Let's Stop The Mud Slinging

by E M Orlick
B.A., B.Sc., M.A., Dip. M.S.P.E

Read this straight-forward appeal for honesty, fair-play, and decency in the body-building game. Written by an outstanding authority who has given freely and unselfishly of his time, energy and knowledge to benefit all bodybuilders everywhere. It is doubtful if any man has done more to raise bodybuilding to its present high level and all intelligent fair-minded body builders are urged to read his words carefully.

FOR many months now, valuable time and space has been wasted in an ever-increasing smear-campaign which reached its greatest height in a recent article by Ray Van Cleef . The space devoted to this campaign could much better have been used for interesting news on bodybuilding and weightlifting or for instructive articles on health and physical culture.

Apparently an article I wrote about Rene Leger touched off this unrestrained diatribe. My article appeared in the January 1948 issue of Your Physique and honoured Rene Leger, the 1947 Mr. Canada winner. Why this article should have brought on such an attack or any attack at all is a mystery to me. It was a straight-forward account of Rene Leger's rise to fame as told me by Rene Leger himself in front of reliable witnesses and easily verified by any number of his friends, who are familiar with the facts. My article was a complimentary tribute to his determination to succeed, to his steady stream of successes and to his splendid physique. I defy anyone to find even the slightest negative note in my article about Rene Leger. There was in it nothing but well-deserved praise for a good job well done.

Never in my career as a writer have I attacked or criticized anyone, nor have I engaged in anything which even slightly resembled what is popularly termed mud-slinging. Even when attacked, I have refused to stoop to tactics which I consider unsportsmanlike and an insult to all intelligent bodybuilders. It is high time that the bodybuilders themselves voiced their opinions on this type of abuse of publications which exist only through their loyalty and support. Why should the bodybuilders put up with such distasteful reading material when they have it in their power to put an immediate end to it by simply refusing to read the guilty publications.

Surely a complimentary, factual article such as I wrote about my friend Rene Leger is no excuse for blatant abuse. My interview with Rene Leger was arranged to suit his convenience and involved a special trip to Montreal at my own expense. Rene Leger gave the interview of his own free will and spoke openly in front of a number of prominent persons who were present to see him go through one of his regular workouts.

As if this were not enough, Rene Leger, to show his good faith and appreciation of what Joseph Weider had done for him signed the following statement, duly witnessed and deposited with legal authority:

"THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I AM A WElDER BARBELL PUPIL AND HAVE FOLLOWED MR. WElDER'S INSTRUCTIONS IN BUILDING MYSELF UP. I OWE EVERYTHING TO HIS METHODS 0F TRAINING. I ALSO GRANT HIM PERMISSION TO USE ME AS A STAR PUPIL IN ALL ADVERTISEMENTS RE: SELLING HIS COURSES AND EQUIPMENT. ALSO THE PERMISSION T0 USE MY PHOTOS IN ALL HIS PUBLICATIONS." Signed (Rene Leger)

Surely even Ray Van Cleef would not ask for more before writing an entirely complimentary article about someone he always considered as a friend.

My article is accused of "conveying distorted impressions" and "reeking with commercialism". The reader knowing the facts presented above can see for himself how absolutely unfounded these accusations are. Had Ray Van Cleef known the true facts himself I am sure that he never would have made these rash statements.

As support for his statements Van Cleef brings in the name of Frank Galiardi, noted physical culture teacher and for many years assistant to Emile Maupas at the famous Camp Maupas. Bringing in the name of this outstanding body builder was a tactical error for Frank Galiardi is one of many who has verified the truth of my statements. Before using names of men such as this at random it would have been far wiser for Van Cleef to have communicated with them and have received a signed statement such as I have in my possession.

I have not seen Rene Leger since my interview with him and find it hard to believe that he made the statements which are credited to him by Ray Van Cleef. Before he was discovered, developed and publicized by the Weiders he was unknown to the bodybuilding world. The Weiders sponsored him and payed [sic] his transportation and other expenses to Physique Contests throughout the Province of Quebec. Prior to the Mr. Canada Contest Joseph Weider personally sponsored a trip to Florida for Rene Leger where he trained at Dr. Tilney's headquarters. I am certain that Rene Leger, regardless of what real or imagined grievances he may have, would not deny these generosities. Should Van Cleef or anyone else have any doubts on this score the certified cancelled cheques covering expenses for these trips may be viewed at the Montreal office of the Weider Publications.

What is behind the attacks which appear in the publication for which Ray Van Cleef is working? Why do the statements credited to Rene Leger contradict each other in different issues of the same publication? What was the purpose of attacking someone like myself whose sole interest is the welfare of the bodybuilder regardless of what club he is affiliated with or whose system he follows?

