish the majority of that eager audience which crowds the Polo Grounds on Thanksgiving Day.“Get some of your old men back to coach,” is a bit of advice often given to captains of crews and ball nines. But to no one is it so invaluable as to football captains. It is the careful planning of the season’s work that will bring victory in November. Through the summer the captain has been counting over the material he will have as a nucleus in the fall, and he has also calculated about how much he can rely upon from preparatory schools. As a rule he treats with distrust all reports of wonderful men in the incoming class, for the players who may have been giants on school teams are generally lost in the crowd on a university field.His first interest on looking over the men he means to make use of is this: Are there enough old men to steady the team? With five old men no captain should be discouraged, and with six or over he ought to be hopeful, provided he has a half-back and a quarter among them. The reason for this is that he can then arrange to have a veteran next to every novice in his team, by scattering the three old rushers. It is amazing what steadiness can be infused into a team in this way. If the captain has six instead of five, he can then strengthen the weak side of his team by putting an old hand as an end-rusher on the side of the green half-back.This plan of formation is merely for the early weeks of the season until the real campaign can be laid out. The veterans act as coaches to the new men, and after ten or fifteen days of playing in this way, the novices, if they be at all promising men, will have learned the general system of play, for the positions in which they stand. That is, the rushers will have learned not to bunch,i. e., keep too close to the next man, and also not to lag, or be slow in lining up when the ball is down. They will have been repeatedly cautioned against tackling high and not getting through hard. A new half will have learned about how far back he ought to stand, and how quickly he has to kick. In this way the captain can accomplish a double amount of work, for while he is looking over his new material, and deciding upon what men will develop into the service, his old players are giving very efficient assistance to him by coaching the new ones and rapidly breaking them in. Were it not for this, things would be in almost as much of a mess after ten days’ playing as at the start, for it frequently happens that a green captain will make so little use of his old men in the way ofcoaching that the new men will be blundering on in the middle of the season full of faults which might have been stopped the first week.Two weeks’ work will enable the captain to select about sixteen men from whom he sees his team must be drawn. If he is wise he will be inclined at this period to favor those men who are showing rapid improvement rather than those whom he knows have already reached their best days. He will also put some thought upon the general weight of his team as well as the probable weight of the other teams he must meet.When he has considered these matters well, and made up in his own mind the strongest team he can select, he should play these men together as nearly as possible for some three or four days, and after making any changes that may seem to him necessary, get his coaches together and stand with them for one afternoon, when all will have a good look at the practice. That evening he should have a meeting of the team and coaches, and a thorough discussion of the strength and weakness of the team. One learns very rapidly at such a meeting what the team considers its strong points and where they fear an enemy. During the next week the captain and coaches should decide finally upon what the strongest plays of the team are likely to be. The great necessity of doing this early is to thoroughly provide against accident, not only by being more than usually careful of the one or two men most engaged in these plays, but also to train others up to a moderate degree of skillfulness to take the places of men who may be injured. A decision must also be reached regarding the weak points of the team, and these not only strengthened but made less evident to opponents.Following upon these decisions should come a week or more of very hard individual coaching. Each man is taken by himself and worked at as though upon him and his particular plays depended the victory or defeat of the team. A curious fact is that just at this point in the season, not only the team, but very often the captain and coaches are sure that their playing is poor and that defeat stares them in the face. The true explanation of this is that the enthusiasm has been worked off to a great extent, and the players have not yet gained the dexterity that practice will give, so that the poor playing is really painfully apparent.Let us review the plan of the campaign up to this point. The captain first sprinkled his veterans among the raw recruits, so that it was necessary for them to mingle. By doing this he has prevented the old men from banding together and looking down upon the new ones, and has also compelled the green men to ask questions of the experts. While all were thus being well shaken together, he has had an opportunity to select the best team, and, by actual trial, to judge in what line of action they would prove strongest. All this has been effected with the least possible loss of time, for, owing to the shortness of the football season, time is too valuable to be wasted even in experiments. Of individual coaching, little need be said, as it is only a means of improving details, and does not affect the campaign, except in the way of dexterity.The captain next begins to study the best offensive and defensive tactics for his team. He starts with the problem in such shape as this: Given the kick-off with an adverse wind, what is the best opening for the style of game his team plays? He may kick the ball as far down the field as possible. But this is very seldom a good opening, because the side that wins the toss, having the choice of goal or kick-off, it invariably happens that the kick-off is made against the wind. The captain knows that if he makes a straight kick down the field under these circumstances it will be returned, and with the help of the wind, will most surely be put back some distance into his own territory, so that the play will have lost him considerable ground.The next thing to be considered is a long kick down the field and out of bounds on the side. This opening was a strong feature of the Yale game for several years, owing to the combination of two happy possessions—a strong place-kicker and a very fast end-rusher. The play usually means that the ball, when it goes into touch, is first reached by the opponents and they return it into the field at the point where it went out. Of course, the ball has made considerable advance into the enemy’s territory; but as an offset to this, they have gained possession of the ball, and, if their play is strong and accurate, they should be able to return it past the center of the field on their first kick. While the above is the usual result of the play, it does happen that a fast end-rusher, in perfect unanimity with the place-kicker, will succeed in reaching the ball before the opponents. In this case there is an actual gain of the distance from the centre of the field to the spot where the ball crossed the touchline. Another opening is to dribble the ball and then pass it back for the half to punt. This gives the rushers a chance to get up the field and prevent a return kick. In this case, unless the ball is fumbled, there is only an apparent gain, for the ball is in the possession of the enemy and after the down will be returned probably beyond the centre of the field.The opening most popular during the past season was the “running break” or “V.” The ball was dribbled and passed back to a half who was protected by the rushers enough to insure his having a fair start. He then made a break for the opening in the line and carried the ball as far as he could. The amount of interference allowed last year made this a strong opening, because the player usually made several yards, and that without losing the ball.From this point on, however, comes the real strategy of the game. An illustration of this is the statement made and carried out by one of the coaches of a team which competed one Thanksgiving Day, not many years ago. After a conference with the captain and other coaches the night before the game, he made the astonishing statement that his team would, if they lost the toss, put the ball over the enemy’s goal-line in less than five minutes from the time of kick-off. The diagram of the plans was laid out on paper, and is still in the possession of one of the men. The plays were these: The ball was dribbled and passed by a long throw to the right half-back, whose run was made successfully. The ball was snapped and passed to the rusher next the end on the same side. This play was strong, because the position of the men and the throw of the quarter made it appear that the ball was again going to the half, and the opposing rushers went through the more eagerly. The next play was a centre-play—the guard giving the ball to the quarter for a run, and the final play, which carried the ball over the line, was out next the end once more. The immense superiority of such a system over the usual method of sending the ball wherever there seems the most chance was conclusively proven, for, with the exception of a slight fumble, which caused one more down, there was no break in the chain, and each man made within a few yards of the spot which had been marked on the paper.While it is, of course, impossible to lay out the entire progress of the game, owing to the element of uncertainty introduced by ignorance of what line of action may be adopted by one’s opponents, it is possible to plan what ought to be done at certain stages in the game.For instance, for many years it was thoroughly believed by all the best football men that the kicking game could not be played against the wind under even the most favorable circumstances. This theory has, however, fallen through, and it is generally concluded that with fast, good rushers, and strong, accurate kickers, the running game can with advantage be supplemented with a few timely kicks.The opening of the game has been discussed; the next point is the placing of the men on the first down by the opponents. This is something of vital interest to the captain, for if the opponents have any strong line of play they will undoubtedly develop it early in the game. To discover and prevent the surprise is, therefore, the end to be aimed at, for a strong play successfully made at this point seriously weakens the adversaries, not only taking from them the actual ground, but upsetting their confidence and nerve as well.Upon the use of the quarter depends the style of this first defensive play. Some captains keep him back of the line where he may assist the half-backs; others send him up into the line as an extra rusher. Neither of these two plans can be said to be the right one in all cases, for there are two elements which govern the play and should enter into the decision. The first is the relative skill of the rushers and halves. It is always possible for a captain to say whether he is strongest “in the line” or “behind it,” and the quarter is most needed with the weaker set of players. The second is the wind. If this is very strong and straight with the opponents, there is the greatest necessity of checking their running before they shall have advanced the ball within kicking distance of the goal, even though by doing this the captain for the time being leaves his halves and back less secure. Therefore the wise captain brings up his quarter into or just behind the rush line, and concentrates all his strength on preventing the