The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-02-06
Athletic Board Opposed by Executive
and Advisory Committees.
Fourth Race Was Best Event at New
Orleans Yesterday.

play on college teams II they continue
TO break the rules? My answer is that
summer ball In itself IL not prohibited
in most OF the colleges provided the play
ers do not receive anything directly or In
directly for their service.
''But here's tho rub IL Is almost i'm
possible TO prove anything. In the differ
ent Investigations which the Brown board
has made i'm the past but two men have
been debarred, and they on their own ad-
mission. our board has always honestly
and fearlessly investigated every case
brought TO It's attention.
''In view of this state of AFFAIRS, ana
now being able to get the other colleges
to adopt our way OF thinking our board,
on Monday, Jan. II. 1904, voted 10 abolish
the professional rule, with the under
standing that the scholarship rule should
be riyldly enforced. and that such other
additions should be made 10 our rules as
would absolutely show our moral and un-
selfish position Every member OF our
board believes I'm the change Of the rules.
but the minority feel that Brown cannot
afford TO stand alone on this question-in
other words. IL becomes matter OF
policy. instead of a matter OF right and
wrong.
After this meeting most OF the mem
bers OF the board who had voted TO
change this rule received letter asking
that they reconsider their action. as the
faculty and corporation would immediate
ly repudlate such a step. / was very
much surprised TO receive such letter.
l appreciate the fact that ! was elected
10 the board OF directors by the corpora
ton OF Brown university for two years.
I supposed / had the freedom or con-
science as an American citizen and as a
Rhode Islander. II am wrong In my
conclusions 1 am willing 10 resign. But l
will not change my mind when honestly
believe that i am in the right, especially
under pressure for the sake OF policy.
II have never believed in the rule pro-
hibiting summer ball. for | have con-
stantly seen how this rule was broken py
PLAYERS OF the different colleges. l hon
estly believe that the Brown teams are
as pure as any teams in the country.
What n the use OF having rule which
cannot be enforced? Is II not better TO
abolish such a rule than TO keep IL ana
have IL evaded? Every great revolution
sta rted I'm a small way.
"Is Brown afraid 90 take a step which
she knows Is right because no other
coIleue daree TO stand with her. Is she
afraid of tho criticism OF the press and
OF alumni. unacquainted with actual
| conditions? IL so. the sense or justice
and courage has reached low ebb.
I'm addition TO the moral side OF the
| question / have always felt that man
when he left college Tor tne suHlhiei
should be his own master. Is II un-
| American to work? Caspar Whitneys
attitude. II carried out, would allow only
! eentlemen's sons OF leisure TO enter col
! lsge sports When Astor got his English
| views ne knew enough TO make England
his home His example might be followed
BY others.
"a college man can earn money IN
the summer as a clerk, waiter. book
seller OF In any other way he may choose.
but II ne plays ball for money he is a
| profe ssional In other words, a man
| cannot improve his natural talent. Some
of the finest men and best athletes Brown
ever turned out have had 10 struggle ana
work during the college year 10 get along.
II they could have played summer bail
they could have earned enough money
TO pay their way through college. The
professional rule as IL stands on the books
today I'm most OF the colleges is a farce.
II all the colleges will adopt the same
| rule and live up TO II. even IL 1t Is rule
| to absolutely abolish all summer ball.
whether for pleasure or profit, am will
ing 10 change my attitude. But until
such common action is taken l am bound
| TO hold my present opinion"