Can it be a guilt complex? A letter in our possession, on York stationery and written by one of the officials associated with the much disputed Mr. Canada contest states that the judges were told how to vote. It is a well-known fact that Alan Paivio won the preliminaries and most of those present were of the opinion that he should also have won the finals. The above-mentioned letter from a high official states in clear language that the judges were instructed to vote in favor of Rene Leger as against Alan Paivio, and of course everyone knows who won the contest. This signed statement rests with other equally interesting documents in the hands of legal authority.

The Van Cleef article refers to letters received from '"James E. Baker, the director, of the foremost physical culture studio in Cincinnati, Ohio". It states that Baker made critical remarks about Joe Weider and his Publications. A letter to Joe Weider from the same Mr. Baker, dated March 6th, 1948 denies the Van Cleef charges and claims that his words have been twisted. Mr. Baker merely stated that he thought it would be better for the game if the Editors of the various Strength magazines stopped casting aspersions at each other.

Mr. Baker is a highly respected gentleman and it is a shame that he should be made to appear in an unfavorable light. I agree with him one hundred percent. He referred to all Editors not anyone in particular. By casting aspersions via a policy of mud-slinging they hurt themselves as much as their self appointed opponents. In addition they lose the respect of their followers and hurt the whole bodybuilding game.

Surely they must realize this as well as Mr. Baker and I! Then why do they persist with this campaign? Is it envy or jealousy? Is It an attempt to undermine a competitor?

Your Physique and Muscle Power have made tremendous strides in the past few years and it is possible that this has caused some resentment. These magazines are now distributed in every civilized country in the world. Agencies have been established in many of the world's greatest cities and sales have increased by leaps and bounds.

A registered air-mail document which recently arrived at this office bears the information that "Your Physique" has won the "WORLD'S BEST ATHLETIC-FAN MAGAZINE AWARD". The accompanying letter states: -- "Your magazine has taken India by storm and I am certain that it beats out all American and British Physical Culture Publications." The letter is signed personally by the President of the I. F. Journalists' Association.

Letters by the thousands testifying to the popularity of Your Physique and Muscle Power have been received from all parts of the world. These and the steadily increasing sales of both magazines speak volumes.

Does this success arouse antipathy and antagonism? Could this be the cause of the unprovoked attacks? If so they are a waste of time. Only intelligent people are interested in reading self-improvement magazines and intelligent people can see through such attacks. If I were the editor of a rival magazine and wanted to outsell a competitor I would devote all my time and talents to producing a better magazine.

The Van Cleef article devotes a great deal of space to the subject of "Weider pupils". There is an old saying that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. How many of the much-publicized "York pupils"' were trained by other men? How many were outstanding bodybuilders and weightlifters before becoming associated with the "York Barbell Club"? Van Cleef knows the answer as well as anyone. Were we to write the case history stories of York men which rest in our files it would take many months to cover them all.

To take a very good example: None other than the famous John Grimek for whom I have the greatest respect and admiration. Is John Grimek a York Pupil? Did he develop his wonderful body by following the York System of Training? Any oldtimer can answer this question for you.

If you turn to Vol. 1, No. 6 of "The Strong Man" which was published by the Milo Publishing Company under the editorship of Mark H. Berry you will find some interesting information. This particular issue is dated November, 1931, and on Page 8 appear a number of photos of John Grimek and a letter written by him to Mark Berry. The letter says: "When I first took up exercise I weighed 120 lbs. and my best lift was about 95 pounds in the two arm clean and jerk." -- "The training I followed was the Milo course in body building. Never did much practice in lifting." -- "My measurements at present are neck 16, chest (exp) 45¼, waist 31, biceps 15¼, thighs 23¼, calves 15½, weight 178 stripped." -- "I must say that during the time I have exercised my strength almost tripled."

Subsequent issues of "The Strong Man" carried further stories and photos of John Grimek, a self-admitted "Milo pupil". Vol. Ill, No. 2 appeared in 1933 has a full page of photos showing his remarkable physique and carries the word of Siegmund Klein that "John Grimek is the most impressive muscular specimen seen in recent years in America." What about the many other men who are claimed as "York pupils?" Ask the men who know: -- Mark Berry, "Bus" Oliphant, Seigmund Klein, Peary Rader, George Jowett, Earle Liederman and so on. Ask the men they trained with prior to joining the York Club.

