The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1923-05-29
UNCLE SANS SHIPS HA We PLAY
GROUNDS FOR HEALTFHFUL FUN

There was not even rest. They rowed
until they dropped of exhaustion and
then were dragged away while some
one else, from reserve of prisoners,
was clamped to his place at the oar
locks.
This spirit was followed for long
time To be condemned to the galleys
meant to be made a sailor OF war
vessel and the way that began with
the Egyptians survived even to the
time Of the middle ages. The naval
wars OF the Christians against the
Turks, and OF the Christian states
among themselves duringathe middle
ages, was fought with these crews
of prison slaves at the oars
Even in more modern times it was
held that the proper way OF treating
sailor was to give him plenty OF
hell" But new ideas have made this
notion as antiquated as some others
that used to make life in the past hard
to go through.
Are Floating Fairgrounds.
The fact that the ships have been
made, apart from other things that
can be said for them, floating play
grounds is the thing that has changed
matters for the sailor. Leisure alter
the days work is not as it used to be,
mere walking the decks restlessly
and figuring how soon the next land
ing will be. 1t no longer means secret
gambling, and boozing, and reading
of pink serials. 1t means activity and
play of the healthful sort. And there
is more of it.
To tell of all the ways there are of
beguiing ones time aboard the ships
of the United States navy would be
practically to describe a city afioat
There are many large towns in this
country and many large cities in the
old world that have not the oppor-
tunities for fun i'll quality and variety
that is afforded the sailors on our
ships. Whatever the temperament OF
the individual, there is certain to be
something that will keep him cheerful
and diverted, and he can indulge pref
ty fine tastes. too.
In spite of the difficulties which
confront those who play ball on the
deck of a battleship,' it has proved to
be the star game. Though fouls may
mean punctured tunnels, and perilous
fielding stabs at the rail OF the ships,
it is played nevertheless with all the
excitement that it gets when played
on the sandlots ashore. "lnbatting" IS
the thing, for a long hit is regarded
as an out in some cases, and the bat
tiers learn to emulate the soft side OF
Babe Ruth instead OF his long distance
smashing. Instead of home runs, the
bunts with which the Babe has won
many a game are the things sought
for in the shipdeck baseball.
A game that the men never weary
of is basketball. 1t has proved to be
an ideal game for the ship deck, and
is played with vigor while the rest of
the crew look on and cheer like col
lege boys The few men required on
each team helps out; with five men
instead of nine on each side the deck
space is never overcrowded, although
the mammoth decks OF the new ships
are as large as any gymnasium floor.
Hand ball is another of the games
that is to be seen going on. This can
be played by two men or teams OF
two, and interest is heightened by
holding tournaments for teams and
Individual players. Champions in this
sport have to go some, for practically
every sailor boy has played the game
before and been somewhat OF cham
pion before he got aboard the ship,
and the competition is mighty keen.
Tennis Is Popular.
One of the recent surprises is the
vogue of tennis. At first it started as
tennis without a net, a whitewash line
serving as the net indicator. The un-
expected popularity of this sport,
which has become popular all over
the country, is leading to real nets
and all the up-to-date equipment OF
championship match. Especially
among the officers has this game been
popular, and it is being played by all
| the men.
Boxing and wrestling are two sports
that need not be mentioned here, be-
cause they are probably takbn for
granted. Putting on the gloves is
something sailor never has to be
asked twice to do. He is always ready
for friendly bout OF fsticuffs. Re
Gently wrestling has begun to chal-
lenge the demand for boxing. The
locked figures of wrestlers is a COM
mon sight, with the mates to stand
by to cheer a good hold, no matter
by whom it is made.