Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-13
COL UMBIA ATHLETIC CLUB
A Grave Condition Confronts the Popular
Organization.
Its Future Depends Upon the Proper
Solution of n Perplexing Ffuan-
cfaI Problem.

The Columbia Athletic Club will decide
on the 26th instant whether or not It will
be possible for 1t to exist further as an
athletic organization on the lines 1t has
followed in the past. For many months
the members of the organization who took
a close interest in its affairs have been con-
WINGED that the club could not be contin-
ued without some radical means were
taken to lessen the heavy financial burden
which rested upon it. This critical condi-
ton was the subject of discussion at a
meeting of the board of governors held
last night. Every member of the board
was present, and many propositions were
submitted looking to an calculation of the
grave problems presented but 1t was
finally decided to call a meeting of the
club members for September 2e, at which
the whole question would be considered
and definite conclusion about the future
reached.
Successful Mt the Start.
The Columbia Athletic Club was the
outcome of the Columbia Boat Club and
was organized mainly through the efforts
OF the enterprising gentlemen of the lat
ter organization, who believed that the
capital OF the nation should contain a club
In which other forms of athletics besides
aquatics should be recognized and foster
taneous. and shortly after its formal or
ganization the magnificent club house,
which is now its home, on G street above
18th, wes erected and equipped throughout
In the finest manner possible There is
a superb gymnasium, finely fitted baths
and swimming pool, commodious reading,
smoking and billiard rooms. and a cafe.
where the service is excellent
Popularity at It's Height.
The membership was large, and at first
there was general patronage among the
members of the conveniences of their club
house, and a constant round of entertain
ments were given, consisting of the now
famous smokers" athletic exhibitions, to
many Of which ladies were invited, and a
variety of other forms of amusement. the
success Of club members in athletic con-
tests is proud part of Washington's his
tory.
The club seemed to be waxing prosper
Gus, and this impression was further
heightened by the leasing of the historic
Van Ness property at the foot of 18th
street northwest, and it's Transformation
into athletic grounds. Shortly after this
venture was determined upon and carried
out there seemed to be singular falling
off III the general interest taken in their
organization by the club members outside
of those actively engaged in athletics.
In order to increase the membership, it
was decided TO eliminate the necessity Of
the payment of an Initiation fee by new
members. But even this move did not
seem to retard the further lack of interest
| in the home features of the club house.
Twenty thousand Dollars Needed.
1t is believed that the sum of So. 600 or
Whereabouts. would relieve the organization
from its pressing necessities and enable 1t
to face the future with renewed vigor The
investments made by the organization. in
Guiding the club house and grounds and
their equipments, amount to about sl50.OOO,
| and the major portion of the obligations
resting upon these properties is held by
John r. Mclean. who, it was authorita-
lively stated at last nights meeting of the
board Of governors, would do anything In
reason to assist the club in re-establishing
itself upon firm basis. There have been
| many suggestions made about the best
| means by which the present necessities
could be met and existing difficulties sur
mounted, but nothing definite will be de-
cided upon until the full meeting of the
club members, September 26. AS all other
questions relating to club matters are de-
pendent upon the settlement Of the one Of
such paramount Importance nothing viii
be done toward employing an instructor to
succeed Prof. Crossley or in relation to
whether or not a foot ball team will be
sent out in Columbia Athletic co!ors during
the approaching season.