Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 November 1911 — Criticise Some of Our Modern Sports [ARTICLE]

Criticise Some of Our Modern Sports

By PAUL SIMS Elgin, Ill.

The followers of sport today demand a spectacle equal to the blood flowing scenes of Nero’s time. The recent Elgin races would compare with a gladiatorial contest such as the barbarous Roman emperor was pleased to conduct for the Roman rabble. Instead of a reeking sword and a shield the gladiator of today drives a huge wheeled demon of destruction. What is the reward of today? It is the same reward that gracious Nero was wont to bestow —honor and gold. The stamp of disapproval is placed

upon prize fighting and numerous laws are passed for its elimination, but in its stead we commend a sport that is more fatal and more brutal. How quickly will the public condemn two physical giants who endeavor to massage one another’s countenance in the most approved prizejing style! Meanwhile this sane and civilized public will permit, nay, •encourage, the slaughter that seems to be a necessary adjunct to automobile races. Every one is familiar with the situation of ancient history times, grhen assassination was a profession, but the game of today seems to be m suicidal contest, with a mixed reward of notoriety and dollars.