gain of five yards on three downs. In this way he can oblige his opponents to kick or lose the ball before they are far enough advanced to be in dangerous proximity to his goal.Of these two elements, then, it may be conclusively argued the wind is the greater, and if very strong, should decide him to bring his quarter up, even though his line of forwards be exceptionally strong.The next point worthy of consideration is the offensive and defensive play about the goals. Most important are:guarding a goal against the wind, andtrying for a goal with the wind. The former is of the most vital importance, and time spent upon studying the situation will prove of advantage to every captain. Let us suppose the case of a touch-back (i. e., where the ball has crossed the goal-line, but without compelling a safety), for it is generally at this point that the condition becomes most serious. The captain finds himself driven back into his own goal and facing a wind and a team encouraged by success. His own team, on the contrary, are tired with the effort of contesting the ground, and they are also nervous with the feeling that the least slip on their part means a goal or a touch-down. The privilege of a kick-out—at best a privilege of less than twenty-five yards start—seems pitifully small in the face of the odds. The situation is the same as at the kick-off upon beginning, with the exception of the proximity of the goal and the attendant danger. The ball may be place-kicked or drop-kicked down the field or out of bounds; it may be dribbled and passed back for a punt or run. There is one thing which must not be done, and that is to kick or pass the ball out toward the centre of the field or across the goal, for as surely as the ball falls into the enemy’s hands in front of the goal, they will, if their play be accurate, not fail to score. Next to be borne in mind is that when the ball does go into their hands it must be either a down or a fair,i. e., it must not be a fair catch, but must go out of bounds, or into their hands on the roll with a rusher close enough to make them have it down. There are three ways to accomplish this: the first is to place or drop-kick the ball down the edge of the field and out of bounds, or accomplish the same result by a dribble and punt; the second is to attempt the running game until two downs are exhausted, and then kick out of bounds; and the third, and most aggressive of all, to kick the ball a short distance ahead but well up in the air, and putting all the men on side, rely upon getting possession of the ball in air or in the scramble as it falls. If the last plan is adopted every man in the line must go forward with one idea in his mind, and that is to prevent a fair catch at all hazards.Another question is often discussed regarding the protection of a goal, and that is: Is a man ever justified in running round behind his own goal with the ball on the chance of getting out far enough on the other side to gain ground? The only answer to this question lies in the head of the man who has to do it. There are some who can be trusted to know when it can be done, but most should be told to never do it unless at that point in the game a safety will turn the balance of the score, and they should not do it in the first half.But to pass to the attack. A side has advanced the ball within kicking distance of their opponents’ goal, having the wind and the ball with them. Should they at once attempt a field-kick, or by running try to get nearer, or even rely upon a touch-down? If they try a field-kick, should it be a drop at goal, or should they punt the ball just short of the goal and chance a muff or a fumble by their adversaries to yield a touch-down? Unless a team is remarkably strong in the running game, and has been making their five yards, it is silly to try a touch-down or nothing. Again, unless there is plenty of time remaining, it takes too long to work the ball up to the line and get it across, beside the many risks of losing possession of it in the meantime. Finally, a punt up in front of the goal is too decidedly a confession of the lack of a good drop-kicker.As a rule, then, the first down had better be utilized by getting the ball in front of the goal if it is off at the side of the field. The second down should be an attempt to get somewhat nearer only in case the snap-back and quarter are sure men. Otherwise the drop-kick should be tried after the first down. One thing to be said in favor of trying the drop-kick at once, without attempting to bring the ball in front of the goal, is that the adversaries are then much less prepared for the try, and hence the kicker has a more uninterrupted aim and longer time. After the first down the opponents concentrate their attention more upon the kicker.These are salient features, but, of course, there is an infinity of detail, of which the present article does not give space to speak.Editor’s Open WindowTHE NATIONAL HORSE SHOW.“IT’San ill wind that blows nobody good;” and let the press, comic and otherwise, deride anglomania as it may, the good effects of this same craze are plainly visible in some directions. Since Richard Ten Broeck won the Cesarewitch Stakes with Prioress in 1857, since the victories of Foxhall and Iroquois, no one has doubted that the race-horses of America are in every respect equal to the English standard. But the same can scarcely have been said of the carriage-horses, hacks, cobs, and ponies, while until a comparatively recent date the hunter, in the English acceptation of the term, was unknown. The rankest “laudator temporis acti,” who took a stroll in Madison Square Garden during the horse-show week, would not venture to deplore “the good old days” as far as horseflesh is concerned. The prevalence of the “bang” tail and hog mane may offend the eye of some, and when such treatment is carried out on an elephantine dray-horse—as was the case with some of the exhibits—the result is truly absurd. But the sporting, capable class of horse with the best of action, which was so well represented—more so than in any previous year—must of necessity have favorably impressed the true disciple of horseflesh.The exhibition was very good—in some cases extremely so—and in a rising scale from Mr. Pierre Lorillard’s happy family of Shetlands up to Mr. A. Palmer Morewood’s colossal Clydesdale “Marlborough,” there were shapes and sizes to please every eye. From East, West, North, and South they came to constitute this goodly array, and in some cases laurels gained in English show rings were supplemented with American honors.In the high-jumping, however, as in former years, lay the special feature of the show. When it is possible forgreenhunters—save the mark!—to be put to jump 6 ft. 6 in., even though it prove somewhat beyond their powers, it may well make even old horsemen open their eyes, and wonder where this emulation will stop. Such feats have never been accomplished or indeed attempted in England, but in the New York Show the standard rises year by year, and the record, unlike that of trotting, is all the time being broken. The jump of 6 ft. 97⁄8in., accomplished by Mr. F. Gebhardt’s “Leo,” ridden by “Pete” Smith, the only man who can induce this wonderful horse to put forth his powers, and Messrs. Durland & Co.’s “Filemaker,” ridden by that graceful rider, Mr. McGibbon, is something which, unless one has seen it done, he receives with doubting ears. The riding and driving was very good. In the latter department, Mr. F. Asshenden, as usual, distinguished himself. He drove in every competition which enters into his province, with such success that only on one occasion did he leave the ring without a “ribbon.”The management of the show was very well conducted, and with the exception of some complaints of dampness—which was attributable to Jupiter Pluvius and not to the management—there were no grounds for objection. The health of the horses was excellent, the veterinary department under Drs. Carmody and Field left nothing to be desired, and the equine visitors left the Garden after their week’s sojourn in strange quarters in no way the worse for their experience.SPORTINGTRAMP.* **PLAIN TALK ABOUT STEEPLE-CHASING.FORseveral years past the steeple-chase associations and hunt clubs have been making strenuous efforts to raise the cross-country branch of racing to its proper level. Five years ago steeple-chasing was a byword and a reproach. The scandalous and open swindles that took place at some of the large tracks were a disgrace, and the managers of these tracks sat with folded hands while the press exposed the swindles and urged them to do something or expunge altogether the cross-country farces from the programme, but nothing was done. The truth is the managers did not understand steeple-chasing, and would not learn, and yet it was too lucrative a branch to expunge, as the public enjoyed the excitement and liked to see the accidents and falls.About four years ago the members of the Rockaway Hunt Club formed the Rockaway Steeple-chase Association, and with the Meadow Brook Hunt Club as well as members of all the other hunt clubs, joined in trying to raise the level of steeple-chasing. That they were successful is shown by the records. What the cost was to their private purses they themselves only know. It is hardly to the credit of the general public or to the society element in New York, that associations of this kind that provide honest and fair sport, should lose thousands at each meeting. Naturally the members object to this continual drain, and a change of some kind will have to be made. Neither the Rockaway Steeple-chase Association nor the Country Club Steeple-chase Association can continue running at a loss any longer.It might be well, however, to analyze the reason for the loss. When in 1886, the future of racing in this State was jeopardized and politicians were endeavoring to stop the sport for purposes of their own, the leading men of both these associations cheerfully lent a helping hand and worked to get the Pool billthrough. Their endeavors were successful. Racing was limited to the dates between May 15 and October 15. So far so good. Then came the question of the dates for the respective meetings, and the large associations at once seized all they could get. The principal sinner in this respect has been the Brooklyn Jockey Club, which has shown great precocity in its grabbing propensities during the short time it has been in existence. Not content with taking the days the Rockaway people wanted, the Brooklyns encroached on Jerome Park’s dates and wanted those also. The Country Club Association had to deal with Jerome, and found that association very fair and open about its dates. No attempt was made to “grab,” and every help was cheerfully given that could be. The weather, however, knocked out the Country Club Association, and also took a hand in marring the chances of the Rockaway, which, buffeted on all sides, lost money steadily. Now for the cure. The Steeple-chase Associations will have to reduce their meetings to the level of hunt races,pur et simple, with cups and very small money added—with perhaps one large handicap of $1,000 at most, and wait for better times. Another alternative is to induce the Legislature to alter the Pool bill in such a way that steeple-chasing may commence in New York State on May 1 and end on Nov. 1, thus giving the Association a month to hold their meetings. The third remedy would be to discontinue the meetings altogether, a course which would be very regrettable. The Rockaway people have an expensive plant at Cedarhurst, and the Country Club is making arrangements for something of the same kind. Some measures will have to be taken to protect their interests as well as those of the other hunting clubs.C. S. PELHAM-CLINTON.