Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-26

to the good players that will be left behind,
nor to the country, nor even to the English
men against whom the American team will
compete As far as 1 can understand the
matter the object of the Americans is to pre-
sem to the Britishers the best possible cricket
tenn that we can produce; of course the selec-
tion will be matter of Judgment; and if a rule
is made that absolutely prevents any chance OF
our best PLAYERS going, then the team cannot
possibly be representative team, and ques-
ton very much if anybody will look upon it as
such. Well, then, if only American born
cricketers are allowed to go to England on The
team, don't think that anybody will for mo-
ment contend that the Britishers will face the
am not arguing this question because of any
nationality there NAV be in it. am only try
ing TO show the absurdIty of team going
abroad calling themselves the "All-America"
team and announcing the fact that hey are
the best ii PLAYERS in America. Certainly any ii
men have perfect right 10 go where they choose
and under ary conditions as to restrictions
of nationality, but they have no right to repre-
| sent themselves as something that they are not
| We have many players in America who were
| not born in this country, but whose cricket
| playing thas been developed, nay, almost en-
tirey learned, in this country. Some of them
| are among the very best players in the United
| States. What about them? Are they not In all
| respects American cricket players?l could men
| tion several names we're it necessary, anu as
soon as these names are mentioned people In
| terested IN the game would see that my COM en-
tion is right. But why this intended rule?
| am told that il is to confine the "honor and en-
jnyment of the trip to Philadelphia players"
If this be true, it is pity that selhshness SO far
predominates over love for the welfare OF the
| game. The question is national one. and
| those who propose to have the proposed condl-
tions enforced would do well to think the mat
ter carefully over. Why, if only native Ameri-
| cans go to England to play, they will find teams
| there and will likely play against them in
which men are playing who are not born Eli
| glishmen.
Football at Home.
1t is pleasing to find that the good old game
of football is taking good hold in PIttsburg.
| The season is not yet far advanced, but we
have had unmistakable proof that hundreds of
| young men are favorably inclined toward the
game. There is one great drawback, viz: the
uncertainty of the weather, but despite that
| fact it is quite plain that football can be made
| quite popular in and about Pittsburg There
| have been several matches played here alreaoy
but venture to say that not one-halt Of the
| players in the vicinity have been the field.
The other day 1 received letter signed "a
Parent in which the writer went to say
that he took more delight in a football match
than in any outdoor contest. But he pointed
out that his ''son could not be allowed to play
under Rugby rules, because they give op-
portuni:y for injuries "A PARENT goes
on to argue for the adoption of Asso-
citation rules and concludes by very
generously warning me agrinst advocating
anything favorable to the Rlgby rules. 1t is
not my intention in any way to argue In favor
of the above codes or say anything against
them. But there is one thing can fairly suggest
and that is that match be arranged to be
played under Association rules. There are, in
deed. great many people who believe in the
latter rules and who will have nothing whatever
TO do wi b the Rugby code. l may also fairly
add that accidents happen no matter what rules
are in operation just as accidents occur in base
ball games and cricket matches. 1t would
certainly be well for the gentlemen who are SO
Earnestly trying 10 popularize the game here to
grant the requests of those who patronIze the
sport. mean grant requests to a reasonable
extent. l am informed that if Association
rules were put into operation there would be
two three good local clubs to the front at
once. All legitimate encouragement ought to
be given to those who are trying to organize
clubs. j am also reminded that it might be
well to offer something in the way of prlze to
be competed for by clubs @ in Allegheny county
Allegheny Athletic Club could easily do and
think the venture would be successful one.
Indoor Athletics.
The other day Prot Kitchener. of the East
End Gymnasium, announced that he has re-
solved to try and arrange long list of indoor
athletic contests to take place In this city in
the near future. The Professors intention is
think on first sight 1t not only suggests to US
a night of excellent sport and entertainment,
but 1t further suggests why are there not such
contests regularly? To my mind there is
nothing more entertaining during a winters
night than young athletes contesting in the
various branches of athletics. 1t is not only
interesting to the onlookers, but by all means
it is of the greatest benefi to the young men
whose ambition is to keep in 'gnod FORM" In
very many cities the trouble with numerous
good athletes invariably is that they get
SO far out of form during the winter months
that the summer is nearly half over before
they get into anything like good condition
again. There is a reason for this. and it is easy
to lind During the winter there are no con-
tests prompting the athletes to regular exer-
else and as a result they first drop this branch
and then another until they scarcely have any
exercise at all. except using pair of dumb-bells
OF pair of Indian clubs on morning before
breakfast. In many cases even the dumb-bell
effort IS dispensed with. Well, If indoor
athletic contests were regularly held during
the winter there would be as much inducement
for athletic exercise in winter as in summer.
and probably more. And L am inclined to
think that If these indoor contests were
to become regular they would be
days. Prizes OF good value could be
offered and contests for championship titles
could be arranged: There is another feature
of this question. There are many branches of
athletic exercises that would be much more
entertaining within a building than on an open
ground [ need not repeat the names of these
branches because all familiar with
them. In short, have often wondered why in
such large cities as Pittsburg there are not reg
ular indoor field days" as friend of mine
used to cali them. I trust that our friend the
Professor, will succeed in holding his meeting,
and tnat it will be great success. OF course,
it may be difficult to secure a suitable building,
but If the Exposition building could be had for
night then it might be profitable for the East
ern and Western champions to come here and
compete. Now that this ball has been set
"a rolling" hope it will be kept going.
Among the Pugilists.
Frank P. Slavin is determined to let the pub
lie and John L. Sullivan know that he can talk
well fight; indeed Mr.. Slavin, if all reports
are true, is also determined to let the world
know that he can play at acting on the stage as
well as anybody else. During the week we
have learned two things. at least we have been
told two things. One is that, in the estimation
of F. P. SlavIn. John L. Sullivan is 'sblow-
hard, cur and no fighter" The second is
that this same Mr.. Slavin is engaged to play
the leading part In the "A Dark Secret.n Surely
the world must be fast nearing the end of its
course. But still another surprise. 1t has also
b'en stated that Peter jackson is to
take the leading part in a drama
n bic hoe 6