Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-22
YALE HOLDS OUT.
Foot Ball Changes Jeopardized by OBJ
stinacy Of Walter Camp.

EooC 6au GnaugeS Jeopafdized Dy Op-
stinacy Of Walter Camp.
When the intercollegiate foot ball rules
committee meets at Philadelphia tonight to
act on the changes suggested to the play
ing rules. the impression seems to be thar
there will be no action OF any kind taken
unless there Is an agreement to the pro-
posal to set aside the unanimous consent
provision. The obstacles are Walter Camp
and Yale. II the unanimous consent of the
seven delegates Is necessary to erect
changes, as has been the case heretofore,
the meeting will end in q deadlock. Camp,
II appears. Is opposing changes that meet
with the appreciation Of q majority Of the
COMMITTEES, while the latter Is determined
that there shall be no longer q continuance
OF the conditions that blocked legislation
last year.
There will be 1--WE colleges at the meeting
favorable to changes, but willing to bow
to the opinion OF the majority. Every one
OF these five. II they find the maiority's
hands tied, will officially declare its posi-
Ton on the questions at issue, lay bare
leave the onus Of the failure to be placed
by public opinion. Harvard Pennsylvania,
Cornell and Annapolis wanted changes last
year OF the same character as have met
with general approval this year, and were
compelled to accept their share of the ao-
verse criticism that has been 1leaped on the
committee through the selfish course pur-
sued by other delegates.
Yale never suffered by leaving in Camps
hands the legislation to govern intercol-
legiate contests. The measures introduced
were not to Yale's disadvantage, however
they may have adversely affected others.
He has shaped his course to take the same
position this year by his announcement
that reforms must be made: that his re-
forms must be adopted never mind about
the others. If no action is taken. be says.
It will be in spite Of Camps herculean eff
forts, and he will be In nowise to blame.
But the purpose Of the others to state
the facts will block that.
Camp last year wanted a ten-yard rule.
The others were willing to accept 1t with
other changes that would make teu-yard
rule effective in the opening UP the play
without making the game simply kicking
duel Camp would not accept the opinion
of others; so since ten-yard rule alone Is
ridiculous there was no action taken. There
are five colleges this year committed to
weakening the end Defense while maintain.
Ing the center strong. in order to make line
plunging as hard as ever and end running
easier. The ten-yard provision with this
scheme would be practical and effective.
Yale has ever been the exponent OF line
plunging alone, and has never. even in the
past season, when there was SO much silly
talk about her open play. tried end running.
1aIe naturally regards anything that han
dlcaps line plunging with disfavor. but out
side the legislative halls she would like to
appear as the confirmed opponent of mass
plays by advocating impracticable meas
ures pretending to attack 1t.
Harvard, Princeton, Pennsylvania and
Annapolis stand committed to weakening
the end defense. only differing In method.
Yale opposes 1t, and Cornell and Chicago
have not yet declared their position.
Pennsylvania. Harvard and Annapolis ia
vor forward passes behind the line OF scrim-
mage. The others are silent on the score.
All favor increasing the distance to be
gained In three downs but, with the ex-
ception of Yale, only with corallary changes
to make defective.
All favor the more specific definition or
holding and other fouls. but no two rules
agree as to what should be allowed and
what prohibited.
All favor strfcter penalties for rough and
BRUTAL play but Harvard wants just penal
ties and not penalties so immoderately Sc
we're that no official would inf1ict them.
All favor a central body to appoint and
control officials, but differ as to manner of
selection.
Princeton alone favors elimination of in
terference (and then only because of fac
ulty instruction). Cornell alone fayors al
lowing either side to secure the ball On
kick. Chicago alone suggests a different
code for school boys. though the others
agree 1t might be good thing.
This, 1t Is believed. Is how the various
delegates are instructed to vote on provts-
ions. and If no action is taken it will be
proper to look to the opponents of these
measures to place the responsibility.