New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-01-25
.BEHR STATES HIS CASE
Tells Why Newport Should Lose
Lawn Tennis Fixture.
AFTER COMMITTEE PLACES
Merrihew Says He Stands Ready
to Serve Players of the
Entire Country.

The lawn tennis players were advised
plan to take the national championship
from Newport. 1t is pointed out that the
coming annual meeting will provoke con-
siderable controversy This is not alone
because OF the crusade against Newport
but the severely critical recommendations
made by the ranking committee Of which
Edwin +. TOrrey jr., was chairman, and
the fact that campaigns for places upon
the executive committee have been insti-
tuted.
5. Wallace Merrihew IS among this num-
Der. and he closes his campaign document
for preferment with the significant para
graph IF elected TO the executive COM
mittee I shall strive TO serve what I re-
gard as my constituency-the lawn tennis
players OF the entire country" The docu-
ment as 10 the change from Newport says.
in part: MANY Of the lawn tennis players
and a still larger number OF followers Of
the game have for long time been un-
able 10 account for the cause Of the ardent
decline in interest and in the class of play
ers entering our national tournament at
Newport.
1T is true that Newport has in a small
degree tennis atmosphere, and there are
numerous lovers OF the game present, but
only on the first few days of the tourna-
ment. In any case. II Is only such as have
sufficient time and enthusiasm, not to men
tion money, to sacrifice most Of their vaca-
:, tons at Newport, which, after all as to
attractions offers nothing but a morning S
tennis 10 the average. the rest Of the day
and evening being usually wasted and dull
OF these tennis followers and players who
have this opportunity large preponder-
ence are from the neighborhood OF Boston,
while the playing centre Of the country is
near New York and Philadelphia.
1T is firmly believed that the National
Association could procure the Mannheim
Club. or any one OF a number Of others. in
Philadelphia, or elsewhere, with magnif-
cent facilities for such national meeting.
The tournament could be played in the
early fall, which, after all. is the height
OF the season and best time for the cham
pionship. There would be much less time
consumed in running off matches. and
thousands of tennis lovers would be enabled
10 see their first national championship
The writer is comparing below in a sum
mary HIS view VI the advantages OF SnGn
change TO a club such as the Mannheim.
in Philadelphia. to that Of the present
place Of holding the tournament in New
port r l.
Newport CasinO-Eleven glass courts.
poor locker room facilities small clubhouse
and grounds: fair protection only; not so
feasible in fall. Mannheim Club-At least
fifty good grass courts; larger ana finer
locker room facilities: very large club
house and grounds; well protected from
wind: tournament can be held in fan near,
playing centre OF country. more accessible
to players and followers OF game; offers
more in way Of outside attraction: accom-
modations much better for average play
or and more reasonable: an undoubted in
crease in the number of players OF high
class
Tennis in the United States has been
treated on n narrow basis. and IT Is be-
Ileved that the time has arrived 10 broaden
its policy and spread out its benefits.
change in the place OF holding the national
championship would be long step toward
such a broadening effect. and its adoption
should be most earnestly and carefully con-
sidered."
This statement Is made by Karl H. Behr,
the internationalist In furthering his cam
paign he has received support from unex-
lpected quarters. so that the project seems
likely TO go through. At least two of the
members OF the executive committee have
practically pledged their support Any
way the effect OF the close corporation"
which has ruled tennis seems likely 10 be
ouriailed.
/ Through the cxertions Of insurgent play
.rs an amendment TO the constitution To
rotate the members of the executive com
nittee has been submitted for action Pen
mites also are suggested for an infraction
of the rule against making seeded or pre-
yiouslv devised drawings Of the players
IN tournaments. which makes the organiza-
,ion violating the rule liable To lose their
tournament the following year.