Alonzo Stagg, famous coach at Chicago University, asks friends of college football to combat the forces staging professional games. He fears that American Rugby will become contaminated by the spirit of professional play and does not conceal a belief that the touts and gamblers of other sports will be diverted to football for a seasonal livelihood. He cites instances of amateurs being induced to enter professional games under an assumed name.

Yet it hardly seems possible that professional football can gain so strong a hold. American Rugby calls for the utmost prodigality in physical recklessness and for stamina that can hardly be screwed to the last sticking point for the sake of a reasonable fee. Only the amateur fighting for the fleeting glory of college admiration can meet the ultimate test of a football game Professionals may play the game beautifully, some players, just out from college, may carry with them into the game the spirit and fire of their alma mater's inspiration, but it cannot endure long.

So long as football requires the utmost of its men, even throwing a tiring and wounded player into a situation where he must toss away the last of his vitality in one superb rush, the game cannot reach its highest pitch as a professional sport. Coach Stagg is right in opposing questionable tactics in playing the game, but one doubts if professional football is so powerful a menace as he fears. N. Y. WORKI