New-York tribune., 1911-01-22
LARNED WANTS A CHANGE
Lawn Tennis Champion in Favor
of Abandoning Newport.
SEEK VIEWS OF PLAYERS
Mahan and Behr to Make a Com
plete Canvass on Proposed
Innovation.

William A. Larned, the national lawn
tennis champion. Is said TO be in favor OF
taking the championship tournament away
from Newport. A prominent player stated
Yesterday that Larned had repeatedly re-
marked that it would be a good thing to
go elsewhere. if suitable arrangements and
courts could be found for the tournament.
The same expert stated that Larned was
now in Mexico on a shooting trip visiting
his younger brother, Edwin p. Larned and
that those who were endeavoring to bring
about the change had tried to reach him,
so that his name might authoritatively
be added to the list OF prominent players
who favored taking such a radical step.
At the office Of Lyle +. Mahan the ex-
pected document that was 10 officially set
forth the plans and intentions OF those who
are fostering the movement. together with
the names Of the leading players connect
ed with IT, was not forthcoming. Mr..
Mahan explained that Karl II. Behr, who
is the real captain Of the insurgent forces,
had suddenly been called to Columbus,
Ohio. on business. Therefore 1t had been
deemed advisable TO await his return be-
fore making the matter public in its en-
tirety. However. matters arc progressing
much more favorably than had been hoped
or expected.
II IS the wish Of those who are in charge
of the movement TO remove the lawn ten
mis- championship from Newport to some
other place" said Mr. Mahan; ITO accom-
plish the end IN view only after a most
careful and we'll considered canvass Of the
matter has been made among the players
OF the country. No snap legislation, the
result OF crafty political tactics, is 10 be
sought by the leading players who have
this momentous movement in charge. The
one thing we desire TO accomplish is 10 so
benefit and improve the game and its most
important tournament held IN this country
that II shall be thoroughly representative
as a purely amateur sport, conducted for
and by gentlemen in every way.
I'm order to bring about a free and open
discussion, leaving no phase OF the stu-
alton untouched nor glossing over any, II
will be necessary 10 have the strength OF
clubs and players represented I'm the ma
tlonal association supported either by their
presence at the meeting at the Waldorf
Astoria or for those in charge to hold the
"A
lawn tennis history that AZ past meetings
adequate and possibly Illuminating discus
sion has been checked. or at least consid-
erably curtailed, because Of concentrated
control Of the meeting vested in proxies
carelessly and thoughtlessly turned over
to officials.
This IS not the first time that the sub
feet Of placing the national tournament on
some other courts than those OF the Casino
has been brought before the anual meeting
Heretofore, however, there has been no d.
rect appeal TO ascertain the opinions as
to the wisdom Of a change. nor have the
lawn tennis history there been sought and
carefully analyzed. so as To arrive at q
coldly judicial conclusion.
Those who are giving their time and
influence 10 this movement because OF ac-
tual knowledge and experience most con-
believe that a change is TO be
desired for the good Of the game. The
time has arrived TO conduct the tourna-
ment with the dignity It deserves and 10
recognize that lawn tennis is now OF ma
tional Importance in the field OF amateur
sport and SO must be conducted.
Nothing can be gained by a pickering
We wish TO get at the facts
and so work for the upbuilding Of
he sport to which the majority OF those
most interested have devoted their atten-
ton for some years.
Furthermore. the inaccessibility Of New
port has made It impossible for many OF
the lovers OF lawn tennis and even players
10 witness a national championship. It
has been for the fortunate few. At Phila-
lelphia. for instance 1t would easily be
within reach OF many who could not get
% Newport. There would also be the ample
accommodations for ali which a large city
provides and which are not to be found at
Newport unless at prohibitive prices"