* **THE GAME OF LACROSSE.THEseason which closed November 1 has not been so productive of good results as those interested in the success of Canada’s national game anticipated. Certain innovations, which were introduced last spring and promised well, have proved to be impracticable. Then, again, the splitting of the old National Association into two minor leagues has not brought about closer relationship between the clubs. Not one of the New England clubs has signified its intention of joining the Eastern Association. A local championship series and a few games with outside clubs have satisfied them.The Western Association, and its doings during the first season of its existence, remain unknown to the lacrosse men in the East. For some reason efforts to bring about cordial relations between the two sections of the country have failed. The Western men appear to think that enough deference is not paid them on account of their possession of the National Championship, which was gained, not on the field, but on paper.The Brooklyn Club will have the honor of being the champion club until 1889. It has made astonishing strides forward. Faithful practice and attention to team-play has made it a strong organization. The Staten Island Club, on the other hand, may safely be relied upon making every effort next spring to regain the coveted honor which so long was theirs.The other clubs in the Eastern Association—Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jersey City, Staten Island Cricket Club—have not done much during the summer, except to build up their organizations. There is every indication, however, that the season of 1889 will witness some exciting games.That nothing encourages so much as success, is seen in the vigor and enthusiasm with which Princeton, the champion of the College League, has gone to work since the opening of college. Usually the lacrosse men do very little in the fall in the way of practice. But this year, intent upon again winning the championship in 1889, class games have been played, and the University team has also had several games with outside clubs. This has not escaped Harvard, her most dangerous rival. TheCrimsonhas repeatedly called upon the college to give better support to the lacrosse team, which has at times been almost the only one to bring back a championship. In the spring the time is too limited to get the men into first-class condition, and fall and winter work should be indulged in when possible.Lehigh is thoroughly delighted with lacrosse, and Cornell is taking it up. Williams is considering whether it will not draw too many men from the other sports, and other colleges and schools are getting ready to introduce the game. This is very gratifying. To play the game well requires so much attention to training, and such thorough self-command, that, as a mere matter of discipline, it ought to be recommended; besides, no game is more exciting, and certainly none more graceful.J. C. GERNDT.* **RABBIT COURSING.FORevery man who owns a greyhound, at least a dozen own some kind of a terrier. The terrier is essentially man’s companion among all the dogs. Bright, intelligent, and full of spirits, he also has the happy knack of knowing how to make his presence unobtrusive. Among the many breeds which have at the present day attained popularity, the fox-terrier isfacile princeps, and of late years owners have bethought themselves of a good plan to avail themselves of the natural instinct of the dog. The fox-terrier is naturally possessed of a speed out of proportion to his looks, and since “the nature of the beast” is to pursue anything in the line of game or vermin, he has readily fallen in with man’s scheme to course the rabbit with his aid.The advantages of this sport over coursing with greyhounds are many. The grounds have not to be so spacious or complete; the dogs are not so expensive, either in initial cost, maintenance, or elaboration of training; impromptu matches can be easily arranged, and, especially in this country, the difficulty of supplying the requisite quarry for greyhounds is obviated. The rabbit, on the contrary, is fairly plentiful in the Eastern States, and a goodly supply of them is generally forthcoming. The meetings that have hitherto been held have been very successful, and it is a cause of great satisfaction to all sportsmen that the recent case at Hempstead reached such a favorable termination.This sport has not as yet, in America, gone beyond the limits of the select circle which patronizes polo and fox-hunting; but no real reason exists why this should be so. The writer has witnessed and taken part in very successful impromptu coursing-matches in the South, where the intentions of the dogs were better than their looks or breeding. It is, in fact, a sport open to every man who owns a decent terrier, and as such it is regarded in many parts of England, where the farmers will not only allow but will take part in matches run over their land.SPORTINGTRAMP.The Outing ClubTHE DISSENSION IN THE ATHLETIC WORLD.SOMEtime since OUTINGentered into communication with the various gentlemen who are taking leading parts in the serious disruption which has shaken the athletic world of America to its very centre. For some reason best known to those addressed, the majority of these gentlemen have not seen fit to favor us with their views on the situation. We have, however, been placed in a position to give the public some extracts from what appears to us to be an impartial review of the facts, from the Union’s side of the question. We quote as follows:“In 1879 the New York Athletic Club decided to give up the management of the Amateur Championship Meeting, so successfully established by it three years previously. This course was taken because it brought a great deal of additional work on the officers of the club, and although the games had been profitable to the organization, its officers no longer desired to be continually appealed to for decisions and rulings upon athletic matters. For these reasons the N. Y. A. C. was willing to relinquish the conduct of the championship games to properly organized associations of clubs.”Thus it came about that in the spring of 1879 the National Association of Amateur Athletes of America was organized. In 1880 we find the list of clubs that were members numbered twenty-one. In 1885 we find that this number had sunk to twelve, and in 1887 it was still twelve, while the New York Athletic Club, “through some personal club trouble,” had resigned in 1885.“With these facts before us it can readily be seen that although the Association may have been, and no doubt was, national some years ago, it failed to keep pace with many of the leading clubs during the past three or four years. Some of these, notably the New York and Staten Island Athletic clubs, made such rapid strides that not only were meetings given that were far superior to the championships, but also many championship of America events were given by them and at their expense, among them being the boxing, wrestling, swimming, general gymnastic, general athletic, etc.“In 1887 the Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy started the Amateur Athletic Union of the U. S.” The why and wherefore of its inception is thus accounted for. “The first time the A. C. S. N. participated in any other athletic competition than those held under its own management was in February, 1886, when a number of entries were made in the championship boxing and wrestling tournament given under the auspices of the New York Athletic Club, at Tammany Hall, New York. Of the three representatives of the A. C. S. N. at this competition, one, Mr. Charles A. Clark, won the championship at feather-weight boxing, and another, Dr. J. K. Shell, was fortunate enough to meet Joe Ellingsworth in the middle-weight boxing class; the latter, it was learned just in time to enter a protest, was so tainted with professionalism as to render his presence at an amateur competition preposterous. The protest against Ellingsworth was made by Captain Huneker of the A. C. S. N. to the New York Athletic Club, by whom he was referred to the National Association of Amateur Athletes of America for a decision as to Ellingsworth’s standing. The latter association refused to take any action, claiming that they had no jurisdiction in the matter.“The inconsistent part of the National Association’s action in this matter is the fact of its having refused to take any action in this instance and claiming that it had no jurisdiction, while many will undoubtedly remember that sufficient jurisdiction was claimed in the cases of the wrestlers who were disqualified about six months previous for competing at unapproved meetings.“From the time of this occurrence dates the desire of the A. C. S. N. to see formed an association national in character, which would take cognizance of and exercise jurisdiction over all kinds and classes of athletic sports over which no recognized association already in existence, exercised special authority. This, together with the sincere wishes of the club to contribute by every means within their power to an effort to exclude from the amateur ranks the semi-professional, ‘tough’ and ‘shady’ element which has proved so great a detriment to the natural growth and popularity of all true amateur sport, dwarfed its possibilities and rendered competition in many of its classes obnoxious to gentlemen, are the reasons which mainly influenced the A. C. S. N. to request the New York Athletic Club, which organization was not a member of the National, to join in a call for a meeting of all the recognized amateur athletic organizations of the United States to consider the formation of a new association.“The meeting of such a body and its outcome is a matter of athletic history. From this convention emanated the Amateur Athletic Union. From the inception of the Union the A. C. S. N. at once became prominent in its councils, one of its delegates, Mr. W. H. McMillan, being unanimously elected president of the new association.“When the circular calling for a meeting of all the clubs to consider the formation of an association was received by the Staten Island A. C., a letter was at once sent to Mr. John F. Huneker, captain of the A. C. of the Schuykill Navy, inquiring what club was at the bottom of this move, and what were the ideas and reasons in forming such an organization. The reply, as received, was read to the Board of Directors, and, after satisfying themselves as to its honesty and advisability, a committee with power was appointed, consisting of President J. W. Edwards, Secretary W. C. Davis, Treasurer G. M. Mackellar, and Director F. W. Janssen.“This entire committee attended the first meeting of the A. A. U. After carefully noting and satisfying themselves on every point, they unanimously decided to join; so the Staten Island A. C. at once became a member of the Union.“Later on, the Union showed so many advantages over the National, and had so many respectable clubs in it, its affairs being conducted on so much better and more business-like principles, that after duly considering the case, the Staten Island A. C. sent its resignation to the National Association. When the Union selected September 19, 1888, at Detroit, as the date and place of their championship of America games, the National scheduled its similar meeting for September 15, 1888, at New York, and, in order to detract from the Detroit meeting, empowered the Missouri Athletic Club of St. Louis to hold a Western championship on its grounds September 9. The Union, to show its strength, at once authorized the Chicago Athletic Club to hold a Western championship meeting on its grounds September 1, in order to establish a set of Western champions for 1888 before the National meeting could be held.“As time went by, the Union representatives considered the advisability of taking some final action in the matter, and, after some six weeks’ deliberation, at a meeting held August 25, 1888, unanimously passed the following resolution:“‘Resolved, That any amateur athlete competing in any open amateur games in the United States not governed by rules approved by the Amateur Athletic Union, shall be debarred from competing in any games held under the rules of the Amateur Athletic Union. This resolution shall take effect immediately.’