The weekly Alaska citizen., 1918-02-04
THIS IS THE DECISION ARRIVED AT BY THE LEADING AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL SPORT GOVERNING ASSOCIATIONS-HAV ENDORSEMENT OF PRESIDENT WILSON,

of the nation into the world war, has come the fixed purpose to continue the pastimes and recreative competi- tions, so far as is compatible with a successful conduct of the conflict, during the ensuing year. This is the conclusion reached by a majority of ... ....u.ng amateur and professional sports governing associations of the country. In this attitude they have the endorsement and assistancu U. t.. leading government and service O. ..c...l. I.om President Wilson down to .iJ.e ln charge of the various mili- ,.try and naval cantonments.
 It has been demonstrated in innu-
 "ays that sport and athletic competitions have permanent and 1-u-nclal place in the life of Amerii ca The stimulus which comes with bodily and mental upbuilding, incl dental to recreative contests, is now
 cogniz- and appreciated as
 ' fore. The need of it is .'calizod by those who in the past
 nclin d to view the period de-
 d to sport and exercise as a waste of time. The sums collected by sport governing organizations for war and charitable purposes and the individual efforts and sacrifices of those prominent, individually, in va rious branches of sport have raised the game to a higher plane than at any time in the history of the coun- try.
 These are but few of the reasons why the continuation of sport Is urged and planned by those who, in their official connection with amateur and professional games and recrea- tive contests, are arranging for an active season in 1918 as outlined in the following official statements:
 TENNIS
 By Julian s. Myriek, Acting President
 United States National Lawn Ten.
 his Association.
 The United States National Lawn Tennis Association at its annual meet ing in February will consider the Executive Committees recommends tion that championships be restored for 1918, and indications are that this will be approved. This action is advised by the committee in the be- lief that it will best conserve the interests of tennis and the people of our country.
 Americans like the competitive idea in sport, no matter whether worlds championship or some minor title is involved. It is our belief that restoration of tennis championships will help to counteract the effect of withdrawing thousands of players who are now in government service. No one can attempt to argue that championship without the ranking players will display tennis of as high class as when those men were play ing. But new players are coming on and the competition will be just as keen as ever and the contest between players of approximately equal skill is what the gallery wants to see.
 This does not mean that the youngsters are lacking in "class." Anyone who has followed the devel- opment of the boys and junior cham pionships knows that these newcom. CTS in tennis are possessed of great ability Matches last summer showed a few who were nearly the equal of men in the first ten, and with their increased experience, they must con- tinue to improve. More junior and boys events were sanctioned by the National Association last year than ever before and the National Cham pionships in each class was the most representative that has ever 4been played. It is entirely reasonable, to anticipate an active sea son for 1918.
 The underlying reason for aban- doning championships in 1917 was the uncertainty as to the military plans of the government when the decision had to be made. The National Asso citation did not want to be in the po- sition of sponsoring any competition which by championships or other wise, might influence man to neg lect his duty, to win win tennis hon. ors. That question is settled now, because congress has adopted conscrip- tion. Furthermore. the Secretary of War and other governmental officials advise continuing sport. to promote the physical and mental well being of those remaining at home.
 The Tennis Association believes, therefore, that it can render a pa. triotic service at this time by needing the suggestions from Washington and will do its best to promote sport. not for the sake of sporting honors, but for the benefits of the health of the individual both mentally and physically resulting from outdoor