Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-06

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 6.-The
athletic sports of the Olympic games
were begun today and the Americans won
large proportion OF the heats In the
100 and 500 meter runs. Courtney OF
Seattle won the first victory for the Unit.
ed States. John Paul Jones, Howard p.
Drew, P. c. Gerhardt, Alvah T. Meyer
and Ralph c. Craig also won honors and
were admitted to the semi-fnals In the
100 O-meter run, which resulted as followU:
--FfrEt. heat. sem-final-Howard p. Drew.
Springfield. Mass. High School. first: 4.
Kern, Germany. second: Ira Courtney.
Seattle, and p. c. Gerhardt. San Fran
cisco, were distanced. Time. IL seconds.
Second heat-G. II. Patching. South
Africa, first: X. Lindberg. Sweden. sec
ond. There were no Americans In this
heat. Time. 10 9-10 seconds.
Third heat-Aivah T. Meyer. Irish
American, A c., first; D. II. Jacobs. Eng
land, second Time. 10 7-IO seconds.
Fourth heat-Ralph c. Craig. Detroit.
first; r. Rau, Germany. second. Time.
1910 seconds.
Spectacle Rarely Equaled.
The inauguration Of the Olympic games
today provided spectacle which prob
ably has never been equaled in all the
history OF athletics from the days OF
ancient Greece. 1t was not only beau
tiful and memorable scene. but q solemn
ceremony. which moved the spectators
deeply. The day was perfect. There was
a clear, blue sky overhead and the great
stadium was occupied by 30,OvD peop.e OF
all nationalities. The delicate colors or
the women's costumes and the bright uni
forms of the army officers In themselves
made a remarkable picture.
When the. members of the Swedish
royal family entered their gaily deco
rated box at IL o'clock all present
loud Swedish cheer, while a sharp.
clear call, blown by corps of trum-
peters, sounded far and wide. and an
nounced the opening OF the games. A
large group Of singers then started the
Swedish national hymn, which was
joined in enthusiastically by many Of
the spectators.
The entry of the athletic teams into
the arena gave the spectators an op-
portunity for a display of patriotism.
them seized and gave voice to with
all the power of their lungs
United States Team Conspicuous.
After the arrival of the delegations Of
Sweden, Norway and Denmark the team
representing the United States. showed
the largest and finest body Of men In
the procession and the Stars and Stripes
called forth by far the heartiest well
come of all the flags carried by the wis.,
itors. The little file Of three athletes
following the flag with the rising sun OF
japan. however, got warm round or
applause.
At the head of each delegation marched
two stalwart athletes, who carried the
national flag and standard bearing the
names of their respective countries. sur
od fsy rQI n.
Committeeman in silk hats and frock.
coats followed. Then came the competi-
tors, some of them in uniforms. others
bare-armed and bare-legged.
The whole body marched around the
track and then massed itself on the greent
oval facing the royal box, the standard
bearers produly holding on high the col
ors of their various nations. forming the
front rank directly opposite the king.
Opening Proceedings.
The international committee, which in
cludes representatives Of all nations, un-
der the leadership of Crown Prince Gus
tave Adolph of Sweden. assembled on the
field in front Of the massed competitors.
A big male choir was formed up at the
far end of the stadium, and sang a hymn
while several bands played. The court
pastor, the Rev. Oskar Clemens Aeh-
feldt, then preached short sermon in
Swedish.
The Rev. Robert De Courcy Laffan
OF the city Of London. an old rowing
man and a member of the British
Olympic, then stepped forward in his
clerical robes and offered prayer.
speaking OF the gathering as in the in
terest of peace and friendship.
While everybody stood uncovered
the whole assemblage sang the Luther
hymn, "A Mighty Fortress 10 Our God"
King Delivers Address.
The crown prince made q brief speech.
and afterward King Gustaye rose and
formally declared the olympic games
opened. His majesty laid emphasis on
the great honor which had been done to
49, IL A.