Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-08
LOCAL BOWLER SUGGESTS
TRLCITY TENPIN TOURNEY
Would Have Baltimore, Richmond and
Washington Engage in Three
Cornered Fight.

A tri-city tenpin tournament, with bowl
ers from Baltimore, Richmond ana
Washington competing against one an
other, to be held here in connection with
or in place of the annual city meet, Is
the novel suggestion made by proml-
nent local bowler, and the manner IN
which the proposed affair has been re-
ceived by those to whom it has Deen out-
lined makes it more than probable that
the City Association will be called upon
to give it consideration.
At first blush the proposition looks 10
be a move at variance with both the n.
B. A. and the y. B. c., the two major
bowling associations with which several
of the local leagues are affiliated A BRIEF
recital of the local tenpin situation, as 1T
actually exists today, will, however, show
that such would not be the case. 1t IS
conceded by every one connected with
the District bowling game that the
friction which existed in the past
between the several tenpin fac
tions has retarded the progress of the
sport and is in a measure responsible
for the hold duckpins has gotten on
Washington enthusiasts and devotees OF
the game. And that this same friction
may have been an obstacle in the pain
Of those who have endeavored to get one
or the other of the big tournaments
staged in Washington is also an indis-
putable fact. But friction has absolutely
no place at this time in the reckonlnSs
of those who are promoting the game S
best interests Starting last spring, when
a concerted effort was made TO stage the
1913 American Bowling Congress tourna-
ment here, in which both factions of the
tenpin controversy gave their ablest en-
deavors. and eliminating this fall with
the re-aimiSSion of the Pa ace team into
the District League. all signs of strife
and contention have faded from the
ranks of the tenpin men, and today there
is manifested a spirit OF good feeling ana
good fellowship among the bowlers which
is bearing fruit IN more ways than one,
but notably in the grade of scores now
being rolled with the big pins. Were it a
matter, therefore, for the local men to
decide. and il the only thing lacking in
order 10 stage one Of the big tournaments
here was a united effort by the District
contingent of either of these associations,
the harmony that now pervaiis would in
sure the sue eSs nf that movement.
But the wisdom o. working for these
tournaments : question TO be consid-
cred from more than one angle. When
there seemed 10 be chance last spring
to land the biggest bowling plum every
thing possible looking to this end was
done by the several bowling bodies and
other local organizations. Mr.. Granville
NJ. Hunt OF the Chamber Of Commerce. at
the request of that body. made a trip to
Chicago while the A. y. &. tournament
was in progress in the Windy city. in
terviewed all the officers of the meet
there and came home convinced that all
Washington mad 10 90 10 land the tourney
was TO ask for il and assure the officials
of its ability To handle the affair y meet
ing OF the bowlerS was called at the
Chamber OF Commerce HEADQUARTERS, at
which were present Il great many of the
city's tenpin knights. and the status of
the tourney as far as Washington was
concerned was discussed from every an
gle. The required financial guarantee
was secured, and everything possible was
done 10 assure the District getting the
big meet. But to no avail II seemed on
hitting place for the 4. Il. g, and when
the officers finally made their selection
Toledo. Ohio, was chosen.
With the National Bowling Association
somewhat different conditions exist Be
ing strictly an eastern body Washington
would be d fitting place Tor L TO meet. At
one time or another. perhaps. il might
have been brought here Tor the asking.
In regard To the present. however, it is
doubtful If the local men really desire 1t.
Figures for the last affair. which while
not official are TO be regarded as more or
less reliable. are To the effect that net
loss OF Si.Up was incurred b. the pro-
motors. As means % obviatinS this
loss. suggestion mas been made that in
future meetings games would he rolled
on alleys that have been pianed instead
OF new ones as has been required in the
past There is not set of alleys in
town which would answer the require
ments exacted bV the y. r. \. officers.
The Palace. even If the ALLEYS would
stand further planning, would probably not
he numerous enough to accommodate the
affair, and with this amusement place
eliminated. there are no others available
Were IL possible TO stage the tourna ment
during inauguration week, 1t might be
made paying affair; bat the only p ace
where the required number OF new alleys
could be laid is eliminated because OF the
lease OF Convention Hall for the use OF
soldiers during the inaugural festivities.
Getting back to the original proposition
therefore. of substituting a tricity affair