“The idea was to have the Western clubs and athletes recognize but one championship meeting of the West (that of the A. A. U. at Chicago).“The National (or rather now the Manhattan A. C.) found it impossible to hold its championship meeting in New York, owing to the fact that all the athletes, with very few exceptions outside the Manhattan Club, belonged to Union clubs, and would not compete under the National rules; so a cable was sent by the Manhattans to the Irish Gaelic Team to the effect that the meeting had been postponed until October 6 in order to allow them to compete.“In the West the two championship meetings were held, and those athletes who took part at the St. Louis National meeting were debarred from competing at the Detroit Union games.“The Union Board held a full meeting of the Executive Committee at Detroit, on September 18, 1888, when the above resolution was again unanimously approved of. The committee also unanimously refused to rescind the same or to reinstate any of the athletes who competed at the St. Louis National meeting.“The so-called National meeting held in New York city, on October 13, 1888, was, with very few exceptions, between the teams of the Irish Gaelic Association and the Manhattan Athletic Club.“At the Detroit meeting of the Union, a committee consisting of Otto Ruhl, James E. Sullivan, and Fred W. Janssen was appointed, with power to confer with Mr. Cullinan, the manager of the Irish team. To him, after explaining matters, the following proposition was made, on condition that his team should not recognize the National Association as an authorized body to give a championship of American meeting, viz.: The A. A. U. would give his team a testimonial meeting whenever he desired; would give all the American and Irish championship events, and an all-round competition. His association was to take all the gate receipts over and above expenses, and the following guarantees were made for tickets: Staten Island Athletic Club, $500; N.Y. Athletic Club, $500; Pastime Athletic Club, $200.“This offer was refused by Mr. Cullinan, and he wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Union asking that the resolution be not enforced so far as his team was concerned. As a similar request was made at Detroit on behalf of the Western athletes, and Messrs. Schifferstein and Pursell of the Olympic Club, San Francisco, and refused, no action was taken. The request could not have been granted owing to the fact that the Irish team seemed bound by contract to the Manhattan A. C., and paid little or no attention to the Union’s propositions.“The National published on its official circular the following Executive Committee: President, Walton Storm, Manhattan A. C.; vice-president, Wm. Halpin, Olympic A. C.; secretary, C. H. Mapes, Intercollegiate A. C.; treasurer, W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; S. S. Safford, American A. C.; W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C.; Geo. S. Rhoades, Missouri A. A. A.; and on the Games Committee, W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; Walton Storm, Manhattan A. C.; W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C.“Now, the following delegates and clubs mentioned on the Executive Committee were not members of the National, viz.: Vice-President, William Halpin, Olympic A. C.; treasurer, W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; S. A. Safford, American A. C.; W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C.; and of the Games Committee: W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; and W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C., the clubs having resigned and joined the Amateur Athletic Union. This left on the Executive Board of the so-called National: President Walton Storm, Manhattan A. C.; secretary, C. H. Mapes, Intercollegiate A. A., and George S. Rhoades, Missouri A. A. A., with Walton Storm on the Games Committee. On both the circulars and postal-cards, issued respectively under dates of September 3 and September 18 by the so-called National, were found no names whatsoever, nor did the parties left claim any more members. Therefore, the following articles taken from the constitution and by-laws of the so-called N. A. A. A. A. proved beyond a doubt to any fair-minded person that such an association was virtually out of existence since the resignations of afore-mentioned organizations, to wit:CONSTITUTION.—ARTICLE III.Membership.The membership of this association shall be limited to amateur athletic clubs, and any associate club not giving at least one public outdoor athletic meeting each year, to consist of not less than five games, open to all amateurs, shall pay a fine of twenty-five dollars, to be paid at or before the next annual meeting, and in default of such payment such club shall forfeit its membership.And the Intercollegiate Athletic Association may become a member of this association, such Intercollegiate Association to be deemed an amateur athletic club for all purposes herein.ARTICLE VI.Application for Membership.Any amateur athletic club desiring to join the association shall send to the secretary an applicationfor membership, a copy of its constitution and by-laws, and a list of its officers and members. The secretary shall submit this application to each member of the Executive Committee in turn, and these members shall endorse their decision. The approval of seven members of the Executive Committee shall be necessary to constitute an election.BY-LAWS.—ARTICLE III.Meetings.The annual meeting of the Executive Committee shall be held at the close of the annual meeting of the association. Special meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called by the secretary either at the written request of three members of the committee or by order of the president, and one week’s notice of said meeting shall be sent to every member of the committee. At all meetings of the committee five members shall constitute a quorum.“By the first it is proven that the Intercollegiate Association was but a single organization in the so-called National Association. The second shows that it was necessary to have seven members of the Executive Committee present in order to elect a new club to membership, and the third that there should have been five members present to hold a meeting. As the so-called N. A. A. A. A. had not been able to hold a meeting or transact business under its own constitution and by-laws, the organization in the Union refused to recognize the existence of the so-called National Association of Amateur Athletes of America, and in so doing stated that the respective clubs comprising the Union positively denied having in any way boycotted the Irish Gaelic Team, owing to the fact that the latter simply joined with the Manhattan and Missouri Athletic clubs in preference to the Amateur Athletic Union which was composed of twenty-seven leading associations.“The M. A. C.Chronicleof October, 1888, published the following clubs as having had delegates present at the so-called National’s annual meeting held about October 13: Missouri A. A. A., St. Louis; Manhattan A. C., New York City; Star A. C., Long Island City; West Side A. C., New York City; Allerton A. C., New York City; and Intercollegiate A. A.“The Allerton A. C. was organized in September, 1888, by members of the Manhattan A. C. Mr. G. M. L. Sacks is treasurer, and Mr. G. M. L. Sacks of the Manhattan A. C. represents the club on the so-called National Association’s Executive Committee. Of late the Manhattan A. C. men have organized several so-called athletic clubs in order to swell the list of clubs belonging to the so-called National Association, and in the M. A. C.Chronicleof November, 1888, we find Walton Storm, G. M. L. Sacks and Fred A. Ware, three well-known M. A. C. men on the Executive Committee of the so-called National Association, and probably two or three others of which it is not positive.“None of the so-called National clubs own any property, except the land which Mr. Walton Storm of the M. A. C. lately purchased for about $160,000, on which it is proposed to build a club-house. We, therefore, arrive at the following totals:National Clubs.Membership.Property.Manhattan A. C.400None.Missouri A. A. A.200“Star A. C.60“West Side A. C.40“Allerton A. C.50“Entire National750Nothing.“The so-called National during the past year has given the St. Louis championship meeting, New York championship meeting, and a ten-mile championship run. (The New York meeting was twice postponed and the ten-mile run was also postponed.)Union Clubs.Membership.Property.New York A. C.2,500$410,000New York Turn Verein2,500150,000A. C. of Schuylkill Navy68085,000Staten Island A. C.90085,000Columbia A. C. (Wash.)40065,000Orange A. C.65060,000Detroit A. C.50035,000New Jersey A. C.50035,000Flushing A. C.20025,000Jersey City A. C.50035,000Berkeley A. C.250225,000Eleven Union Clubs out ofmembership of 299,580$1,210,000“During the past ten months of the A. A. U.’s existence, six championship meetings have been given, namely:“Boxing, wrestling and fencing championships; general gymnastic championships; swimming championships; Chicago Western championships; Detroit American championships; New York indoor American championships.”The programme for the coming year, arranged by the A. A. U., is most extensive and comprises a really notable list of events.“In view of all these facts it can readily be seen that the Amateur Athletic Union has done more during its short period of existence to encourage and foster athletic sports than the National has done in almost its entire history of ten years. The Union has nationalized athletics, and has proved itself to be national in character. It is composed of more and stronger clubs than the National, and it has not only come to stay, but also to make itself felt throughout the entire United States.”In regard to the personal attacks made upon the leading spirits of the Union by the Manhattan Athletic ClubChronicle, we do not propose to say anything. We pass them by with the remark that “abuse is not argument,” and that such indiscriminate scattering of verbal mud can further no cause.In conclusion, we wish to remark that the evil effects of this disruption are already becoming apparent. “Union is strength,” and the following fact shows that the athletic world is losing its unity:“A Western Association has now been formed with a view to governing the sport solely in the West. To further this cause, the Missouri Club resigns from the N. A. A. A. A. and the Union, while the Wanderers of Chicago club resigned from the A. A. U.”End of Article
BY WALTER C. CAMP.
MUCHhas been written from time to time of the growth of the game of football, and the reasons for its popularity, but no one has described that which is the real secret of its fascination; viz., planning the campaign. Planning a football campaign is a most interesting piece of strategic work, and the amount of thought expended on it would astonish the majority of that eager audience which crowds the Polo Grounds on Thanksgiving Day.
“Get some of your old men back to coach,” is a bit of advice often given to captains of crews and ball nines. But to no one is it so invaluable as to football captains. It is the careful planning of the season’s work that will bring victory in November. Through the summer the captain has been counting over the material he will have as a nucleus in the fall, and he has also calculated about how much he can rely upon from preparatory schools. As a rule he treats with distrust all reports of wonderful men in the incoming class, for the players who may have been giants on school teams are generally lost in the crowd on a university field.
