New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-02
Fate of Title Journeys
Hangs on Tennis Meeting

be taken up By the executive COMMIT
tee Of the United states National Lam
Tennis Association at is meeting a
the Waldorf-Astoris Hotel mex, Fri4sy
Ever since the end Of last seass,
there has been much discussion anon,
players and officials as 70 the desir.
ability Of placing the game back on ia
before-the-war basis. Julian S. Ayries
acting president Of the association, La,
made tentative suggestions along these
lines, with the idea Of gaining the Pre-.
vailing opinion on the all-inporan.
subject.
Draft Changes Aspect
Hr. Nyrick, one Of the leaders IN tee
advancement Of lawn tennis in thi.
country, points out that at the tine
the association laid down is policy,
last spring, there was much uneer.
taintv as 20 the method the govern
ment would follow in raising is mill.
ions Of men necessary for service over
seas. Therefore, in case the volunteer
system should be chosen u was decided
10 abolish all championships, ranking
and prizes rather than have the lgre
OF the game swerve players from their
dutv 70 their country. But the sslec-
tive draft. taking. as u does, mea
from all walks Of life who are within
the age limits. removed this obstacle.
The patriotism Of the lawn tennis
rIsvers Of our country needs no 70
Counting here, for their wholesale
rallving 20 the color3 forms one OF the
most notable pages in the history OF the
zrea. game. No other line Of sport has
given more splendidly Of It's young men
than tennis; none is more ready and
anxious to-day 20 respond 20 flrther
demands.
,ion placed its entire organization a.
the disposal Of the government and d.
rected a countrywide campaign 70
finance and man ambulance sections for
service in France. There can De 10
MISLEADING the associations sttltGts
toward the war.
Mr.. Myrick covers all this ground.
and also draws attention 20 the fact
that the L. s. y. l.. 7. A. has con-
sistently tried % act in accord2nes
with the suggestions OF the government
The proposal 70 restore championships
next season is in line with opinions ex-
messed BY President Wilson and Seete-
tary of War Baker, WHO are both IN
favor of such activities as WIN tend 70
improve the physical condition OF mea
and women throughout the country
Particular attention IS drawn 20 the
associations campaign for the stimuli:
ton Of tournaments for juniors and
boys, such competition DEVELOPING ~
it does, an alert mentality and q stand
ard of true sportsmsnship that cannot
fail 10 have their value Tor players
under the military age. NO weakling
ever gained an important title on tho
lawn tennis courts.
\ Much Property Involved
Aside from the advantages enumer.
ated above. Mr.. Myrick points out that
the millions of dollers' worth Of prop
ertv interests represented by the clubs
| throughout the country should not oe
allowed TO deteriorate IN value because
| ~ lack of tournaments, as may happen
! II the officials are not alive TO tneir
responsibilities. -,
In view of all these facts, u would
mot no in the least surprising II
resolution is presented 10 the exeeuti's
COMMITTEES at the meeting on fridsy
night. recommending 20 the anhusI
meeting that next season TOURNAMENTS
he plsved as they were before war vas
/ declared. This applies 70 ooth men
and women who take part IN events
sanctioned by the national assoeiatyss'
When il is borne in mind the hAn'
hearted support that the larger tou,hs-
nnents Of 1917 received from both pay
ars and spectators, IL would seem 20 %
The naA of wisdom 10 restore thlhs'
10 their old standing. IL was oemon-
strated in no uncertain manner "a,
season that neither competitors nor io,'
Io,,ors Of the game could summon W
;n.orest where there was nothing deh'
80 ~ stake. The mere fact thaI
majority of the leading player, VIZ ~ ~
missing from the courts IN iylo ~
valid reason why there shouId DC 80
pension of championship play anu i'"A
ing. Z. .o.-,s % rs nov
~ ~ IN time 10 nut forth extra efforts u
behalf Of the game. II the nh T..
lights of tho courts are 70 De aosTns' Il
al; means let the rising generation .
niavers have their opportunity 20 Az.
pex titles, trophies and a place IN NV
ranking list. =, N,
..,;onsl championship OF 1918 should
NOT he on a par with Richard NoH 7.
Williams, I'd, or Lindley Murray -.
will be universally recognized tnat m'
champions of yesteryear are o over. y.
battling in a foreign land, lighting ~ I,
GOOD 90 fight, and that in their absence ,.es !. !.
Is only fitting that their places be ta l !.
nv the next best men when IL comes I. y, J,
settling championships and buiid'ns'''
the future.