In the Line is a story of school life and
football rather than of football and school life.
In its football it is meant to supplement Following
the Ball, as With Mask and Mit in
its baseball will supplement Making the Nine,
each book emphasizing a different department
of play. The story is in no sense history, and
no attempt has been made to describe actual
persons.
The case for football presented in Chapters
XX and XXII is believed to be a fair and candid
statement of facts with regard to the game
as they are known to those most familiar with
it. American Rugby football is here, and here
to stay, not because of its æsthetic virtues, but
because it appeals irresistibly to the Anglo-Saxon
heart. In twenty years, against ignorant criticism
and bitter opposition, it has established
itself in every section of the country. It has
merits which can neither be argued away nor
overborne by abuse; it has conspicuous faults.
Eliminate “dirty football” and the playing of
unfit or unfairly matched men, provide for the
players proper supervision in their practice and
strict officials in their matches,—and the dangers
of the game, with all serious grounds of
objection, will be removed.
Particular thanks for helpful suggestions as
to guard play are due Mr. Joseph T. Gilman,
a veteran of the Dartmouth eleven, whose mastery
of the technique of his position has been
proved in many a hard contest and against
many a clever antagonist.
ALBERTUS T. DUDLEY.
Boston, April, 1905.