His first interest on looking over the men he means to make use of is this: Are there enough old men to steady the team? With five old men no captain should be discouraged, and with six or over he ought to be hopeful, provided he has a half-back and a quarter among them. The reason for this is that he can then arrange to have a veteran next to every novice in his team, by scattering the three old rushers. It is amazing what steadiness can be infused into a team in this way. If the captain has six instead of five, he can then strengthen the weak side of his team by putting an old hand as an end-rusher on the side of the green half-back.
This plan of formation is merely for the early weeks of the season until the real campaign can be laid out. The veterans act as coaches to the new men, and after ten or fifteen days of playing in this way, the novices, if they be at all promising men, will have learned the general system of play, for the positions in which they stand. That is, the rushers will have learned not to bunch,i. e., keep too close to the next man, and also not to lag, or be slow in lining up when the ball is down. They will have been repeatedly cautioned against tackling high and not getting through hard. A new half will have learned about how far back he ought to stand, and how quickly he has to kick. In this way the captain can accomplish a double amount of work, for while he is looking over his new material, and deciding upon what men will develop into the service, his old players are giving very efficient assistance to him by coaching the new ones and rapidly breaking them in. Were it not for this, things would be in almost as much of a mess after ten days’ playing as at the start, for it frequently happens that a green captain will make so little use of his old men in the way ofcoaching that the new men will be blundering on in the middle of the season full of faults which might have been stopped the first week.
Two weeks’ work will enable the captain to select about sixteen men from whom he sees his team must be drawn. If he is wise he will be inclined at this period to favor those men who are showing rapid improvement rather than those whom he knows have already reached their best days. He will also put some thought upon the general weight of his team as well as the probable weight of the other teams he must meet.
When he has considered these matters well, and made up in his own mind the strongest team he can select, he should play these men together as nearly as possible for some three or four days, and after making any changes that may seem to him necessary, get his coaches together and stand with them for one afternoon, when all will have a good look at the practice. That evening he should have a meeting of the team and coaches, and a thorough discussion of the strength and weakness of the team. One learns very rapidly at such a meeting what the team considers its strong points and where they fear an enemy. During the next week the captain and coaches should decide finally upon what the strongest plays of the team are likely to be. The great necessity of doing this early is to thoroughly provide against accident, not only by being more than usually careful of the one or two men most engaged in these plays, but also to train others up to a moderate degree of skillfulness to take the places of men who may be injured. A decision must also be reached regarding the weak points of the team, and these not only strengthened but made less evident to opponents.
Following upon these decisions should come a week or more of very hard individual coaching. Each man is taken by himself and worked at as though upon him and his particular plays depended the victory or defeat of the team. A curious fact is that just at this point in the season, not only the team, but very often the captain and coaches are sure that their playing is poor and that defeat stares them in the face. The true explanation of this is that the enthusiasm has been worked off to a great extent, and the players have not yet gained the dexterity that practice will give, so that the poor playing is really painfully apparent.
Let us review the plan of the campaign up to this point. The captain first sprinkled his veterans among the raw recruits, so that it was necessary for them to mingle. By doing this he has prevented the old men from banding together and looking down upon the new ones, and has also compelled the green men to ask questions of the experts. While all were thus being well shaken together, he has had an opportunity to select the best team, and, by actual trial, to judge in what line of action they would prove strongest. All this has been effected with the least possible loss of time, for, owing to the shortness of the football season, time is too valuable to be wasted even in experiments. Of individual coaching, little need be said, as it is only a means of improving details, and does not affect the campaign, except in the way of dexterity.
The captain next begins to study the best offensive and defensive tactics for his team. He starts with the problem in such shape as this: Given the kick-off with an adverse wind, what is the best opening for the style of game his team plays? He may kick the ball as far down the field as possible. But this is very seldom a good opening, because the side that wins the toss, having the choice of goal or kick-off, it invariably happens that the kick-off is made against the wind. The captain knows that if he makes a straight kick down the field under these circumstances it will be returned, and with the help of the wind, will most surely be put back some distance into his own territory, so that the play will have lost him considerable ground.
The next thing to be considered is a long kick down the field and out of bounds on the side. This opening was a strong feature of the Yale game for several years, owing to the combination of two happy possessions—a strong place-kicker and a very fast end-rusher. The play usually means that the ball, when it goes into touch, is first reached by the opponents and they return it into the field at the point where it went out. Of course, the ball has made considerable advance into the enemy’s territory; but as an offset to this, they have gained possession of the ball, and, if their play is strong and accurate, they should be able to return it past the center of the field on their first kick. While the above is the usual result of the play, it does happen that a fast end-rusher, in perfect unanimity with the place-kicker, will succeed in reaching the ball before the opponents. In this case there is an actual gain of the distance from the centre of the field to the spot where the ball crossed the touchline. Another opening is to dribble the ball and then pass it back for the half to punt. This gives the rushers a chance to get up the field and prevent a return kick. In this case, unless the ball is fumbled, there is only an apparent gain, for the ball is in the possession of the enemy and after the down will be returned probably beyond the centre of the field.
The opening most popular during the past season was the “running break” or “V.” The ball was dribbled and passed back to a half who was protected by the rushers enough to insure his having a fair start. He then made a break for the opening in the line and carried the ball as far as he could. The amount of interference allowed last year made this a strong opening, because the player usually made several yards, and that without losing the ball.
From this point on, however, comes the real strategy of the game. An illustration of this is the statement made and carried out by one of the coaches of a team which competed one Thanksgiving Day, not many years ago. After a conference with the captain and other coaches the night before the game, he made the astonishing statement that his team would, if they lost the toss, put the ball over the enemy’s goal-line in less than five minutes from the time of kick-off. The diagram of the plans was laid out on paper, and is still in the possession of one of the men. The plays were these: The ball was dribbled and passed by a long throw to the right half-back, whose run was made successfully. The ball was snapped and passed to the rusher next the end on the same side. This play was strong, because the position of the men and the throw of the quarter made it appear that the ball was again going to the half, and the opposing rushers went through the more eagerly. The next play was a centre-play—the guard giving the ball to the quarter for a run, and the final play, which carried the ball over the line, was out next the end once more. The immense superiority of such a system over the usual method of sending the ball wherever there seems the most chance was conclusively proven, for, with the exception of a slight fumble, which caused one more down, there was no break in the chain, and each man made within a few yards of the spot which had been marked on the paper.
While it is, of course, impossible to lay out the entire progress of the game, owing to the element of uncertainty introduced by ignorance of what line of action may be adopted by one’s opponents, it is possible to plan what ought to be done at certain stages in the game.
For instance, for many years it was thoroughly believed by all the best football men that the kicking game could not be played against the wind under even the most favorable circumstances. This theory has, however, fallen through, and it is generally concluded that with fast, good rushers, and strong, accurate kickers, the running game can with advantage be supplemented with a few timely kicks.
The opening of the game has been discussed; the next point is the placing of the men on the first down by the opponents. This is something of vital interest to the captain, for if the opponents have any strong line of play they will undoubtedly develop it early in the game. To discover and prevent the surprise is, therefore, the end to be aimed at, for a strong play successfully made at this point seriously weakens the adversaries, not only taking from them the actual ground, but upsetting their confidence and nerve as well.
Upon the use of the quarter depends the style of this first defensive play. Some captains keep him back of the line where he may assist the half-backs; others send him up into the line as an extra rusher. Neither of these two plans can be said to be the right one in all cases, for there are two elements which govern the play and should enter into the decision. The first is the relative skill of the rushers and halves. It is always possible for a captain to say whether he is strongest “in the line” or “behind it,” and the quarter is most needed with the weaker set of players. The second is the wind. If this is very strong and straight with the opponents, there is the greatest necessity of checking their running before they shall have advanced the ball within kicking distance of the goal, even though by doing this the captain for the time being leaves his halves and back less secure. Therefore the wise captain brings up his quarter into or just behind the rush line, and concentrates all his strength on preventing the gain of five yards on three downs. In this way he can oblige his opponents to kick or lose the ball before they are far enough advanced to be in dangerous proximity to his goal.Of these two elements, then, it may be conclusively argued the wind is the greater, and if very strong, should decide him to bring his quarter up, even though his line of forwards be exceptionally strong.