Personally I don't see why Van Cleef puts so, much stress on the early history of "Weider pupils". I have attended at least fifteen different educational institutions and was certainly a pupil at each one.. My instructions came from many different teachers at each of these schools. Should I disclaim any of them as teachers? I received training in a host of different sports from many different coaches. Each could justifiably claim me as a pupil if he saw fit. If I completed a course of bodybuilding under Earle Liederman yesterday and commenced a new course of instruction under George Jowett today does this not give Jowett the right to claim me as a pupil?

No one tries to discredit Bob Hoffman because John Grimek put on 58 pounds of muscle, tripled his strength, and built himself a magnificent body by following the Milo system of training. What difference does it make if Ed. Theriault once read York publications and got some inspiration and instruction out of them. I have read hundreds of different books, and nearly all physical culture magazines and still get inspiration and instruction out of them. By Van Cleef's reasoning I am the pupil of hundreds of different persons and my achievements are the result of a multitude of different courses. So what? Is there any crime to this.

If Rene Leger, Ed Theriault, Frank Galiard, Leo Robert. Joffre L'Heureux, Abe Goldberg and many dozens upon dozens of other prominent body builders choose to become Weider pupils, follow the Weider System of Training and advocate this system to others, that is their business. There is nothing to stop even Bernarr Macfadden, or anyone else, from becoming a Weider pupil and doing likewise if he sees fit.

Van Cleef's very arguments defeat themselves, for surely there must be something to the Weider System when so many former York men have turned to it and now swear by it. Much is made of the fact that Joffre L'Heureux was an outstanding physical instructor before the first issue of Your Physique was released and that he now follows and advocates the Weider System of Training. Is this a condemnation? Is the whole-hearted support of other leaders in the bodybuilding game a condemnation? Certainly not! No man could hope for a more positive sign of approval or greater expression of praise.

If Bob Hoffman or Ray Van Cleef have any just complaints to present against Joseph Weider or his publications, or if there is anything to the so called documentary and legal evidence claimed to be in their possession, let me remind both of these gentlemen that the courts are wide open. The Federal Trade Commission is established to deal with just such matters and well qualified to render judgment.

If the above gentlemen actually believe that they have just grounds for complaint the readers will know about it when they read that legal action has been taken.

If no action is taken or if such action is defeated in court then the readers will know exactly how much truth there is behind the Van Cleef attacks and criticisms and exactly why they have been launched.

There is absolutely no place for "mud-slinging" in publications dedicated to health, strength and physical fitness and certainly no justification for the expression of personal prejudices, jealousies and dislikes.

I appeal for honesty, fair-play and decency in the body-building game. I appeal for good sportsmanship and mutual trust. I ask all editors to cease casting aspersions at each other and to devote their time, energy and space to the betterment of the game. I ask all coaches and instructors of this splendid sport to recognize each other's merits and put the common cause above personal aspirations. I ask all leaders to take seriously the responsibilities entrusted to them and to do their utmost to keep faith with the youth of the land. I ask all bodybuilders everywhere to unite in making our sport the finest and most popular in the world. Let us all put a shoulder to the great wheel of human progress. Let us forget petty differences and keep the ultimate goal always in view. Let us all strive toward a richer, healthier and happier life; not only for ourselves and our fellowmen, but for the many generations yet to come.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

- This photo shows how Rene looked after a couple of weeks of weight training. Photo by Lanza.

- The above photo portrays the phenomenal development that Rene Leger obtained by following the Weider system. This photo was taken prior to the Mr. Canada event. Photo by Lanza.

- Abe Goldberg is another of America's greatest, who used the WEIDER system to perfect his physique and add extra necessary bulk. By using the Weider system Abe has gained another 15 lbs. of bodyweight and looks more phenomenal than ever. This photo shows him at a 165 lbs. bodyweight -- he now weighs 180 lbs. Watch for his latest photos. Photo by Lanza.

- Ed Theriault who stands as the most sensationally developed man in the world for his size, is strictly a WEIDER pupil. He has been under the care of Weider for the past 4 years. His measurements are as follows: 5' 1½" high, weights 132 lbs., arms 16½, chest 43 normal, waist 27, thighs 23 and other proportios just as mighty. His feats of strength, dexterity, muscle control, handbalancing, acrobatics etc. are unbelievable. (Lanza)

- Frank Galiardi is used by Van Cleef to support his statements. The facts are that Frank can verify the truth of all our statements and he himself has the highest praise for the WEIDER system, as he used it to perfect his own physique before entering the recent "Mr. Montreal" event. (Lanza)

- Joffre L'Heureux was an outstanding athlete before taking the Weider System - but by following its advice he perfected his physique to the point that he won the title "Best Built Athlete in All Canada". What greater praise can be given to the Weider System? (Lanza).