The Washington times., 1921-08-22

though the attitude of the Navy
department is more liberal than
formerly in the matter, the midship-
men still play the large majority of
thelr games at home, and are likely
10 continue to do so. There is great
need OF larger stands to accommodate
the crowds and the expense of bring
ing the different teamS to Annapolis
Is considerable. These, with the cost
or coaches and equipment, run up a
very heavy bill, carried entirely by
midshipmen and officers.
The Naval Academy is greatly in
need of larger and better equipped
lighthouses. There would be general
surprise over the quarters of the lead
ing oarsmen of the nation and the
winners of a worlds championship.
Two small and dilapidated frame
buildings, with inadequate floats and
other facilities, make up the whole.
Ihere is no doubt that the Naval
Academy has the poorest facilities of
any Of the rowing colleges.
Ii May BE Withdrawn.
1t was announced nearly a year ago
That money had been appropriated for
new swimming pool at the Naval
Academy. For some reason work has
not been begun on 1t, and 1t is rumored
that the appropriation had been with
drawn. The Naval Academy has
splendid swimming team, and es-
tablished some worlds records last
year. but work in this line is handi-
capped by the fact that the pool is
small and untitled for the purpose.
There is an imperative need of
money for these special purposes and
also for the maintenance of sports on
their present basis, and the question
has arisen as no wit may be obtained.
Two methods are possible, Congress
sional appropriations for the purpose
or admission charged for the contests.
IT may be necessary to adopt the la Ter
If Congress does not see it's way clear
TO grant the necessary assistance.
Members of Congress, somewhat
generally, take the position that eX-
l'enditures along these lines are for
recreation rather than the training of
the midshipmen, and are averse to
making appropriations for the further
ence of competitive sports such as are
I'm vogue at the different colleges and
universities. Another view, however,
is being urged.
Some members Of Congress and most
naval officers understand that ath-
letics in competition with outside teams
furnishes the real foundation for the
physical training of the midshipmen,
and, besides, has a most important
function in the incubation of military
and manly qualities and the main
tenance of the morale at the Academy
Upon this basis, it is hell that the
conduct of intercollegiate athletics Is
distinctly a public matter.
Proved Its Worth.
1t is pointed out that competitive
athletics upon the English and Amer
lean basis proved its worth in the late
war, and that the French and Ger
mans, realizing the fact, are now
making the greatest efforts to pro-
mote the same sort of athletics in their
countries. These and other countries
are making the movement distinctly
national in it's scope.
The impetus to participation in ath-
letics, the basis of physical training,
is given by the ambition of the youths
to win membership in some of the
teams, class, company, or institution,
the representative teams representing
the goal OF their desires. Every one
acquainted with athletics knows that
IL the latter was eliminated, the very
spirit of athletics would be lost.
Under these circumstances it is felt
that Congress could with the utmost
propriety provide for the adequate sup
port of all athletics at the academy.
1t is pointed out that many of the
States do as much for their State uni
versities.
The alternative must be the inaug-
uration of system of charging ad-
mission to athletic contests This is
against the practice and opposed to
the feelings of most people connected
with the navy. but there is nothing
to prevent it If it appears necessary.
More money to conduct sports at the
academy must be had in some way,
and Congressional appropriations or
admission charges are the only meth
dds by which 1t can be obtained.