The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-24
ATHLETES COMING
 FOR MORE HONOR New York Will Tender Magnif-
 cent Reception ROOSEVELT To FIGURE Ten Titles Lost in Recent Olympic Games-Lightbody and Pilgrim
 We're Shorn of Two Rec
 ords Each.
BY MANHATTAN.

New York, August 23.-Plans are made Tor very imposing official reception for the returning American Olympic athletes on August 29. It is true that many of the athletes have arrived here already, but the reception is just as much for them as for anybody else.
 The American athletes who took part In the great international games before the Stadium are the lions of the hour in the athletic world, the snowy-petaled marguerites, the king pins in the eyes of all sport-1oving folks.
 The Olympic games were necessary to show just how supreme the United States Is in the sphere of brawn But add to the strength and skill of the American athletes a use of brain which after all eleVates sport out of sordid sphere. Whilst the English by their unioue sys- tenn of scoring, claim the greater need or honors, all fair-minded and impartial observers are ready to admit the claims Of the Americans. It is with this estab ished prestige in the athletic Kingdom that the Americans are coming home, and that is why pageant so splendid has peeH prepared for them.
 Money has been secured for the pur- chase of medals and for other necessary outlay to show the appreciation of the people for the good work done by the Yankee abroad At a special meeting of the board of aldermen plans were made for monster parade and General Ring hanl' police commissioner has promised that the streets shall be reserved for the athletes and their admirers on the 2sth.
 President Roosevelt has been invited to pin the medals upon the breasts of the conquering heroes as the crowning feature or the ceremonies. President Roosevelt's love for sport and outdoor life will likely lead him to accept this honor without hesitation. The presentation of the medals Will take place upon the steps of city hall.
 Governor Hughes has been petitioned to allow a convoy of the National Guard to participate in the pageant. Mayor Me- Clelland will extend to the athletes the freedom of the city. Perhaps one of the most enthusiastic of the official welcom- CTS is Little Tim Sullivan.
 Now is the time for us to show our material appreciation for our boys who did so much to elevate the fair name of America in the great sporting show" said Little Tim as he produced an elephan- tine roll and peeled off several yellow backed bills.
 That's right" said Percy Nagle, who was a member of the old Metropolitan Rowing club which won the national re- gatta championship in August 1SSS And what is more," continued MT. Nagle. q am going to be in that parade and have as many of our old victorious crew with me as possble.'
 While considering Olympic athletes it Is interesting to note some of the things which have been done so far during the present Olympiad. Ten titles were lost and the old champions were unsuccessful in defeating the former top-notch figures.
 James Lightbody of Chicago had the misfortune to lose two highest figures" The 15O0-metre title passes to Melvin Sheppard, who may lose 1t himself next year. Russell of Great Britain took the fence-clearing honors from Sheppard. Paul Pilgrim of New Y York was likewise shorn of two titles. Con Leahy of Ire land was another Athens champion who passed up a title. Harry Hillman lost an Olympic title this year, too-the 400- metre hurdle championship, which he won at St. Louis
 In spite of his splendid showing in the discus-throwing events Martin Sheridan lost a title at the Stadium. Before the Sherherd's Bush meet Sheridan was the champion shot butter of the world al- though he did not hold the record At Athens he won with throw of 40 feet 8 inches, and it was no surprise when he failed to place in the galaxy of stars that had foregathered at London.