The next point worthy of consideration is the offensive and defensive play about the goals. Most important are:guarding a goal against the wind, andtrying for a goal with the wind. The former is of the most vital importance, and time spent upon studying the situation will prove of advantage to every captain. Let us suppose the case of a touch-back (i. e., where the ball has crossed the goal-line, but without compelling a safety), for it is generally at this point that the condition becomes most serious. The captain finds himself driven back into his own goal and facing a wind and a team encouraged by success. His own team, on the contrary, are tired with the effort of contesting the ground, and they are also nervous with the feeling that the least slip on their part means a goal or a touch-down. The privilege of a kick-out—at best a privilege of less than twenty-five yards start—seems pitifully small in the face of the odds. The situation is the same as at the kick-off upon beginning, with the exception of the proximity of the goal and the attendant danger. The ball may be place-kicked or drop-kicked down the field or out of bounds; it may be dribbled and passed back for a punt or run. There is one thing which must not be done, and that is to kick or pass the ball out toward the centre of the field or across the goal, for as surely as the ball falls into the enemy’s hands in front of the goal, they will, if their play be accurate, not fail to score. Next to be borne in mind is that when the ball does go into their hands it must be either a down or a fair,i. e., it must not be a fair catch, but must go out of bounds, or into their hands on the roll with a rusher close enough to make them have it down. There are three ways to accomplish this: the first is to place or drop-kick the ball down the edge of the field and out of bounds, or accomplish the same result by a dribble and punt; the second is to attempt the running game until two downs are exhausted, and then kick out of bounds; and the third, and most aggressive of all, to kick the ball a short distance ahead but well up in the air, and putting all the men on side, rely upon getting possession of the ball in air or in the scramble as it falls. If the last plan is adopted every man in the line must go forward with one idea in his mind, and that is to prevent a fair catch at all hazards.
Another question is often discussed regarding the protection of a goal, and that is: Is a man ever justified in running round behind his own goal with the ball on the chance of getting out far enough on the other side to gain ground? The only answer to this question lies in the head of the man who has to do it. There are some who can be trusted to know when it can be done, but most should be told to never do it unless at that point in the game a safety will turn the balance of the score, and they should not do it in the first half.
But to pass to the attack. A side has advanced the ball within kicking distance of their opponents’ goal, having the wind and the ball with them. Should they at once attempt a field-kick, or by running try to get nearer, or even rely upon a touch-down? If they try a field-kick, should it be a drop at goal, or should they punt the ball just short of the goal and chance a muff or a fumble by their adversaries to yield a touch-down? Unless a team is remarkably strong in the running game, and has been making their five yards, it is silly to try a touch-down or nothing. Again, unless there is plenty of time remaining, it takes too long to work the ball up to the line and get it across, beside the many risks of losing possession of it in the meantime. Finally, a punt up in front of the goal is too decidedly a confession of the lack of a good drop-kicker.
As a rule, then, the first down had better be utilized by getting the ball in front of the goal if it is off at the side of the field. The second down should be an attempt to get somewhat nearer only in case the snap-back and quarter are sure men. Otherwise the drop-kick should be tried after the first down. One thing to be said in favor of trying the drop-kick at once, without attempting to bring the ball in front of the goal, is that the adversaries are then much less prepared for the try, and hence the kicker has a more uninterrupted aim and longer time. After the first down the opponents concentrate their attention more upon the kicker.
These are salient features, but, of course, there is an infinity of detail, of which the present article does not give space to speak.
Editor’s Open Window
Editor’s Open Window
“IT’San ill wind that blows nobody good;” and let the press, comic and otherwise, deride anglomania as it may, the good effects of this same craze are plainly visible in some directions. Since Richard Ten Broeck won the Cesarewitch Stakes with Prioress in 1857, since the victories of Foxhall and Iroquois, no one has doubted that the race-horses of America are in every respect equal to the English standard. But the same can scarcely have been said of the carriage-horses, hacks, cobs, and ponies, while until a comparatively recent date the hunter, in the English acceptation of the term, was unknown. The rankest “laudator temporis acti,” who took a stroll in Madison Square Garden during the horse-show week, would not venture to deplore “the good old days” as far as horseflesh is concerned. The prevalence of the “bang” tail and hog mane may offend the eye of some, and when such treatment is carried out on an elephantine dray-horse—as was the case with some of the exhibits—the result is truly absurd. But the sporting, capable class of horse with the best of action, which was so well represented—more so than in any previous year—must of necessity have favorably impressed the true disciple of horseflesh.
The exhibition was very good—in some cases extremely so—and in a rising scale from Mr. Pierre Lorillard’s happy family of Shetlands up to Mr. A. Palmer Morewood’s colossal Clydesdale “Marlborough,” there were shapes and sizes to please every eye. From East, West, North, and South they came to constitute this goodly array, and in some cases laurels gained in English show rings were supplemented with American honors.
In the high-jumping, however, as in former years, lay the special feature of the show. When it is possible forgreenhunters—save the mark!—to be put to jump 6 ft. 6 in., even though it prove somewhat beyond their powers, it may well make even old horsemen open their eyes, and wonder where this emulation will stop. Such feats have never been accomplished or indeed attempted in England, but in the New York Show the standard rises year by year, and the record, unlike that of trotting, is all the time being broken. The jump of 6 ft. 97⁄8in., accomplished by Mr. F. Gebhardt’s “Leo,” ridden by “Pete” Smith, the only man who can induce this wonderful horse to put forth his powers, and Messrs. Durland & Co.’s “Filemaker,” ridden by that graceful rider, Mr. McGibbon, is something which, unless one has seen it done, he receives with doubting ears. The riding and driving was very good. In the latter department, Mr. F. Asshenden, as usual, distinguished himself. He drove in every competition which enters into his province, with such success that only on one occasion did he leave the ring without a “ribbon.”
The management of the show was very well conducted, and with the exception of some complaints of dampness—which was attributable to Jupiter Pluvius and not to the management—there were no grounds for objection. The health of the horses was excellent, the veterinary department under Drs. Carmody and Field left nothing to be desired, and the equine visitors left the Garden after their week’s sojourn in strange quarters in no way the worse for their experience.
SPORTINGTRAMP.
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FORseveral years past the steeple-chase associations and hunt clubs have been making strenuous efforts to raise the cross-country branch of racing to its proper level. Five years ago steeple-chasing was a byword and a reproach. The scandalous and open swindles that took place at some of the large tracks were a disgrace, and the managers of these tracks sat with folded hands while the press exposed the swindles and urged them to do something or expunge altogether the cross-country farces from the programme, but nothing was done. The truth is the managers did not understand steeple-chasing, and would not learn, and yet it was too lucrative a branch to expunge, as the public enjoyed the excitement and liked to see the accidents and falls.
About four years ago the members of the Rockaway Hunt Club formed the Rockaway Steeple-chase Association, and with the Meadow Brook Hunt Club as well as members of all the other hunt clubs, joined in trying to raise the level of steeple-chasing. That they were successful is shown by the records. What the cost was to their private purses they themselves only know. It is hardly to the credit of the general public or to the society element in New York, that associations of this kind that provide honest and fair sport, should lose thousands at each meeting. Naturally the members object to this continual drain, and a change of some kind will have to be made. Neither the Rockaway Steeple-chase Association nor the Country Club Steeple-chase Association can continue running at a loss any longer.
It might be well, however, to analyze the reason for the loss. When in 1886, the future of racing in this State was jeopardized and politicians were endeavoring to stop the sport for purposes of their own, the leading men of both these associations cheerfully lent a helping hand and worked to get the Pool billthrough. Their endeavors were successful. Racing was limited to the dates between May 15 and October 15. So far so good. Then came the question of the dates for the respective meetings, and the large associations at once seized all they could get. The principal sinner in this respect has been the Brooklyn Jockey Club, which has shown great precocity in its grabbing propensities during the short time it has been in existence. Not content with taking the days the Rockaway people wanted, the Brooklyns encroached on Jerome Park’s dates and wanted those also. The Country Club Association had to deal with Jerome, and found that association very fair and open about its dates. No attempt was made to “grab,” and every help was cheerfully given that could be. The weather, however, knocked out the Country Club Association, and also took a hand in marring the chances of the Rockaway, which, buffeted on all sides, lost money steadily. Now for the cure. The Steeple-chase Associations will have to reduce their meetings to the level of hunt races,pur et simple, with cups and very small money added—with perhaps one large handicap of $1,000 at most, and wait for better times. Another alternative is to induce the Legislature to alter the Pool bill in such a way that steeple-chasing may commence in New York State on May 1 and end on Nov. 1, thus giving the Association a month to hold their meetings. The third remedy would be to discontinue the meetings altogether, a course which would be very regrettable. The Rockaway people have an expensive plant at Cedarhurst, and the Country Club is making arrangements for something of the same kind. Some measures will have to be taken to protect their interests as well as those of the other hunting clubs.
C. S. PELHAM-CLINTON.
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THEseason which closed November 1 has not been so productive of good results as those interested in the success of Canada’s national game anticipated. Certain innovations, which were introduced last spring and promised well, have proved to be impracticable. Then, again, the splitting of the old National Association into two minor leagues has not brought about closer relationship between the clubs. Not one of the New England clubs has signified its intention of joining the Eastern Association. A local championship series and a few games with outside clubs have satisfied them.
The Western Association, and its doings during the first season of its existence, remain unknown to the lacrosse men in the East. For some reason efforts to bring about cordial relations between the two sections of the country have failed. The Western men appear to think that enough deference is not paid them on account of their possession of the National Championship, which was gained, not on the field, but on paper.
The Brooklyn Club will have the honor of being the champion club until 1889. It has made astonishing strides forward. Faithful practice and attention to team-play has made it a strong organization. The Staten Island Club, on the other hand, may safely be relied upon making every effort next spring to regain the coveted honor which so long was theirs.
