New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-29
Major Palmer Pierce Urges Compulsory
Physical Training in All Schools
Distinguished Teachers
Discuss Athletics in
Big Schools

Furthermore. it is considered more or
less a disgrace TO be found unfit for
duty.
Napoleon said poverty breeds good
soldiers In this little sovereignty we
so much admire, the temperate, healthy
open air life produces citizens capable
OF bearing arms. Switzerland has been
thus far immune from the devastating
effects Of the great European war. The
organization Of all her resources has
resulted in an effective insurance
against aggression. If Belgium had
been as well prepared, in all probable
ity her territory would not have been
violated.
"All history shows that a healthy
state requires healthy citizenry.
Just as soon as the inhabitants OF a
country begin TO degenerate physically,
decay sets in all around.
Professor Raymond G.. Gettell, OF
Amherst College. spoke on football. He
made mention OF the various attacks
made upon the game, because Of dan
ger 10 life and limb and the accom-
panying evils Of gambling. profession
slism ana unsportsmanllke conduct
lie cited he complaints registered be-
cause of the expenditures made on the
game and the comparatively few men
who benefited from football.
Football Star College Hero
"In spite of adverse criticism" said
Professor Gettell. football has become
the prominent autumn sport, espee-
cially in American schools and col
leges. The football star is college
hero. and the desire 10 make football
4. team is the chief desire in the minds OF
many a student. Pride over football
victories is powerful stimulant 20
loyal college spirit; nor does public IN
terest appear 10 wanc."
Professor Gettell then gave sound
reasons for the popularity Of the game.
In developing his point he said in part:
"More than any other sport 1t re
tains the vital elements of physical
combat and necessitates an exhibition
Of all it's essential factors strength,
speed skill and cunning. In addition
to this primitive lust for battle it sat
isles the higher and distinctly civil
lied interest in organization, coopera-
ton ard the skilled INTERROGATION o.
individual effort directed TO a common
purpose. II typifes the highest human
achievement in its unusual emphasis
on discipline and obedience on the
subordination of the individual TO
authority and law. Finally. in its pur-
pose and in it's spirit il represents that
highest craving of the human soul
the striving for an IDEAL
PROSECUTING Condemned
PROSECUTING was attacked from all
L. 4 - oil . 10
members. and several speeches were
made Or. william Mann Irvine, of
Mercersburg Academy. spoke on the
subject last night.
81 had not studied this matter for
long" said DR. Irvine. before dis
covered that it was as complex as the
subject OF sin. II all good people were
entirely good and all bad people en-
tirely bad the moral question would be
entirely solved. But the good have 40
much bad in them and the bad have 50
much good in them that the same per-
plexity abides with each generation.
Dean lie Baron Briggs resigned from
the presidency of the association. and
refused to allow his name to be placed
in nomination for reelection. Major
. Palmer r. Pierce, of the United States
Army. attached to the War College in
Washington, WAS unanimously elected
president. The following officers were
elected unanimously: Professor s. W.
Boyer, Of Iowa State College. vice
president; Professor Frank v. Nicol-
son. Of Wesleyan University. secretary
treasurer.
The evening session was started with
the election TO membership OF Hamil-
ton College, Ohio University. MERGERS
burg Academy and the University
School OF Cleveland.
Blames the Alumni
DR.. Lewis Perry. hesdmaster OF Phil
lips Exeter Academy, started the dis
cussion OF PROSECUTING. He showed how
one school permitted boys Of known
athletic ealibre n give promissory
notes for their tuition. The notes were
being dated ahead six or ten years and
were considered joke By both parties
concerned. lie said:
a loyal, but misguided. alumni IS to
blame for a state Of affairs which is so
detrimental TO the boy and to athletics
generally.
The only cure ] can see in the dark
channels OF this PROSECUTING situation
Is 20 impress the boy with the fact that
when an offer is made TO him OF free
tutorship, board, etc. It is an insult TO
bis mxuhosA' .--