New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-30
THE OPEN AIR SEASON

In snite of n disappoipting spring which began
prematurely with fattering promises IN MarcD
but has been tickle and reluctant ever since. II Is
evident that this is to be a great for out
| door sports A revival of bicycling is confident
| IL reported from many sources, and casual Cd
| seryation confirms the testimony OF those VINO
are particularly interested for one reason or an
| other in knowing the facts. IT is probably not
| 10 be expected that the original passion, which
| for time made the wheel an article of the nigh
est consideration in all circles of society, will.
ever assert itself so universally again. Yet here
and there and in places widely separated as
London and Washington, there are indications
that the automobile is not going to absorb the
devotion of men and women who afford to
do as they please. AS for the multitude, the
fact that reckless competition in the trade has
ceased with the result of making an honestly
built bicycle procurable at fair price. stimu-
lates legitimate development of the sport to
which also the improvement of highways large
" contributes. If here in New-York an appar-
ent diminution in the number Of two wheeled
vehicles is not due wholly TO the chaotic condl-
ton of the city but partly to a clearer under
standing that they are imperfectly adapted to
crowded city streets, there is reason for salts
faction on that account
Last year predictions were freely made that
golf would not long continue its astonishing
course Of conquest Indeed, many persons as
serted that the climax had already been passed
and looked to see embarrassed clubs falling into
bankruptcy. But thus far such premonitions
have not brought much credit TO those who pro-
claimed them. 1t may be safe to admit that
the investment in links and buildings was ex-
cessive, but there is strong evidence that the
first craze has subsidized into solid interest
which will now increase nationally and steadily.
1t Is undoubtedly true that many persons of both
sexes who were once infatuated with the game
have abandoned it, being convinced. rightly or
wrongly, that they could never become even
fairly proficient and finding more pleasure Ia
doing things which they can do better But
young recruits who acquire the art easily are
not lacking while older players who have per
sisted beyond certain point grow more and
more conscious of the benefits which they get
| from fresh air and moderate exercise The Ma
tionaI Association of Golf Clubs is in flourish
| ing condition and not afraid OF the future.
Meantime tennis has regained some at least, of
the ground which it had lost. and is perhaps
| more likely to be fortified than supplaned by its
diminutive offspring, ping pong.
1t is too early to forecast with full confidence
the long baseball season, but every indication
tends to confirm the opinion that nothing has
the folly of It's professional promoters, who i'm
agined that the American public could be af-
fronted with impunity by displays Of ruffian-
ISM They seem to have learned their mistake
at last and their resumption of decency has
been we'll rewarded at the opening games of the
year Its intrinsic merits have kept baseball
alive during a period Of rank abuses, and will
restore it to its old place If the managers redeem
their promises. 1t is to be hoped that they WILL
for by nature the game is clean honest, whole
some and full of varied interest. The stimulus
of an international maritime contest will be
wanting this year, but there is no lack Of money
to support costly diversion, and yachtsmen are
getting ready to put an immense fleet of pleas
ure boats in commission. Possibly the prospect
for horse racing of the highest class is brighter
abroad than it is here. Yet the American turf
shows no signs of languishng. Altogether there
is reason to believe that the open air of
1902 will break all records in respect to the
number of persons who actively participate in
the sports belonging to it, whether or not 1t is
destined to be memorable for any pre-eminent
| achievement.