The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1909-05-30
POLO IS A TRUE
ROYAL SPORT
BY Cassius Griffith.

That polo has always been the su-
preme sport afield has never been ques-
toned. From the days of its origin
among the royal bloods of India its
supremacy has been absolute and its
followers include the crowned heads of
many nations. While once it was just
ly called the "Sport of the Raiahs''
it now may be as appropriately termed
the "Favorite Game of Kings
It was long before our apt English
cousins took possession of India that
the bearded Rajahs and Gaekwars
were galloping their sleek ponies over
the courses after the elusive ball and
trying their mettle in mad interfer-
ences. From them the English learned
the game and took it back with them
to the old country where it has been
caught up by the sportsmen of every
country until it has reached the far-off
shores of Hawaii where we hope it will
remain.
It has been comparatively recently
that the Westerners have gone in for
the game to any marked extent but the
steps they have taken would indicate
that they intend to make California the
Mecca of Polo and have the crack
teams hailing from every part of the
globe to participate in the international
matches to be played on the superior
fields near San Francisco. The fact
that the enthusiasts have secured the
services of Captain Miller. D.S.O., one
of the most famous polo experts in
the world, means without doubt that
they will have visiting teams from In
30, nd
Scotland and Canada and the eastern
part of the United States.
King Alfonso is a spirited polo en-
thusiast and has often played at Hur-
1ingham, the famous English field, with
the crack players of Britain. Also
among the items of India and Europe
there are many of royal blood and
army fame. The most celebrated play
ers today are among the British army
officers and the Americans who have
50 RAPIDLY advanced are looking forth
with pleasure to meeting them stick to
stick.
It has very recently come down from
the Coast that the American team at
San Mateo has been successful against
English players and the work of Ho-
nolulu player has so impressed the Cal
ifornians that next year they intend to
send down their best to battle with
the picked team of Hawaii
The fact that Hawaii is to be visited
by a crack polo team should mean a
LOT 10 Honolulu. Polo is the game OF
the rich and visiting teams will bring
many desirable people who may find
Oahu to their liking and wish to re-
main
Should Hawaii make a showing on
her own fields that Walter Dillingham;
/ has made for her in California it vii
he hut a matter of time before the
teams Of the States will prick up their
ears and be paying Honolulu a visit
70 show their daring Craftsmanship and
feats Of the polo-sticE
Then the fving ponies. trained to the
action. marvels in speed and intelligence
viii cause the Hawaiians excitement
that they have never before seen.
The most remarkable thing in pole
/ Is the seemingly wonderful intelligence
Of the ponies. However. they are train
ed from the beginning and follow tht
hall with as much enthusiasm and pre-
eision as the player could wish. Tt
see them guard the ball when it il
under their feet, to interfere at the
proper moment and even kick the bal
| as an advantage, is a sight at which (
sportsman could not help delight.