The Washington times., 1922-01-09

the world. And realizing that its
sport cannot expand without inter-
national competition German athletic
authorfties are seeking recognition
abroad, but especially are seeking to
enlist the good graces OF Americans.
Just how much chance there Is that
Germany might be permitted to again
be represented at the International
Olymptad remains to be seen. At the
time OF the peace meetings in Paris,
II was generally understood from the
allied countries athletic heads that a
nve-year ban would be placed against
Germany, but this never was officially
promulgated, and there is today noth-
ing TO prevent a resumption Of
athletic relations, unless It be some
ranking in the heart that must some
day pass by In sports as in commerce.
Right here at home we have the ex.
ample OF how America can forget and
forgive. First came Walter Rutt, the
great cyclist, who fought In the Ger.
man army during the war. He was
reported killed. but bobbed up and this
year made his appearance in the six
day grind at Madison Square Garden.
He was greeted cordially and applaud
ed for every sprint he took part in.
U. 8. Welcomes Athletes.
Now we have Erik Hagenlacher, the
hampton billiardist Of Germany, who
arrived in this country only last Sun
day and Is now preparing for q con-
quest in the billiard field. Here, at
least, are two excellent examples Of
how we do not draw too close line
m sports. That is not to say. how
EVER, that America would lend its
weight toward having Germany re.
tored to good standing in the
olympic games.
However, II is more than likely that
40 serious objections would come from
his country IL the initiative were taken
ny Germany herself, as the reports in
he German papers indicate will be the
.ase, or by some one of the neutral
gountries who are members of the
International Olympic Committee.
Belgium, having more cause than
most Of the allied countries to
toster hatred against the Germans. has
wclented to a great extent in many
ways. 1t is declared by one German
publication that Belgium has sent
issurances that, while 1t win not
assist i'm having Germany make its
peace in the world of athletics, most
certainly will not hamper any such
effort.
Regenerated Germany could enter
the worlds athletics without rump-
ling the feathers Of any one of the
allied countries. Sports have rarely
drawn a a line, even n wars. There is
q spirit among sportsmen that is
prone to wipe out such differences.
And II is the knowledge of the exist
ence Of this spirit that has prompted
the Germans to seek recognition in
International athletes once more, be-
heving II to be the greatest factor in
striking down existing barriers in
other fields.
The belief Is general in Germany,
and in fact throughout the crushed
Central powers, that the hatred en-.
gendered by the war can not be erased
through commercial relations, but
must come through social intercourse.
and point out that social intercourse
must first come through the medium
of sports relations, hence the great de
sire Of the entire German peoples to
cement once more the ties Of athletic
brotherhood.
Their View Of Matter.
One of the German papers has the
following to say:
I'VE no longer are at war, yet the
hatred bred by the great world con-
way for Germany to cause this hatred
70 disappear and that is through
world athletic competition. We must
once more gain the good will Of ma
lions with which we were at war.
Good will and trust foster brotherhood
of man. Granted that we were
wrong in engaging the world in war,
are we never to be forgiven?
We are now a newly born nation.
Az such we should be granted the
privileges accorded other nations.
Our nation Is a nation Of athletes,
hence we should accomplish our
aim by means Of athletics. We
are now at peace with all big ma
lions. Why not have our Govern
u,ent through our ambassadors pave
the way for the remittance Of Ger
man athletes in international COM
petition? We already are assured of
cooperation with our brethern in
northern Europe, Norway, Sweden,
and Denmark; now let us aim to
rain Ambulance in affairs conducted
by the allies, the Olympic games,
the international soccer matches and
international boat races. Once we
are given permission 10 compete on
equal terms with the allied nations
the hatred borne by the world war
WIN disappear and good will again
win reign.
"Let our New Year aim be to
acquire for Germany's thlctes the
recogn ton they seek ia International
athletic competition"