SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVY GAME.

On its face value, the result of Saturday's game was disappointing. There were not a few predictions that the University team would win by two touchdowns, and it was considered doubtful our opponents would score; the thought of being obliged to convert certain defeat into a tie by a long run would have found few supporters. Such is the optimism which will persistently put in appearance when a good start has been made and reckons without its host to its own misfortune. It is to be hoped that this misfortune has amounted to destruction.

A glance at the account of the game shows that the Navy distinctly outplayed the University team. The opponents' linemen found no great difficulty in forcing back the men opposite them, and in tackling and handling kicks in the backfield--two of the essential rudiments--Annapolis was much superior. The Harvard backfield lacked concentrated power and was only effective at brief intervals, never getting the ball dangerously close to the line by rushing. All of which goes to show the relative strength of the team today in comparison with a strong team. We should be grateful for a tie score under the circumstances.

This does not give, however, a dark outlook for the coming games. The coaches have had material unknown to championship games to experiment with for many of the positions, and changes are likely to be made, especially in the backfield, before long. No especial preparation was made for this particular game, while the Navy apparently put forth, every effort to have their team in the best possible condition for a victory, and they would probably be more than a match for most of the big teams today.