EDITORS DAILY CRIMSON:- Shortly after the recess, the Saturday afternoon contests in the pole vaults, in the running high jump and in putting the shot will be commenced. The object is to develop men who shall win for Harvard at Mott Haven.
We all know that never before has Harvard been in such urgent need of men. We have lost Rogers, Clarke, Bemis and Easton; and thus far we have looked in vain for men who can fully take their places. Yet I firmly believe that such men, at least that winners enough to bring back the cup, are right here in college. In this connection an extract from the Yale News in four columns of Monday, is extremely significant. It says: "She, (Harvard) has had advantages in point of numbers, and it is only by virtue of our greater enthusiasm and harder work that we have won." Let every Harvard man take this intensely to heart. If those words of the News mean anything, it is this: "Harvard might win if she would." Our very adversaries proclaim it to us.
Therefore, let every man who has ever jumped or who has ever put the shot, enter the coming contest. All cannot win-what matter? All can help toward the grand result-winning the cup. Those who think they have no chance of winning here, will certainly, by the competition, oblige others to do better work. Quite possibly the unlikely ones may turn out the best. You never know what you can do till you try.
Then, too, the presence of many men in the contests awakens enthusiasm, not only among the athletic men, but throughout the college. If you have any enthusiasm, therefore, show it by entering these contests; and you will certainly kindle that of many another man.
I believe that there are men in college who could win in New York who yet never suspect that they have much ability. I wish, therefore, to urge every man who visits the gymnasium to try his powers thoroughly before resting satisfied that he is useless in the effort to regain Harvard's athletic glory. The gymnasium is often empty for those who might dislike observation in their practice. Mr. Lathrop is every ready to help beginners.
Above all, let every man work hard. Skill is quite as important as strength and agility. It is not enough simply to contest on Saturday. Every one must take regular, faithful practice, under Mr. Lathrop's direction. We have a working chance of winning back the cup. Shall we? will we do it? Upon every one of us rests some share of the responsibility. Let no one shirk his duty.
L.
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