The New York herald., 1869-06-15
AQUATIC.

Boat Race Between Edward Smith and
James White for S2OO-White the Win.
ner.
Owing to inexcusable delay this race, announced
for hafpast three O'Clock yesterday, did not take
place until the patience Of the spectators had been
almost exhausted. The contest was between Ed
ward smith, OF the Atalanta Boat Club, and James
White, the Gulicks, for prize OF the va lue OF
$500. Unmistakabe interest was manifested In the
race evident from the large of spectators
present. The occasion gave rise to a considerable
amount OF excitement and afforded those for whom
pleasure has no charm an opportunity to
launch their greasy greenbacks on the sea
OF uncertainty, though. perhaps, after all, upon
wha. knowing ones characterize as "a sure thing.D
That there was excitement was apparent from the
clamorous and energetic manner in which the spec
tators looked forward to the event, but more es-
pecally from the very bosterous style in which the
''sports' expressed themselves. steamer was
chartered for the OCCASION conveying q surteit Of
lager beer wherewith enthusiasts subdued their
rising froth. Again be 1t understood as q warning
to future contestants that after q very unwarranta-
BILE delay and considerable confusion the contestants
were not got into line until q quarter
to six O'Clock, q circumstance which gave
rise to much dissatisfaction. White got the
choice Of positions. To the least OF it both
petitors appeared % to be extremely t % nervous The
$50. The course lay along the Elysian fields,
about three miles. An Irregular, by no means
simultaneous shout, and perhaps an indistnct one,
ordered the competitors to depart. smith rushed
OF, but White did not pull q stroke, and yell
brought the former back to the starting post.
Subsequently pretty good start was effected.
White pulling desperately for lead and Smith
rowing steadily. The There was was scarcely any dilier-
when Smiths stretcher broke, and he at
portion OF the board. His delay IN so doing
was fatal to him. White rushed ahead and encour.
aged by rousng cheer pulled vigorously. Notwith-
standing his mishap smith resumed the oar and did
wonders, for passing the Weehawken docks lie ap-
peared TO be gaining rapidly on his opponent. The
expressions from the spectators at this crisis were
certainly not encouraging Smith, though he roved
manftlly under adverse circumstances. Cries Of
'slo5 to s5 that White wins the racego 1t, whitev
rent the air. But the vigorous stroke OF
around which white made wretched turn. But !
minute previously the friends Of Smith had aban-
doned all hopes but now that he was fast gaining
upon his opponent cheer arose In his favor, ana
his seventeen feet working boat went scuddtng
along. white, however, turned the stake boat first,
and then urged by howl OF delight, widened the
distance considerably; but unnerved by the ungra-
cious remarks OF partsans, Smith rounded the
steady stroke pursued his opponent, gaining
little all the way. II was evident, however,
that the want OF his stretcher sadly marred
his hopes OF success. though he continued to pull
most energetcaly. At the oil docks White was over
fifty lengths ahead which distance ne did not much
diminish until his arrival at the winning stakeboa
White r0wed the distance In twenty-six minutes.
his opponent being nfty-hve seconds behind The
friends OF the unsuccessful oarsman, sinih, enter
tanned strong hopes Of his victory. To great ex-
tent the race was well contested and another trial
would probably be satisfactory to all parties rhe
judges were:-For Smith, Mr. X. Withers; ior white.
Mr. EcKerford, and Mr. a. WOOD. reieree. Altogether
N psf Va -