The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-04-04
THE PANATBENAIc STADIUM.

Ienes, as they called themselves-were
proud and bigOted. All who were not
Crooks were barbarians, and consequently
not to be countenanced hence they had
no opportunity for estimating the strength
and skill of the athletes of other nations.
1t must be admitted, however, that for
long ages the highest physical development
reached by mortal man was attained
among the Greeks, and the student of his
tory still enthusiastically dwells upon
those glorious festivals wherein the true
beauty Of manhood was shown in its per
lection.
Even in this prosy age there is some
thing thrilling in the thought that eight
of our American boys are now on that
classic ground ready to enter those historic
lists to try issues with the formidable ath-
letic forces of all the rest Of Christendom.
The fact that Princeton university and
the Boston Athletic association were thu
only two organizations to step into the
breach and endeaVOr to assert America S
prestige in the greatest tournament of the
age does not discourage Americans, for
many other lands Will not be more largely
represented. They have, moreover, full
faith in the quality Of our Representatives
and believe that in these critical and rigor-
Gus tests of their skill and endurance. they
viii acquit themselves with credit to their
country.
LIZ kAdAA VI DAlAe AAAAi tAU AAl1AA4eA4AN
contest was suggested at a congress of ath-
letes held in Paris in June, 1894, under
the auspices of the Union de Societies
Franchises de Sports Athletiques. 1t was
decided to revive the Olympian games in
modernized form, but with the greatest
possible approximation to ancient type
and standards and upon a thoroughly in
teUnationaI basis.
The competitors were to appear as repre-
sentatives Of their nationality and none
but amateurs was to compete. Tt was
also very wisely determined that no money
prizes were to be offered, it being held that
simple badges of honor would be worn
with as much pleasure and pride by record
makers and record breakers as though they
were studded with gems.
1t was further arranged that the first
celebration Of the games should be held at
Athens, it being considered appropriate
that the birthplace of the famous Olympian
festival should be tho scene of its rechris-
tening. After the expiration Of four years
the international contest IS to be held in
Paris and four years later in New York.
1t was of course realized that the under
taking was one Of great magnitude, and
doubts were expressed at first as to the pos
sibility of its contamination. But zeal pre-
ponderated over timidity, and the work was
taken up in earnest. The whole scheme
was placed in charge of a permanent in
ternatiOnal committee under the presi-
dency Of the eminent Greek litterateur,
Demetrius Bikelas, who first suggested
the great Olympic revival
AS secretary for the first year, or until
the first con test had taken place Baron
Pierre le Caubertin of Paris was chosen,
and he has made an active and efficient
officer.
The assurance that Greece would accept
4 the responsibility thrown upon her for the
I 6rst year and would 10 her utmost to in
] sure success ives amply given when Tia