The sun., 1908-03-22
NO OLYMPIC TENNIS TEAM
q. S. n. l., 7. 4. REFUSES ITS or
FICIAL SANCTION.

This Decision Affects the Davis Cup Pre-
llminary, Because It Makes II Unlikely
That Our Players WIN Go TO Lon
don II They Possibly Can Avoid
ohioa notice has been given that the
United States National Lawn Tennis Associa-
ton will take no oognizanoe OF the lawn
tennis matches In connection with the olympic
games In London. DR.. James Dwight
chairman Of the committee appointed to
consider equally Olympic tennis and the
Davis cup matters, has written 70 Amer-
can Ldvn TtRRiS a. follows The COM
mittee appointed 10 take charge Of ell matters
concerning the Davis cup and the Olympic
games has voted unanimously that the
United States National Lawn Tennis AS
sociation shall take no part In the Olympic
games"
This decision, which has been forwarded
TO the other side, altogether changes the
situation regarding the Davis cup prellm-
mary. The British players judging from
recent reports, were sure that the Americans
would take part In the Olympic tennis tourna-
ment and therefore regarded as certainty
that the preliminary round for the Davis
cup would be played in London while our
men we're there.
II can be seen how this decision will affect
the British plans. The ofloial viewpoint
Of the situation 80 created Is set forth as
follows:
An interchange Of communications has
already passed between the governing bodies
OF England and the United States. The com
mittee OF the U. 8. N. L. T. A. having the
matter Of the Davis cup and the Olympic
games competitions in charge, consisting OF
DR.. James Dwight, r. d. Wrenn and W. j.
Clothier. first wrote the English body sug-
gesting that England play the tie here, stop
ping on the way TO Australasia: reply was
received by cable stating that they did not
care to play here and that they we're writing
fully In regard to the matter. The latter
was duly received. the secretary Of the Lawn
Tennis Association stating that England de-
sired 10 play the tie In London at about the
time OF the Olympic games, TO compete "
whloh II was assumed that America would
send team Of lawn tennis players.
u is quite possible that England. her per-
feotly natural desire to have the tie played on
her courts In conjunction with the olympic
games being necessarily disappointed, VIII
aoQuiesoe in the request OF America that the
tle 6e played here. Snoh Request has peen a
walls between the governing bodies OF the
two countries there ls a strong probability thab
II will be aoCeded TO.
In tnt event OF EnRlhnu uOl bttluh iCl
way clear to play the tie here or Of prefeIring
10 go to Australia via the Suez Canal ana the
Indian Ocean. II will be necessary for America
10 follow her example TO the extent OF pro-
ceedmg TO the down under country by the
direct route. The rules provide that the ties
may be played anywhere by mutual agree
ment: but In the absence OF such agreement
they must be played in the country having
possession OF the cup-in this case, OF course,
Australasia. In such an event one Of the
teams-the defeated one-would make use
less journey to the AntipOdes, while the other
would have the glory OF meeting the AUS
tralasian team.
As far as the American team il concerned,
there appears to be only small doubt on the
part Of the American committee that the
team will be rather strong, his is paseo
apparently on assurances which are not
matter OF public knowledge. William, 4,
larned, William !. ClothieT and Harold u; d;
Iackett being known to be certainly, opposed
TO the trip TO Australasia, the avauaDle hs'
is cOnsdera bly, shortened.
There seems TO be some confidence that
Frederick B. Alexander will 90, although
he has made no public announcements OF ms
Intentions. Beals Wright, Karl Behr ana
Raymond Little remain TO be figured on, a
first rate team can be chosen from among
Al any rate Official opinion is:
Americas challenge TO Australasia loI
the Davis cup competition will be backed
BY a team that, 80 far from being regarded
as a fOrlorn hope OF purely sporting propo-
stion will In the opinion OF those most
competent to Judge be qualified to battle
on equal terms with either Englands repre-
sentatives in the preliminary tie. or with
those of Australasia in the challenge round.
Where few weeks ago there was grave
doubt whether challenge would be sent
at all and the deslrability OF otherwise OF
sending a second or third rate team merely
to remain in the competition annually was
discussed, there now exists a feeling Of cheer
fulness and confidence and a settled determi-
nation to prepare TO make an even harder
battle for the possession OF the cherished
trophy than was waged last year. The COM
position OF the team is not yet positively
decided upon. October, when the challenge
round is expected to be played, is long
way on and circumstances may arise 10
necessitate some shifting around but assur-
ances have been received that make II possible
10 state that team Is a certainty, and that
II will be composed Of absolutely first class
The probable date Of the challenge round
adds materially to Americas chances. In
stead Of being called upon to leave home be-
fore the sea son is fairly started, Il will be pos
sible to select the players at the height Of the
season. when all the championship aspirants
are at the top Of their form. and despatch
them on the Journey to Australasia iit and
eager, there TO meet all comers or, II England
plays the tie here, to oppose her with our best
men and settle which team shall undertake
the task OF meeting the Antipodeans. A
further advantage il that thepersonnel OF the
lsrn, that will actually play Australasia need
not he discl ssed until few days before the
challenge round Is played