Evening star., 1923-01-26
new LETTER PLAN
UP AT PRINCETON
Giving of "P" to Athletes on
the Basis of Merit Only
Is Considered.
BY LAWRENCE PERRY.

NEW YORK, January 20
IN Princeton authorities today
are seriously considering
plan of awarding the varsity letter
on some basis other than mere par
ticipation in athletic contests with
teams representing Yale and Har-
ward. The athletic association, has
recommended to the insignia COM
mittee that hereafter the "P" be
awarded on merit.
Whether the suggestion will be
followed or not may not now be
be said They are pretty conserva-
tive about such things. But it is
foregone that at no distant date.
II not now. the change will be made.
An example as to how the present
arrangement may-often does-work
out may be taken from the Chicago
contests This was game for which
no letter was awarded, and yet
Princeton never went through a
struggle which made greater de-
mands upon gameness. stamina and
determination. Assume that one or
more mon played in that game who
or another from getting into the
games against Harvard and Yale.
Would not fairness and justice argue
that these players are entitled to all
the consideration the university
authorities could bestow?
Experience of Harvard.
Since 1911 Harvard has awarded
the letter in foot ball to those who
play against Yale. and yet since that
year the Crimson's most difficult op-
ponent has been Princeton. Perhaps this
was the reason for Harvard's decision
hereafter to award the letter on
merit. irrespective of-partlcipation in
games. Arguments that have been
brought to bear upon Harvard and
Princeton with regard to insignia
awards apply equally to all other in
stftuttons where the varsity letter is
given only to those who participate
IN games against specified rivals.
circles that Lou Young. Pennsyi-
vania's new foot ball coach, is not to
be permanent. The gossip is that he
mas consented to occupy the post
temporarily. until the way Is clear
for the appointment of a coach of
national reputation. From California
has come word that Andy Smith may
not renew his contract with California
next year and that he will head for
his alma mater. Pennsylvania. Names
or other coaches. at present tied up
with contracts, have been mentioned
in connection with the PENNSYLVANIA
job. In the meantime Lou Young
seems to be well equipped in point
OF real ability, IL not in reputation.
In 1912. when plans for the concrete
stand which rises on the west side
of Stagg Field were under oonsidera-
tion, the University of Chicago faculty
duced about 5000 seats. This action,
1t is understood. was taken as n re-
suit of the opinion OF the faculty
members that intercollegiate athletics
would soon be legislated out OF ex-
istence. Now. in 1923, those 5000
stand. If $4,000 were added the stasx
Field accommodations would not ex-
ceed the demand. AS 1t is the new
addition will help some.
An International Aspect.
Just how much Of an international
flavor may be applied to sport in
this country depends upon our will
ingness and ability to defray par
TALLY or wholly the expenses of our
distinguished visitors. Money for
financing oversea invasions Is not so
ready In England as 1t Is here. Our
college teams cross the ocean with
out great deal of thought as to
mis- players and track athletes.
Pennsylvania has just been obliged
to turn down an offer from Aus
tralian universities to send their
teams to the Penn relays, provided
the Quakers paid the expenses. Penn
cost OF travelling from the antipodes
On the other hand, there is no doubt
that the expenses of joint Oxford
Cambridge team will be paid should
they decide to come here for the re-
lay. In fact the English universities
this effect from the Penn authorities.
fCopyright 1923)