St. Paul daily globe., 1888-05-06
LACROSSE.
Arrangements for a Series of
Ganns, IN, Ct Rn1,I This Caacnr,

Arrangements for a Series of
Games in ST. Paul This Season.
One of the first games (probably the
first game) of lacrosse ever played in
the United States occurred in New
York in 1868 between two clubs of
Canadian Indians. The beauty of the
game in itself, and its advantages as a
means of acquiring health and strength,
were Immediately commented on by the
spectators of that match, but, as the
game was there played, it was consid-
cred by far too rough for any one but
the Indians, who then practically
mOnOpOliZed it, and it was some years
later before the game gained a fOOthold
this side of the line. 1t began in and
around New York with two or three
clubs made up of young enthusiasts
of young Canadians who had immi-
grated to this side. People, at first in
different, soon became interested, and it
was not long before the game had a
circle of partisans, circle that has en-
larged until now, when it embraces the
whole of the United States, so that clubs
are to be found in nearly every large
city, even as far away as San Fran
cisco, that has three prosperous clubs.
The progress that it has already made
in the United States would seem to
forecast for this fascinating game the
success and popularity that it long ago
obtained in Canada. AS this game, by
its own laws, is to be played only by
amateurs, its success is greatly to be de-
sired, especially since its widespread
practice amongst young men would de-
velop race of athletes. Although la
crosse is not the only form of exercise
that will benefit the physical man, still,
from the fascination that it exertS over
all who have ever had chance to get
acquainted with it. it is one that is well
suited to become general. 1t is game
that calls into play every muscle in the
players body, and more than this, re-
quires him to constantly use his best
judgement and all his intelligence. The
present lacrosse season will be one of
unusual activity. The schedule of the
new Western association maps out
plenty of work. On Decoration day,
the Both of this month, there will be a
match game here between the Chicago
and st. Paul clubs over on the new
grounds, and the Calumets will play the
Detroit club Oh the latter's grounds on
the same day. Three weeks later the win
nerS in each of these matches will play
together in Chicago for the champion
ship of the West. AS the st. Paul club
will be able to put team on the field
this year that is made up of experts, its
hackers and friends are confident that it
will fly the championship as the result
of these matches. After this has been
settled other clubs in the association
deSirouS of winning the emblem will
have to play for it on the grounds of its
holders. Already the boys are eXerciS-
ing, and their clear eyes and elastic
tread show the value Of the practice.
For some mornings past, at 6 o'clock,
some of the more enthusiastic players
have been seen Skirmishing around the
neighbOrhood of Smith park, and, until
the new grounds are ready, every Tues
day, Thursday and Saturday evenings
will find them all out at the western
terminus of the cable line.
THE NATIONAL. ASSOCIATION.
New YORK, May 5.-Delegates from
about twenty-five cities to the National
Lacrosse association met at the AStOr
house tonight and decided to divide the
association into an Eastern and a West
ern branch. TheEastern branch will COM
prise all the cities east of Pitts
burg which are in the association,
and the Western branch all the clubs
in the association west of PittSburg.
Henry G. Penniman, of Baltimore, was
elected president, and j. G. Gernde sec
retary of the Eastern branch. When
similar officers are elected for the West
ern branch the four will elect a fifth
member, the five to form a supervising
board with power to govern the lacrosse
matches of the association throughout
the country.