The decline and fall of the British Empire - University of Oregon

of the British Empire 21
together in roaring, and often gam-
bling crowds, to witness the efforts
of paid Athletes. Cricket and
football ceased to be the sports of
England. Teams representing her
against Australia were composed
almost entirely of professionals.
Bowling, the most arduous part of
what had once been an amateur's
game, was left, with few exceptions,
to such men. And, as they ceased
to play themselves, the English
insisted more and more that they
were a Nation of Athletes.
It was far otherwise. Their
theatres (thanks to one Barrie*, who
seems to have had an inkling of the
truth) were turned into hospitals ;
their newspapers and and magazines
were so many eyesores, for the
patent drugs and supports for the
* Author of a witty play which exposed the
disgusting habits of many who suffered from
excessive devotion to the table.