Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 168, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 July 1911 — KING GEORGE AN ATHLETE [ARTICLE]

KING GEORGE AN ATHLETE

Hts Majesty Has Practiced Most Forms of Manly Exercise and Especially Likes Shooting.

The Mag’s reception at Buckingham palace recently of the team of polo players who are to represent England in the United States, recalls the fact that his majesty played regularly when he was a naval lieutenant. 'He was a good player, too, and could hold his own with some of the best representatives of the two services. Almost every form of manly exercise has been practiced by hts majesty, and there is not the slightest doubt that every kind of sport will benefit enormously during his reign. Shooting, of course, holds the warmest place in his majesty’s, affections. “I love a gun,” he confessed recently, “but I am almost as happy when I am fishing the pools of Dee with'a long day before me.” Next to shoootlng and fishing, King George’s warmest admiration is reserved for the Rugby code of football. Not long ago he expressed the opinion that Rugby was the ideal game for all ranks of the army and navy, ps it kept the men “fit,” taught them to realize the virtues of self-discipline, and to withstand hard knocks. Then, again, his majesty is a capital swimmer, and has actually saved life from drowning. This interesting event took place when, as a youth, he went around the world with his brother in the Bacchante. A bluejacket fell overboard and King George went In after him and held him up until assistance arrived. In the “boom” period of cycling, hia majesty was often seen a-wheel; while cricket, of course, he has constantly played and continues to follow with the interest of a keen observer.