Pokračování textu ze strany 53
the game themselves to be merely onlookers at a few paid performers. I yield to no one in enjoyment of the sight of those splendid specimens of our race, trained to perfection, and playing faultlessly; but my heart sickens at the reverse of the medal — thousands of boys and young men, pale, narrow-chested, hunched-up, miserable specimens, smoking endless cigarettes, numbers of them betting, all of them learning to be hysterical as they groan or cheer in panic unison with their neighbors — the worst sound of all being the hysterical scream of laughter that greets any little trip or fall of a player. One wonders whether this can be the same nation which had gained for itself the reputation of being a stolid manhood, unmoved by panic or excitement, and reliable in the tightest of places.
Get the lads away from this — teach them to be manly, to play the game, whatever it may be, and not be merely onlookers and loafers.
IS OUR DISEASE INCURABLE?
In the eyes of some, these and many similar signs appear to indicate that we have arrived at the point of our existence where we may fold our hands and resign our life. But is not national life very like that of the individual?
How many a man in the case of sickness has given up all hope of recovery and has accordingly died, whereas another, by carrying out the spirit of our scouts' maxim, "Never say die till you're dead", has risen to recovery and renewed health and strength.
It is equally possible for us as a nation, by energetically plucking up spirit, recognizing our faults, and taking the proper remedies in time, not only to avoid becoming worse, but to rise to far greater power and to a potentiality for good in the world such as history has never seen.
And it is perhaps a more healthy sign if this should be done by the effort of the nation itself from within, than by the mere legislation of a statesman or two in its behalf.
