Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 November 1901 — ATHLETICS, ANCIENT AND MODERN. [ARTICLE]

ATHLETICS, ANCIENT AND MODERN.

The plans now under way for the Olympian games of 1904 make It seem probable that in the matter of variety of interest modern athletics will have a great advantage over their predecessors among the ancients. The few simple feats of skill and endurance which were applauded by the spectators in the stadium at Olympia will occupy only a small pgrt of the attention of the present management. Racing, wrestling, and boxing are likely to be given a proper degree of prominence, but many other things will be included in the list of events. Among,these will be included contests between Are companies from all the principal cities of the world, contests between the police departments of those same cities, contests between the sailboats of all nations, contests in swimming and diving, matches in modern games, including water polo, and many other means of bringing athletic prowess into action. The result will bo a dazzling kaleidoscopic display of the physical strength and dexterity of the present age. All this shows that men have made some progress or at least some additions to their powers and their ideas since the days of the glory that was Greece. It will always remain to the credit of Cecil Rhodes that he was one of the few of whom the late General Gordon (Chinese Gordon) made an intimate and trusted friend. General Gordon first met Mr. Rhodesln Rasutolandand earnestly requested him to become his private secretary, a position which, after much hesitation, was declined.