The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-11-17
Especial to washington Post,

ChariottesviI:e, Va, November D.
Recent events in football have brought
about a state OF affairs which viii be-
yond 6oubt rebound to the benefit of
athletics in southern states. The Uni
versity OF Virginia has itself determin-
ed 10 remain strictly honest in The
conduct OF her teams. Last year mum
erous letters were received from prom
inelt athletes, asking what inducement
would be given them to enter Virginia.
The variable answer was given hat
no consideration whatever could be
allowed them. In several cases these
men were honestly DESTROYS of enter
ing this institution for the purpose of
securing an education. They were uT.-
able 10 pay their way and were seek
ing some means of earning money.
They were glad to go elsewhere, where
their athletic abilities brought them II
nancial aid, and the year they arc in
the lineup Of Nrginia's opponents.
DEVELOPED FAST ELEVEN.
The local authorities went TO work
this fall with exceedingly unpromis.as
material, with the determination 10 do
the best they could. The results have
been very creditable indeed. One OF
the fastest and best-trained teams in
Virginia's history has been put upon
the ieid. 1t IS light, but it is gritty
and plucky to the last degree. AL
though it has been defeated twice this
season, 1t has the unstinted praise and
admiration not only of the student
body, but Of all who have seen the
games. 1t has brought to its alma rna-
ter many more laurels than the pro-
fessional teams of some of her neigh
bors. Victory won by illegitimate
means brings nothing but a disgrace
full notoriety, and Virginia has SHOWN
beyond a doubt that she is pure.
OTHERS MUST FOLLOW VIRGINIA
1t now remains to force the other in
stitutions into pure athletics. This the
university can easily do, and beyond
doubt will dc. In fact, steps are now
being taken to this end. A Post repre-
sentative was told by a member of the
advisory Coard that a code of elisibil-
ity to the unive rsity's teams would at
once be drawn ZIP and strictly adhered
to-. Moreover, no team would in the
future DE played who did not have sim
AoA SAtS ~ NoSI ~ q oS 11Sl
games with Virginia we're concerned.
That the other teams Of this portion
of the country will submit to this can
not be doubted First of all, they are
largely dependent upon Virginia for
their financial support. North Carroll
ma could not afford to cancel her great
Thanksgiving Day game with the Or
ange and blue 1t means thousands
Of dollars to her. The same is true
in regard to V. P. 1. in a less degree.
Secondly, these institutions could rot
stand the odium of a decided stand for
the rotten athletics of the present day.
faint ON V. P. 1. ELEVEN.
V. Pr. has already given herself an
%unenviable reputation this year, and all
of her self-respecting alumni, her fac
ulty, and friends would not but be glad
to see rer %repud1ate the past and deter
mine upon an honest future. To have
her star player convicted Of profess
sionaiism and the greater portion OF
her team protested by all honest oppo-.
nents cannot be matter of great pride
to her.
But whether or not she will turn
gladly to purer standards, she will be
forced to it, and very oOn at that. The
die has been cast for honesty, and ii
V. P. J.. and others will not join the
movement willingly, they will be fore.
ed to it.