Evening star., 1896-11-14
BASKET BALL.
Satisfactory Attendance on the Games
of the Local LenEue.

The basket ball season is now fully start
ed. The preliminary meetings OF the ex-
ecutive board are practically over and the
path of the mana cement is clear until next
March, when the season will wind up 1t
is hardly likely that more than one or two
meetings will be held in the intervening
time. The compilation and schedule for
the season Is one Of the most difficult tasks
connected with the organization, and when
this was completed, adopted and promul-
gated nearly one-haIf of the work had been
performed.
During the week two games on the sched-
Ule were played There was nothing re-
markable about either but several defects
were noticeable. The first game was play
ed Monday evening In the gymnasium of
the Washington Athletic Club, while the
second game was played Wednesday even
ing at the Washington Light Infantry
armory. In both games it was noticeable
that the teams had not yet familiarized
themselves with the Lew rules, and played
the game in its modified form. In the sec
ond game particularly, in which the East
ern Athletic Club and the Corcoran Cadets
were the opposing teams, the ignorance of
the rules in this respect was apparent to
all. The game was the equal of any of the
slugging matches of last year, and if such
proceedings are continued 1t will have a
diminishing effec0on the attendance Five
men placed out of the game and seven
free throws make a record that will prob
ably stand the remainder Of the season.
The official list of umpireS and scorers
has not yet been promulgated, and 1t may
be that the system of selecting the officials
will be continued as done in the games el-
ready played: that is. taking them from
the other clubs not interested in the game.
Il has given satisfaction so far, but later
in the season, when the clubs are closely
matched for the championship. it may per-
faps be unwise to continue this plan. The
a m hon ha 1od h0f fIn Holt 1c
may show partiality against the leading
team. The work of Umpire James Bauby
at the Wednesday evening game was a no
ticeable feature. and he demonstrated fully
that he was capable of holding the posi-
tion. He made his decisions impartially,
and adhered to them.
The attendance has SO far been satisfac-
tory. The league officials should endeavor
to keep up not only the present rate of at
tendance, but increase it right along, and
popularize the game. With more science
and less slugging, this can be accomplished,
as all Of the teams will be placed on as
equal footing as 1t is possible.
The Miles Cycle Corps, while it had rep
resentatives at the first meeting of the
league, deemed it inexpedient to apply for
membership this year, and a result the
District league numbers six clubs. The
prospects at first were bright for an eight
club league, but the C.. A. c. and the cycle
that the Young Mems Christian Association
would attempt to reorgarize its team,
strengthen the weak points of last year,
and apply for admission. 1t is hardly like
ly that this can be done during the season.
The schedule has been made out for six
clubs, and 1t is not likely that a change
will be made. Before its adoption, the
schedule committee was obliged to change
its figures practically twice. The other
Clubs would probal ly object to any new
clubs. as they did last year when the c. A.
c. and battery boys made application for
membership.
At Georgetown University the question OF
organising a basket ball team is still being
considered. 1t is probable. however, that
the team will be organized and an effort
made to play one or two games, not only
with local clubs, but outside colleges, the
game having been taken up by several OF
the leading colleges.
Next week will be busy week in the 10.
cal league. and four games are placed on
the schedule. The first will be played Mon