New-York tribune., 1901-07-28
TENNIS.
WHY THE BRITISH PLAYERS COULD NOT
COME OVER THIS YEAR
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrpuSE.l

LBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuSE.l
Boston. July T-Palmer f. Presbrey, secretary
OF the United States National Lawn Tennis Asso-
ciation. to-day gave out the English letter of ex-
p!anation. which has been awaited impatiently for
two weeks. The cable notification that the inter-
national tennis matches for this all
or caused universal disappointment over here, and
the English promise to write full explanation has
caused a general suspension of Judgment until the
reason for the fZZle could be explained Now that
the letter Is received and has been read over, and
parts Of ii confirmed by both Davis and Ward the
general impression is that every effort made
10 get together representative team and that it's
tahure was due more to combination Of un-
fortunate circumstances than to any unwillingness
on the part OF the Britshers to play in America
laws and Ward knew before they left England
mat X f. Doherty would not be able
ana that his brother would not come without him
A slight touch of sunstroke Knocked Doherty out
only week before the English championship meet
IhS' ana MS doctor refused to let him play any
more ior several months. AS will be from
the text Of the English letter. Britshers intend
to challenge again for next season and there Is
httle doubt. Judging from the comments OF the
leadlng players here this afternoon that their cha-
Iehse VIII be accepted again The letter follows:
To 1arros n,,.,,, London. England July 3, 1901.
20 James Dwight, esq Barnstabe, Mass. L. s. A.
Dear Sir: l extremely sorry to have to tele-
send British for the international match this
year. we had quite relied r. +. and n. L. Doher,
do so but r. f. Doherty was very unweii during
our championship week, and collapsed after the
Hatch His medical adviser will account al
low MN 10 take part In the international contest.
and his brother, II. l., who not allowed to
play in singles some two years ago. is not c0nsid
cred strong enough 10 stand the strain. A. w.
partner Dr. W. V. Eaves has not yet recovered
entirely from the fever caught in South Africa and
Roner Barrett, S. II. Smith. f. ID. Black and @. NJ.
Simond are nable 10 make the trip on account of
business engagements and A. II. Riseley Is going
10 he married the I'D OF this month So
should have 10 fall back quite third rate players,
whom 1t would be farce to send. Mr.. Presbrey
viii be abe to tell his arrival of the efforts
Mr.. Collins our president, and myself have made
had contend with. Mr. Preshrey very kindly
agreed 10 extend the time for sending the names
Of our representatives, In the hope that We might
succeed In getting together something approaching
a representative team, but in view OF the many
refusals and disappOntments We have had, l feel
Il is quite hopeless task. | am the more sorry
because / know how much trouble you have taken
Inconvenience caused by scratching match almost
At the last moment. | very glad that your two
representatives did well over here. and they will
receive a welcome II they able to come
again another year. Their visit here makes It
douhly annoying to that are not giving you
a return visit and that they will not have the
opportunity OF playing our doubles champions on
the other side. only hope that we may De
able to send a representative team next year Uhat
Is II our challenge : accepted). and | must ask
YOU to forgive us for what fear must appear to
YOU TO be somewhat unsportsmanlke conduct on
Our part. In connection with this years match
Hoping that very great inconvenience has not been
caused believe yours very truly
G. r. MEWBURN, Hon. Sec, l. T. A