The other clubs in the Eastern Association—Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jersey City, Staten Island Cricket Club—have not done much during the summer, except to build up their organizations. There is every indication, however, that the season of 1889 will witness some exciting games.
That nothing encourages so much as success, is seen in the vigor and enthusiasm with which Princeton, the champion of the College League, has gone to work since the opening of college. Usually the lacrosse men do very little in the fall in the way of practice. But this year, intent upon again winning the championship in 1889, class games have been played, and the University team has also had several games with outside clubs. This has not escaped Harvard, her most dangerous rival. TheCrimsonhas repeatedly called upon the college to give better support to the lacrosse team, which has at times been almost the only one to bring back a championship. In the spring the time is too limited to get the men into first-class condition, and fall and winter work should be indulged in when possible.
Lehigh is thoroughly delighted with lacrosse, and Cornell is taking it up. Williams is considering whether it will not draw too many men from the other sports, and other colleges and schools are getting ready to introduce the game. This is very gratifying. To play the game well requires so much attention to training, and such thorough self-command, that, as a mere matter of discipline, it ought to be recommended; besides, no game is more exciting, and certainly none more graceful.
J. C. GERNDT.
* **
FORevery man who owns a greyhound, at least a dozen own some kind of a terrier. The terrier is essentially man’s companion among all the dogs. Bright, intelligent, and full of spirits, he also has the happy knack of knowing how to make his presence unobtrusive. Among the many breeds which have at the present day attained popularity, the fox-terrier isfacile princeps, and of late years owners have bethought themselves of a good plan to avail themselves of the natural instinct of the dog. The fox-terrier is naturally possessed of a speed out of proportion to his looks, and since “the nature of the beast” is to pursue anything in the line of game or vermin, he has readily fallen in with man’s scheme to course the rabbit with his aid.
The advantages of this sport over coursing with greyhounds are many. The grounds have not to be so spacious or complete; the dogs are not so expensive, either in initial cost, maintenance, or elaboration of training; impromptu matches can be easily arranged, and, especially in this country, the difficulty of supplying the requisite quarry for greyhounds is obviated. The rabbit, on the contrary, is fairly plentiful in the Eastern States, and a goodly supply of them is generally forthcoming. The meetings that have hitherto been held have been very successful, and it is a cause of great satisfaction to all sportsmen that the recent case at Hempstead reached such a favorable termination.
This sport has not as yet, in America, gone beyond the limits of the select circle which patronizes polo and fox-hunting; but no real reason exists why this should be so. The writer has witnessed and taken part in very successful impromptu coursing-matches in the South, where the intentions of the dogs were better than their looks or breeding. It is, in fact, a sport open to every man who owns a decent terrier, and as such it is regarded in many parts of England, where the farmers will not only allow but will take part in matches run over their land.
SPORTINGTRAMP.
The Outing Club
The Outing Club
SOMEtime since OUTINGentered into communication with the various gentlemen who are taking leading parts in the serious disruption which has shaken the athletic world of America to its very centre. For some reason best known to those addressed, the majority of these gentlemen have not seen fit to favor us with their views on the situation. We have, however, been placed in a position to give the public some extracts from what appears to us to be an impartial review of the facts, from the Union’s side of the question. We quote as follows:
“In 1879 the New York Athletic Club decided to give up the management of the Amateur Championship Meeting, so successfully established by it three years previously. This course was taken because it brought a great deal of additional work on the officers of the club, and although the games had been profitable to the organization, its officers no longer desired to be continually appealed to for decisions and rulings upon athletic matters. For these reasons the N. Y. A. C. was willing to relinquish the conduct of the championship games to properly organized associations of clubs.”
Thus it came about that in the spring of 1879 the National Association of Amateur Athletes of America was organized. In 1880 we find the list of clubs that were members numbered twenty-one. In 1885 we find that this number had sunk to twelve, and in 1887 it was still twelve, while the New York Athletic Club, “through some personal club trouble,” had resigned in 1885.
“With these facts before us it can readily be seen that although the Association may have been, and no doubt was, national some years ago, it failed to keep pace with many of the leading clubs during the past three or four years. Some of these, notably the New York and Staten Island Athletic clubs, made such rapid strides that not only were meetings given that were far superior to the championships, but also many championship of America events were given by them and at their expense, among them being the boxing, wrestling, swimming, general gymnastic, general athletic, etc.
“In 1887 the Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy started the Amateur Athletic Union of the U. S.” The why and wherefore of its inception is thus accounted for. “The first time the A. C. S. N. participated in any other athletic competition than those held under its own management was in February, 1886, when a number of entries were made in the championship boxing and wrestling tournament given under the auspices of the New York Athletic Club, at Tammany Hall, New York. Of the three representatives of the A. C. S. N. at this competition, one, Mr. Charles A. Clark, won the championship at feather-weight boxing, and another, Dr. J. K. Shell, was fortunate enough to meet Joe Ellingsworth in the middle-weight boxing class; the latter, it was learned just in time to enter a protest, was so tainted with professionalism as to render his presence at an amateur competition preposterous. The protest against Ellingsworth was made by Captain Huneker of the A. C. S. N. to the New York Athletic Club, by whom he was referred to the National Association of Amateur Athletes of America for a decision as to Ellingsworth’s standing. The latter association refused to take any action, claiming that they had no jurisdiction in the matter.
“The inconsistent part of the National Association’s action in this matter is the fact of its having refused to take any action in this instance and claiming that it had no jurisdiction, while many will undoubtedly remember that sufficient jurisdiction was claimed in the cases of the wrestlers who were disqualified about six months previous for competing at unapproved meetings.
“From the time of this occurrence dates the desire of the A. C. S. N. to see formed an association national in character, which would take cognizance of and exercise jurisdiction over all kinds and classes of athletic sports over which no recognized association already in existence, exercised special authority. This, together with the sincere wishes of the club to contribute by every means within their power to an effort to exclude from the amateur ranks the semi-professional, ‘tough’ and ‘shady’ element which has proved so great a detriment to the natural growth and popularity of all true amateur sport, dwarfed its possibilities and rendered competition in many of its classes obnoxious to gentlemen, are the reasons which mainly influenced the A. C. S. N. to request the New York Athletic Club, which organization was not a member of the National, to join in a call for a meeting of all the recognized amateur athletic organizations of the United States to consider the formation of a new association.
“The meeting of such a body and its outcome is a matter of athletic history. From this convention emanated the Amateur Athletic Union. From the inception of the Union the A. C. S. N. at once became prominent in its councils, one of its delegates, Mr. W. H. McMillan, being unanimously elected president of the new association.
“When the circular calling for a meeting of all the clubs to consider the formation of an association was received by the Staten Island A. C., a letter was at once sent to Mr. John F. Huneker, captain of the A. C. of the Schuykill Navy, inquiring what club was at the bottom of this move, and what were the ideas and reasons in forming such an organization. The reply, as received, was read to the Board of Directors, and, after satisfying themselves as to its honesty and advisability, a committee with power was appointed, consisting of President J. W. Edwards, Secretary W. C. Davis, Treasurer G. M. Mackellar, and Director F. W. Janssen.
“This entire committee attended the first meeting of the A. A. U. After carefully noting and satisfying themselves on every point, they unanimously decided to join; so the Staten Island A. C. at once became a member of the Union.
“Later on, the Union showed so many advantages over the National, and had so many respectable clubs in it, its affairs being conducted on so much better and more business-like principles, that after duly considering the case, the Staten Island A. C. sent its resignation to the National Association. When the Union selected September 19, 1888, at Detroit, as the date and place of their championship of America games, the National scheduled its similar meeting for September 15, 1888, at New York, and, in order to detract from the Detroit meeting, empowered the Missouri Athletic Club of St. Louis to hold a Western championship on its grounds September 9. The Union, to show its strength, at once authorized the Chicago Athletic Club to hold a Western championship meeting on its grounds September 1, in order to establish a set of Western champions for 1888 before the National meeting could be held.
“As time went by, the Union representatives considered the advisability of taking some final action in the matter, and, after some six weeks’ deliberation, at a meeting held August 25, 1888, unanimously passed the following resolution:
“‘Resolved, That any amateur athlete competing in any open amateur games in the United States not governed by rules approved by the Amateur Athletic Union, shall be debarred from competing in any games held under the rules of the Amateur Athletic Union. This resolution shall take effect immediately.’
“The idea was to have the Western clubs and athletes recognize but one championship meeting of the West (that of the A. A. U. at Chicago).
“The National (or rather now the Manhattan A. C.) found it impossible to hold its championship meeting in New York, owing to the fact that all the athletes, with very few exceptions outside the Manhattan Club, belonged to Union clubs, and would not compete under the National rules; so a cable was sent by the Manhattans to the Irish Gaelic Team to the effect that the meeting had been postponed until October 6 in order to allow them to compete.
“In the West the two championship meetings were held, and those athletes who took part at the St. Louis National meeting were debarred from competing at the Detroit Union games.
“The Union Board held a full meeting of the Executive Committee at Detroit, on September 18, 1888, when the above resolution was again unanimously approved of. The committee also unanimously refused to rescind the same or to reinstate any of the athletes who competed at the St. Louis National meeting.
