New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-11-28

Philadelphia Nov. Z7.-In fine condition and
anxious for the fray, the Army and Navy football
teams arrived here to-day for their annual battle
tomorrow. Franklin Field Both squads. &C
ccupanied by coaches and trainers reached here
shortly before noon. the West Point contingent
going 10 the Bellevue tratford Hotel and the
Annapolis men TO the Hotel Walton. After lunch
con the players donned their football toys and
went out 10 Franklin Field. in West Philadelphia,
where the teams spent part Of the afternoon in
light practice
The rnidshipn1en had the first use Of the field for
more than an hour. after which the cadets took
possession OF the gridiron- For fear that the
enemy might be watching, neither team INDUCED
in any formations on the open field but
reserved these drills for the secrecy Of the large
hotel rooms.
The headquarters of the teams began to nven
up considerably to-day. scores OF old army and
navy officers arriving for the game The annual
gridtron contest is made the occasion for many re-
unions among the retired officers OF the two arms
OF the national service.
The largest crowd that ever saw q football game
on Franklin Field is expected 70 witness to-n1or-
rows contest So great has been the demand for
tickets that thousand additional seats have
been erporariv erected around the four sides Of
the field. The tickets are equally divided between
the army. the navy and the University OF Penn
sylvania- The universty's share is sold the
public the proceeds going the Soldiers and
Sailors Relief Fund
It had been hoped that President Roosevelt would
attend the game for the last time President Of
the United States but he has sent word that he
will be unable be present. The President
daughters. Mrs Nicholas Longworth and Miss
Ethel Roosevelt will represent the Presidents
family. Secretary Wright. OF the War Department
Will be here for the Army, while Assist
ant Secretary Nevberry. of the Navy Department
will cheer FOR the Navy.
Although the officials have been formally select
ed and approved, after long discussion, there is
yet undercurrent OF bitterness between the rival
these games Both coaches and players feel
that the other side has gained undue advantage
and cOrrespondingly bitter
The betting spirited around the headquar
ters Of the teams. The Army demanded 10 10 S,
and although the Navy refused these odds earlier
in the evening they finally accepted them
Of the game Captain Northcroft OF the Navy
said
1t seems to be the general impression that
are over confident. Such is not the case We
realize have the hardest fight OF the season on
our hands but at the time really believe
that II play the game capable Of play
ing will win"
Slingiuf. the Navy centre said: We are here
TO win and for nothing else The team is not in
the best possible condition. but I don't believe
the Army lick II we can't lick
them"
hdent the Army cannot cross our goal line. II
they score ALL II will be through a goal from
the field -
Reifsnder. the Navy end, in poor condition,
and neither Clay nor johnson is in tiptop form.
Al the Bellevue Stratford there is air OF
preme confidence in the Army. The betting is
lighter tonight than in former years