New-York tribune., 1900-07-12
ATHLETICS.
AMERICAN ATHLETES NOT FORCED TO
COMPETE ON SUNDAY-MEN IN
GOOD CONDITION.

Paris July 11.-What appeared to be disagreea-
BILE obstacle in the way of the American athletes
participating in the international sports. which be-
gin Saturday. has been amicably and satisfac-
torily settled Tonight a meeting held in the
of the Racing Club. and the question or
Sunday games, which it was thought had been IA
voraby arranged, again appeared and some OF
the most important contests for the Americans
were fixed for that day. When the original plans
of the meeting outlined the sports were
scheduled to begin Sunday, which is the day Of
all big contests in France. The refusal of the
American teams enter general that Mr.
Spalding and his assistant. Mr.. De Garmendia,
made strong representations to the French officials
in charge of the sports who finally agreed that
Saturday is national holiday in France the sports
should be begun that day.
Recently they found that account of the mill
tary parade to be held in the vicinity of the
grounds it would be impossible to begin the con-
tests at such hour not to conflict with this
great review, and the arrival of the American
athletes the latter discovered that many of the
races had been set for Sunday This situation
aroused some feeling, and the teams from Prince
ton University Pennsylvania and Syracuse stated
emphatically that they would decline to take any
part unless notifications should be made. This
brought about a meeting between the captains and
managers of all the teams Messrs. Sullivan and
De Garmenda and the French officials controlling
the games.
sylvania. and Mr.. Martell, for Georgetown. *
planned the American contention and the strong
feeling Of the American colleges against partici-
pating in Sunday games. and they suggested GER
tain notifications In the programme.
NJ. Fabian Director of Sports and other French
officials listened to the statements of the Ameri-
cans. and replied, explaining why it had been
essary to go back to the original programme, and
why 1t was necessary to have some of the contests
fall Sunday.
The Princeton University men and those from
Pennsylvania especially emphatic In the po-
sltion that it would be impossible for them TO con-
test in such circumstances, and the Frenchmen
agreed to do all in their power to arrange modi-
ications
The meeting then took the form of schedule
committee, and after hours Of dellberation and
work the whole programme satisfactorily ar
ranged. The changes made will push forward the
trials in the 100 races so that the races will
be finished Saturday This Is also done with
the hurdle race at no metres. The finals the 500
metre race will go over Sunday and be concluded
Monday. 1t was agreed in regard to the field
contests that in the pole vault broad jump and
others which occur on Sunday in which American
contestants are entered. the Americans should be
permitted to make the contest alone either on Sat-
urday or Monday, they chose their records to
be counted at that time and duly credited in fig
uring the results. This arrangement while elim-
mating the Sunday question, is regarded as a ham
dicap by the Americans, in that men competing by
themselves lose some Of the enthusiasm. life and
vim which the competition of athletes OF other
countries at the same time would bring.
All the American athletes are now in Paris the
last contingent to reach here being the Pennsyl-
vana men, who arrived this evening from London
and went Immediately to the hotel at Versailles
where they will be quartered. The Princeton men
are at Neuilly and the Syracuse, Georgetown,
Michigan. Chicago University and New-York
Athletic Club men at various hotels in this
city. All the contestants in fine condition ex-
cept George w. Orton, of the University of Penn
sylvania, runner, who seems a little overtrained
He came ahead Of the rest of his team and to-day
took light exercise at the track Duffy of George
town, finds the new conditions somewhat an
obstacle. He says he does not feel secure as on
a dirt track, TO which he Is accustomed but hopes
10 overcome the sensation before Saturday.
All the men felt the effects of the English cli-
mate but say that the few days spent here have
done much to improve theme The Michigan men
exercised lightly this afternoon. taking
Garrett of Princeton, who a little under the
weather in England is again in good shape for
work with the discus. This afternoon he showed
good form. Nearly all the contestants were busy
training at the grounds to-day.
The Americans experienced some handicap
account of the difference between French and
American sporting rules, under the former OF
which the contests will take place. The hurdles
for instance, somewhat higher than those in
America and the turf take-off makes a new diff
Guilty The method OF starting also is quite diff
ferent, but II has been agreed that Marteu of
Georgetown, shall be permitted assist in all
the starts, and he will translate the words of
French starter for the benefit OF those who do not
speak French.
The grounds of the Racing Club where the con-
tests will take place situated in pretty grove
in the Bois de BOuOgne. They not extensive,
and 1t is feared there will be some difficulty in
preparing for the crowds which it is expected will
attend the games.