Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-15

~ rousing welcome in England
"A when they arrive this summe.
K TO take part in the Olympic
games. They are picked to win
lions share of the twenty-three track
events, and are also expected to make a
Gre showing in the score of other compe
titions in which the champion amateurs
of twenty-five countries of the world will
show their skill and prowess.
For these statements l have the author
ity of no less parsonage than Lord Des-
borough. who. as chairman of the British
Olympic council. is organizing the inter-
national games which will open in Lon
don July Is. This remarkable nobleman
is the champion all-around sportsman of
Britain. and is known as the prince of
English athletes
Officially. of course. Lord Desborough
cannot discuss the chances of the Ameri-
cans or the representatives of any other
country. But i'll his private capacity he
declares that the chances of the United
States are of the most roseate hue. In
his official capacity he has authorized
me, through The Star. to issue to the
United States athletic clubs and people
warm message of welcome to England for
their representatives.
In conservative England it is not con-
siderad etiquette for those in high places
to grant interviews or TO give out state
ments to the press unless in very eNcep-
tional cases. Lord DesbOrough. however.
has raveled much in the United States
and has met many Americans. His feel
ing for the United States is almost akin
to that he has for Britain. And so lie
has made an exception to the rule.
Lord Desborough wrote his message in
the handsome library of his magnificent
Thames-side residence of Taplow Court.
which is situated twenty-three miles west
of London. This library is Lord Des
borough's favorite room. On one side is
huge f1at-topped desk. the chair to
which is also huge and stands on a plat
form. Above it is canopied cOat-of-
arms. 1t resembles. indeed. a small
throne. II is from here that Lord Des-
borough conducts official business as
justice of the peace or as high sheriff of
Buckingham. Another side of the room
is completely taken up by windows which
look onto velvety lawns and an old
fashioned flower garden. The other walls
are covered with book shelves and books.
There are smoking stands. other fiat
topped writing tables and a number of
cozy leather armchairs. Tiger skins cover
the floor.
Lord Desborough hesitated for some
time before writing the message which l
give below. He walked up and down
the room considering the question. Then
he suddenly walked over to the throne"
and for the next few minutes scrubbed
with a fountain pen on thick sheets of
paper which bore on them a baron's
crown. He gave me the sheets with the
straightforward comment: Il am only
TOO glad to be able in this way to ex-
press myself to the American public"
A*
Here is his message:
To the Editor of the Washington Star:
! consider that all who take an in
terest in the revival of the Olympic
games of 1908 owe the authorities of
the United States deep debt of graft
tude for the splendid manner in which
they have thrown themselves into the
movement.
am glad to think that there is every
probability of the United States being
so finely represented at the games-and
that means that they will win a great
many events.
have been in constant communi-
cation with Mr.. James E. Sullivan, the
secretary of the American committee
Olympic games. and / should like to
express my personal thanks to him
for the splendid manner in which he
has worked to make the Olympic
games of London the success which we
nov foresee.
No international athletic meeting
would be complete without very
strong contingent from the United
States.
They will be sure of very hearty
welcome here, and if they are not too
busy winning competitions j hope
they will have time TO see a little or
the country.
The idea of the Olympic games. as
have said more than once. is something
beyond and above the mere holding Of
a great athletic meetinS-the underlying
hope is that the youth, and especially