“The so-called National meeting held in New York city, on October 13, 1888, was, with very few exceptions, between the teams of the Irish Gaelic Association and the Manhattan Athletic Club.
“At the Detroit meeting of the Union, a committee consisting of Otto Ruhl, James E. Sullivan, and Fred W. Janssen was appointed, with power to confer with Mr. Cullinan, the manager of the Irish team. To him, after explaining matters, the following proposition was made, on condition that his team should not recognize the National Association as an authorized body to give a championship of American meeting, viz.: The A. A. U. would give his team a testimonial meeting whenever he desired; would give all the American and Irish championship events, and an all-round competition. His association was to take all the gate receipts over and above expenses, and the following guarantees were made for tickets: Staten Island Athletic Club, $500; N.Y. Athletic Club, $500; Pastime Athletic Club, $200.
“This offer was refused by Mr. Cullinan, and he wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Union asking that the resolution be not enforced so far as his team was concerned. As a similar request was made at Detroit on behalf of the Western athletes, and Messrs. Schifferstein and Pursell of the Olympic Club, San Francisco, and refused, no action was taken. The request could not have been granted owing to the fact that the Irish team seemed bound by contract to the Manhattan A. C., and paid little or no attention to the Union’s propositions.
“The National published on its official circular the following Executive Committee: President, Walton Storm, Manhattan A. C.; vice-president, Wm. Halpin, Olympic A. C.; secretary, C. H. Mapes, Intercollegiate A. C.; treasurer, W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; S. S. Safford, American A. C.; W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C.; Geo. S. Rhoades, Missouri A. A. A.; and on the Games Committee, W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; Walton Storm, Manhattan A. C.; W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C.
“Now, the following delegates and clubs mentioned on the Executive Committee were not members of the National, viz.: Vice-President, William Halpin, Olympic A. C.; treasurer, W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; S. A. Safford, American A. C.; W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C.; and of the Games Committee: W. C. Rowland, Staten Island A. C.; and W. G. Hegeman, Nassau A. C., the clubs having resigned and joined the Amateur Athletic Union. This left on the Executive Board of the so-called National: President Walton Storm, Manhattan A. C.; secretary, C. H. Mapes, Intercollegiate A. A., and George S. Rhoades, Missouri A. A. A., with Walton Storm on the Games Committee. On both the circulars and postal-cards, issued respectively under dates of September 3 and September 18 by the so-called National, were found no names whatsoever, nor did the parties left claim any more members. Therefore, the following articles taken from the constitution and by-laws of the so-called N. A. A. A. A. proved beyond a doubt to any fair-minded person that such an association was virtually out of existence since the resignations of afore-mentioned organizations, to wit:
CONSTITUTION.—ARTICLE III.Membership.The membership of this association shall be limited to amateur athletic clubs, and any associate club not giving at least one public outdoor athletic meeting each year, to consist of not less than five games, open to all amateurs, shall pay a fine of twenty-five dollars, to be paid at or before the next annual meeting, and in default of such payment such club shall forfeit its membership.And the Intercollegiate Athletic Association may become a member of this association, such Intercollegiate Association to be deemed an amateur athletic club for all purposes herein.ARTICLE VI.Application for Membership.Any amateur athletic club desiring to join the association shall send to the secretary an applicationfor membership, a copy of its constitution and by-laws, and a list of its officers and members. The secretary shall submit this application to each member of the Executive Committee in turn, and these members shall endorse their decision. The approval of seven members of the Executive Committee shall be necessary to constitute an election.BY-LAWS.—ARTICLE III.Meetings.The annual meeting of the Executive Committee shall be held at the close of the annual meeting of the association. Special meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called by the secretary either at the written request of three members of the committee or by order of the president, and one week’s notice of said meeting shall be sent to every member of the committee. At all meetings of the committee five members shall constitute a quorum.
CONSTITUTION.—ARTICLE III.
Membership.
The membership of this association shall be limited to amateur athletic clubs, and any associate club not giving at least one public outdoor athletic meeting each year, to consist of not less than five games, open to all amateurs, shall pay a fine of twenty-five dollars, to be paid at or before the next annual meeting, and in default of such payment such club shall forfeit its membership.
And the Intercollegiate Athletic Association may become a member of this association, such Intercollegiate Association to be deemed an amateur athletic club for all purposes herein.
ARTICLE VI.
Application for Membership.
Any amateur athletic club desiring to join the association shall send to the secretary an applicationfor membership, a copy of its constitution and by-laws, and a list of its officers and members. The secretary shall submit this application to each member of the Executive Committee in turn, and these members shall endorse their decision. The approval of seven members of the Executive Committee shall be necessary to constitute an election.
BY-LAWS.—ARTICLE III.
Meetings.
The annual meeting of the Executive Committee shall be held at the close of the annual meeting of the association. Special meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called by the secretary either at the written request of three members of the committee or by order of the president, and one week’s notice of said meeting shall be sent to every member of the committee. At all meetings of the committee five members shall constitute a quorum.
“By the first it is proven that the Intercollegiate Association was but a single organization in the so-called National Association. The second shows that it was necessary to have seven members of the Executive Committee present in order to elect a new club to membership, and the third that there should have been five members present to hold a meeting. As the so-called N. A. A. A. A. had not been able to hold a meeting or transact business under its own constitution and by-laws, the organization in the Union refused to recognize the existence of the so-called National Association of Amateur Athletes of America, and in so doing stated that the respective clubs comprising the Union positively denied having in any way boycotted the Irish Gaelic Team, owing to the fact that the latter simply joined with the Manhattan and Missouri Athletic clubs in preference to the Amateur Athletic Union which was composed of twenty-seven leading associations.
“The M. A. C.Chronicleof October, 1888, published the following clubs as having had delegates present at the so-called National’s annual meeting held about October 13: Missouri A. A. A., St. Louis; Manhattan A. C., New York City; Star A. C., Long Island City; West Side A. C., New York City; Allerton A. C., New York City; and Intercollegiate A. A.
“The Allerton A. C. was organized in September, 1888, by members of the Manhattan A. C. Mr. G. M. L. Sacks is treasurer, and Mr. G. M. L. Sacks of the Manhattan A. C. represents the club on the so-called National Association’s Executive Committee. Of late the Manhattan A. C. men have organized several so-called athletic clubs in order to swell the list of clubs belonging to the so-called National Association, and in the M. A. C.Chronicleof November, 1888, we find Walton Storm, G. M. L. Sacks and Fred A. Ware, three well-known M. A. C. men on the Executive Committee of the so-called National Association, and probably two or three others of which it is not positive.
“None of the so-called National clubs own any property, except the land which Mr. Walton Storm of the M. A. C. lately purchased for about $160,000, on which it is proposed to build a club-house. We, therefore, arrive at the following totals:
National Clubs.
Membership.
Property.
Manhattan A. C.
400
None.
Missouri A. A. A.
200
“
Star A. C.
60
“
West Side A. C.
40
“
Allerton A. C.
50
“
Entire National
750
Nothing.
“The so-called National during the past year has given the St. Louis championship meeting, New York championship meeting, and a ten-mile championship run. (The New York meeting was twice postponed and the ten-mile run was also postponed.)
Union Clubs.
Membership.
Property.
New York A. C.
2,500
$410,000
New York Turn Verein
2,500
150,000
A. C. of Schuylkill Navy
680
85,000
Staten Island A. C.
900
85,000
Columbia A. C. (Wash.)
400
65,000
Orange A. C.
650
60,000
Detroit A. C.
500
35,000
New Jersey A. C.
500
35,000
Flushing A. C.
200
25,000
Jersey City A. C.
500
35,000
Berkeley A. C.
250
225,000
Eleven Union Clubs out ofmembership of 29
9,580
$1,210,000
“During the past ten months of the A. A. U.’s existence, six championship meetings have been given, namely:
“Boxing, wrestling and fencing championships; general gymnastic championships; swimming championships; Chicago Western championships; Detroit American championships; New York indoor American championships.”
The programme for the coming year, arranged by the A. A. U., is most extensive and comprises a really notable list of events.
“In view of all these facts it can readily be seen that the Amateur Athletic Union has done more during its short period of existence to encourage and foster athletic sports than the National has done in almost its entire history of ten years. The Union has nationalized athletics, and has proved itself to be national in character. It is composed of more and stronger clubs than the National, and it has not only come to stay, but also to make itself felt throughout the entire United States.”
In regard to the personal attacks made upon the leading spirits of the Union by the Manhattan Athletic ClubChronicle, we do not propose to say anything. We pass them by with the remark that “abuse is not argument,” and that such indiscriminate scattering of verbal mud can further no cause.
In conclusion, we wish to remark that the evil effects of this disruption are already becoming apparent. “Union is strength,” and the following fact shows that the athletic world is losing its unity:
“A Western Association has now been formed with a view to governing the sport solely in the West. To further this cause, the Missouri Club resigns from the N. A. A. A. A. and the Union, while the Wanderers of Chicago club resigned from the A. A. U.”
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