UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MARCH 28,1
Basketball Organized By Doctor Naismith
Inventor of Game Will Resume Duties as Physical Director Soon
In 1892 a game was originated by means of throwing a large inflated ball at peach baskets attached to the walls of a room. Now the British are rapidly taking up this game and are so enthusiastic about, it that it is being made one of the games all of their soldiers are required to learn.
Dr. James Naismith was the originator and inventor of this unique game, he conceived the idea in the winter of 1891, while trying to find something to fit in between the football and baseball seasons. At that time Swedish gymnastics were being introduced into the American schools, and they were not being very well received, so Doctor Naismith conceived the idea of introducing some indoor sport that men would enjoy as well as derive a benefit from. He first thought of football, but that was out of the question, as it was too rough a game to be played on a gymnasium floor. He then began to reason out this new game. He analyzed the reason why football was unsuited. First, it meant running with the ball; second, tackling the man with the ball. He then set about to develop a game by which he would do away with tackling and running with the ball.
The first real game was played in the Springfield Y. M. C. A., in 1892, between two teams of that institution. Among those who played was Alonzo Stagg, the famous coach from Chicago. It is said that Stagg never
liked the game because he was not permitted to carry the ball.
The first teams were composed of nine men on a side, three centers, three guards, and three forwards. The first goals were large peach baskets nailed to the wall just a little higher than the players' heads. The game was a success from the start and its popularity has been growing ever since and has spread all over the United States.
The American soldiers overseas have taught this game to the British soldiers who are very enthusiastic about it, according to a letter received from Doctor Naisimith, who is now on his way home from duty overseas with the American Y. M. C. A.
Doctor Naismith came to Kansas University as an athletic director September, 1898, and was the coach of the various athletic teams for a number of years. Soon after the United States entered the world war, he entered the Y. M. C. A. work and was afterwards sent overseas, where he has been connected with general Y. M. C. A. work, and has traveled over most of France and elsewhere. He is expected to arrive in America soon as Mrs. Naismith recently received a cablegram from him saying that he would leave for the United States March 20. Upon his return to the University he will resume his duties as physical director of the University.
Doctor Naismith is a Canadian by birth. He was born at Almonte, Ontario, Canada, November 3, 1861.
Ann Arbor—The American Astronomical Society will hold its annual meeting in Ann Arbor on September the first 1919 at Ann Arbor. Delegates will come from all parts of Europe and Canada.
H.C. of L. Pursues Even Freshman Cap
The Sour Owl, 'boiler explosions, volcanic eruptions and April Fool's Day are all caused by the same principle. Every reporter system can hold only so many scandal stories, every boiler can resist only a certain number of pounds of pressure, every volcano can store up only a given amount of lava, and every human can pursue the usual routine only up to a certain date. At this time exposures, explosions, eruptions and exhibitions take place. And usually the just suffer with the unjust.
Monday when the human safety valve lays off for a day, the freshmen will put on the exhibition by donning the diminutive headgear prescribed and enforced by the University's unwritten law. But the cap ruling will not be considered as an April Fool joke, say the anonymous members of the Red Vigils.
The joke is on the freshmen in another form this season. The h. c. of l. has just hit the freshmen cap market and the yearlings, hard hit by buying books for the new quarter, will be compelled to dig down again. Fifty cents each was the price of the postage stamp caps during the war, but this year the law-abiding lowerclassmen will pay a dollar each for them, and a raise to $1.25 is rumored.
Illinois U.-A student meaning to play a practical joke entered an Urbanna house for the purpose of getting a date book belonging to a university woman. The tables were turned on the jester when the land lady returned and had him arrested for a burglar.
Use The Interurban
Between Lawrence and Kansas City Cars leave every hour beginning at 6:35 a.m.
Most Convenient, Cheapest, Cleanest
Lawrence Station—638 Massachusetts St. Kansas City Station—10th and Main Sts.
Kansas City, Kaw Valley & Western Railway Company
—PHONE 740—
Miss Madeleine Aaron, ap '21, has been ill with bronchitis for the last week.
Pennsylvania—Opportunity to vote for or against the League of Nations as it has been submitted to President Wilson will be offered to students and faculty of Pennsylvania University. Polls will be open from A.M.till 10:00 P.M.A concie will be published at the end of week.
We have the most delicious Home-Made Candies made fresh every day in our own kitchens
Hatfield's Confectionery
Try Our Soda Fountain; It's Clean and Up-to-Date
709 Massachusetts Street
High School Basketeers
While in Lawrence eat at the newest, cleanest and most sanitary cafe.
We have enlarged our restaurant. It is now the largest and nicest place in the city.
We serve hot, juicy beefsteaks, fresh vegetables and fruits—We make all our own pastries-
Try our hot rolls and famous coffee— Special breakfasts—Order what you like.
Victory Lunch
933 Massachusetts Street
16TH ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET McCOOK FIELD SATURDAY, MAY 3rd
Three classes of entries according to enrollment of school. Class C under 125, B 125 to 250, A over 250 ENTIRE LIST OF EVENTS IN EACH CLASS
Medals given for first, second, third and fourth places in all events in each classSilver Loving cups for winning team in each class. Individual Cup to man making most points in each class.
OPEN TO ANY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE STATE
Invitation Meet May 17th
At this meet 15 or 20 of the winners of the State Meet are invited to compete with the Kansas City High Schools. Railroad Fare and Entertainment paid by the University.