" Mr. Leech and Mr.
Myrick, ever ready for emergencies in tennis, called for
gasolene, which was forthcoming speedily, and, while the Chief
Executive of the United States interviewed men on the destiny of
nations, the people of Washington watched nearly 200 barrels of
gasolene flare up over the surface of the court. The desired
result was attained and at 2 o'clock President Harding personally
called play. Singles between Williams and me opened the matches.
Then Williams and Washburn decisively defeated Johnson and me,
following which Williams and I nosed out Washburn and Johnson to
close the program.
The second outstanding feature was the tour for the benefit of
the American Committee for Devastated France. The appearance in
America of Mlle. Suzanne Lenglen was due primarily to the efforts
of Miss Anne Morgan, who secured the services of the famous
French champion for a tour of the States, the proceeds to go to
Devastated France. Mlle. Lenglen's regrettable collapse and
forced departure left the Committee in a serious position. The
American Tennis Association, which had co- operated with Miss
Morgan in the Lenglen tour, found its clubs eager for a chance to
stage matches for France but no matches available. Finally, in
October, in response to the voluntary offer of several of the
leading players, a team was organized that toured the East for
the benefit of Devastated France. It included Mrs.
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