The New York herald., 1876-11-21
The Manly Suorts.

since the close OF the war the American
people have given large degree of attention
to all athletic games. When the ranks
were broken after the last victory our SOL
diers brought back to their homes certain
pride Of muscle and a love Of physical ex-
ercise which could not fail to produce an eff
feet on public opinion. Before the first
alarum was sounded. which made as as by
magic a nation of soldiers, we had so far de-
generated that we excited the criticism of
the whole medical profession. We were
told that Americans were fast becoming a
bundle of nerves. and that the ordinary
diseases to which flesh is heir were taking
on new phases on account of our dilapidated
condition.
action within the last few years. Recogniz-
ing the fact that if we are to continue in
possession of the mems sdnd we must lay the
foundation in corpore sdno We have done
what we could to lift physical development
from the contempt in which it had fallen to
ton. No one can have failed to mark the
change which has taken place in this re
spect. We are healthier and more en-
during people than we were before the war.
We have learned that brains and muscles
are not only in close conjunction but that
mans intellectual prowess depends greatly
on his digestive organs and the tone of his
bodily condition.
Every nation that has made itself felt in
the worlds affairs has encouraged all games
and exercises which give endurance and
daring to its young men. In most monarchies
all classes have been compelled to spend
years in the drillroom, and they have thus
acquired a courage and q manly bearing
which has proved serviceable in an emer-
gency In the student life of Europe great
importance is attached to the gymnasium
and to those out-of-door exercises which
render bne proud of his broad shoulders and
create an appetite for work which makes it
pleasure rather than drudgery. Until within
decade no German student felt himself
entitled to the respect of his fellows unless
he bore the scar of a sword thrust and could
boast of n score of duels. And even the
gray-haired professor was not unwilling to
show the ugly marks with which he had
been disfgured in his younger days. These
were considered conclusive evidence of pro-
ficiency in the college curriculum as we'll as
in the manly arts of self-defence.
The faculties of British universities have
also offered every inducement to their stu
dents to improve their physique. The
youth of England have for generations. been
famous for their cricket and rowing contests
The high and the low have crowded the
cricket ground and the banks of the Thames,
and by their loud plaudits shown that these
sports have a national interest and impor-
tance. This spirit of adventure and prowess
is by degrees taking possession of the Ameri-
can people, and it is safe to prophesy that
the next generation will reap beneficial re-
suits. The English students have as vet
more back muscle than we, and as class
they are more athletic; but no one doubts
that we can hold our own with the best
when we once get down to steady work.
The Americans are contestants worthy of the
best endeavor of any who throw the gaunt-
let at our feet. Give us a little more time
and we can catch ball on the fly or make a
spurt which will often enough throw the
victory on our side.
The Princeton and Columbia College clubs
played match on the cricket ground at
Hoboken on Saturday last which did credit
to both sides. The university clubs ei