The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-11
DEPARTURE OF THE HARVARD CREW.

ScoueS At tho Aston Observation-Disclosures As
semblage 1t the Pier-Bcaring. Appearance
and Feeling Of the Harvard -Four.
The representative Oarsmen OF the leading uni
versity OF America have started on their trip OF
5000 miles across the Atlantic to compete with the
champion 0arsmen OF the University OF Oxford.
With pluck which may be said to be characteristic
of Americans, the Harvard crew, rather than show
any fear Of their chances in international contest
with oxford, have gone to row over course per-
fectly familiar TO the latter, and on terms which
must necessarily place the American crew ut
marked disadvantage. whatever may be the result
Of the contest the Harvard four. who have agreed to
row with q coxswa,n for the first time, and to 60
1900 miles TO prove what stun the American oars
man u made Of, win have covered themselves with
glory. ~
Yesterday morning the harvards were busy IN
their quarters IN the Aston House making prepara-
lions for their departure. The genial and accom-
plished Blake, q former celebrated Harvard oars
man, who Is TO perform the important duties OF
coaching the crew, was on hand, and had some
difficulty In keeping back the large number Of en-
thusiastic young men whose admiration and
curiosity made them anxious to push their way into
the paror OF the Aston House reserved for the crew
and 10 scan critically the form OF each individual
one OF the four Loring, the captain, took the mat
ter very genialiy; Simmons, the celebrated stroke,
seemed, with characteristic modesty, anxious to
shun observation; Bass. Of Chicago, looked on
with that quiet, determined look OF his which
10 indicate that he has time but for thought at
present that one being the coming contest; while
Rice who comes from oregon, and described his
trip by way OF California, Nicaragua and the Allan
tic en- roae TO Harvard as n distance vas of no mo-
ment 70 man from the b0undess prairies of the
West looked remarkably confident, as q man Of his
powerful physique and fine rowing qualities ought.
frrn nj ull Inn fnrr xlv
anything 10 be desired.
The scene at pier No. a as the hour approached
when tue Harvard crew were expected on board
the City OF Paris, was very animated one. Large
crowds had assembled. and the appearance Of the
Harvard crew Was the signal for enthusiastic cheers
Large numbers Of present and former Harvard stu
dents the spot and eagerly gathered round the
International crew " wish them goOdby and that
victory might crown their endeavors. The men
who were the objects Of this ovation were quiet
and selfp0ssessed and while they INDUCED in no
brxvado spoke rs though their fellow students and
Americans IN general would have reason 10 be
ashamed Of them. On gong on board the crew were
warmly received on all Sides and the OBJECT Of much
scrutiny, especially on the part Of the fair, who OF
course. are always the greatest admirers of the
soon amer three O'Clock the signal for the de-
parture Of the steamer was given. The Harvard
crew. dressed In their gray suits and each with pur
pie ribbon In his button nole were standing together
on the upper deck, and a. the vessel began
to move slowly from the pier handkerchiefs and
hats were waved and the crowds. who filed every
Harvsrds could be seen from, cheered them enthu-
aiasticaiiy until the steamer had passed out into
the river. High above ali the cheering could be
heard the sharp, ringing, well.known "Hura-ra-ra"
Of the Harvard men assembled on tho pier
During the passage OF the City OF Paris down the
bay an opportunity was 0nercd for gathering rom
each OF the Harvard four his ideas regarding the
coming contest Being eli men OF few words their
ideas on tins subject wore very briefly expressed.
They felt they were about 10 row ut disadvantage.
but they saw no reason TO believe that after little
training over the Thames course they would
not be able 70 come out victOrs In the
contest No one looking at the nne physique OF the
men and at the quiet, determined earnestness with
which they ere entering upon the race could have
any but that In spite of the longer experience of
the oxford crew IN celebrated rowing matches ana
OF their having the advantage OF their own course,
the English oarmen will meet IN the Harvard crew
"ioemen worthy Of their steel" Az the City Of Paris
passed through the Narrows cheers were given and
3 salute fired In honor Of the Harvards by the crew
Of . smart-looking revenue cutter which was scud-
ding past The last cheers were given from the
yachts which dotted the bay beyond Staten Island
aud with these last hearty American cheers ringing
IN their ears the Harvard men continued on their
voyage to represent American pluck and endurance
on the other aide Of the Atlantic.