Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-10-31
The City of Burlington ana
The University of Vermont,

In loving appreciation of the deserved
he has won for himself. for his
city and for his alma mater by break
Ing the Olympic record in the running
broad jump at the Olympic games In
Stockholm, Sweden, 1912.
The inscriptions were composed by
President Benton.
REPLIES BY THE ATHLETES.
In response to calls for a speech, Col
Inns made n neat response. He said he
never expected when he began playing
ball at Athletic Park TO receive the
honor he had received and should al
ways deeply feel che honor that rad
been extended him.
Gardner, In response to n call. respond
ed with a brief speech. He said that It
was impossible to express his feelings.
He was "ovor his head he said, when
it came to speechmaking and should
have to simply say, gentlemen, | thank
you"
Guttcrson. in responding. said 1t was
one of the happiest moments of his life,
and expressed his thanks for the tribute
that had been paid him.
The next speaker was Congressman
-. 'IttuC VI St. AlDlnS. lie SHlu
he was proud to be there and hoped he
would he worthy always of such COM
pany. Hc said hat one look at him
would help the observer to decide that
he himself was not an athlete and he
told some funny stories to illustrate his
lack Of knowledge OF athletics. He said.
however. that he could admire the young
men who had won honor in this line.
Speaking seriously he said he thought
there was Il possible mistake in the gen
eral idea of college athletics. The young,
hopeful gladiators of the colleges should
not be selected for the training table
While the others are denied the benefit
Of athletic training. The purpose of play
should be to play rather han always
to win. said Mr.. Greene.
MURNANE PRAISES FRIENDS.
Tim" II. Murnane, baseball editor OF
the Boston Globe, was the next speaker
He was greeted with loud applause. Mr.
Murnane was with the victorious Boston
team from the time it left the South earl,
in the spring until the close of the season
He is a close friend OF Collins and Gard.
ner and did not hesitate to give the two
Vermont boys credit for the winning OF
the worlds championship games. Mr.
Murnane is a noted authority on the ma.
tional game.
The speaker said he had simply driftet
in with his makeup to see if he coult
fit in some place, He compllmented tn,
students on the enthusiasm they hat
shown. Replying to Congressman Greene
Mr.. Murnane said that the boys at col
lcge who couldn't play baseball could re.
sort to %ping-pong.
Speaking of athletes Mr.. Murnane sait
he once spoke to 700 convicts about base
ball but there were no athletes there
lie said he found the athletes didn'1
have any time to put up any cheap Jobs
Referring to the three guests of honor
Mr.. Murnane said he would ~guarante,
that there were not three men better bal
anced morally or mentally than Collins
Gardner and Gutterson.
Speaking of the BOYS who go out tc
play ball, Mr.. Murnane said they wer.
always sure of Il warm welcome wher
they come home. There are 1900 baseball
players in the minor leagues to-day. sale
the speaker.
TRIBUTE TO CLEAN PLAYERS.
Mr.. Murnane described what it
meant to the players to win the cham
pionsnip of the world. He pail a
compliment to Collins and Gardner
and said he was very glad to see Gut
%terson as n of the guests OF honor.
He told the listeners that they could
well feel proud of Collins and Gard
ner for their splendid conduct while
playing the game. They had been ex-
quisite workmen. said Mr.. Murnane
There were others. said the speaker
but they didn't quite match up to the
Vermont champions.
The banquet, the largest ever grver
at the Vermont. was served in just ar
hour n IL minutes. 1t required a;
mattresses to accomplish this and the
work was lone perfectly.
The menu cards read:
Testimonial banquet, in honor Of
Ray Collins, Larry Gardner, Al Gut
%terson. rendered by the citizens OF
Burlington and the University of Yer.
mont"
Barton's orchestra played during
the entire evening and the music al.
aed materially to the enjoyment OF
the occasion.