The New York herald., 1871-08-24

ST. JOHNS, N. b. August %, 1871.
James Renforth is dead. and In this simple state
ment lays the sum and substance OF the boat race
which took place the waters OF the Kennebecasis
River in this city to-day. Although
THE RESULT OF THE STRUGGLE
was what might have been anticipated by those
best acquainted with the real state OF affairs
and although there 0fe thousands and tens Of
thousands here whose pockets have become
seriously affected by the tnrn which affairs have
taken still the contest itself has sunk into nsign-
fcance when compared with the effect which 1t has
produced all over st. John, and In fact throughout
the British Provinces there Is
GENERAL FEELING OF SORROW
and regret Every possible precaution had been
taken, and every arrangement had been made for
the procurement OF legitimate and square competi-
tive trial between the two crews.
The result at Lachine had inspired the St. John
people with q determination TO effect square race
In their own waters, if money and skill and enter
prise could do so, and they very naturally hoped
that
THE EVENING OF TO-DAY
would decide beyond doubt which continent was
able to furnish the better representatives or prof.
cheney in rowing upon the water. Nor was the pub
lie interest In the race confined to the lower pro-
vinces alone.
From Ontario to Newfoundland and from New
Orleans to Eastport, everywhere that there was
felt an interest In boating matters, the people
looking anxlousy towards st. John and anxlOusy
querying whether or no the boatingmen of the New
World could compare with those from the Old. All
over both countries there has been an intense In.
terest felt in the matter, and the victory of the
Paris crew under circumstances unsatisfactory,is
a matter more to be condOled upon than otherwise.
But to
THE QUESTION OF "THE CROWD"
in attendance, which was, as might have been ex-
pected, immense one. All the way up the side OF
the river for three miles the shore was lined with
people, and the siOplng ground running back there
from was packed full OF delighted attendants at the
boat race, Jostling each other about in the most
good-humored sort OF way, and preserving the
utmost equanimity under the inevitable delays
which occurred. The farmers from the towns round
about came in single and double, and even four
horse teams, with their wives and daughters intent
upon witnessing the greatest event OF their lives.
DIGNIPIED OLD MINISTER'S OF STATE
and even Of the gospel sp0rted themselves on the
green fields and forgot what they might have
termed the gambling before their eyes, while they
descanted knowingly upon the physical perfection to
which the men of the two crews had been brought
Old women there were present who had ceased to
remember the boating matches of their childhood,
ana
MAIDENs, YOUNF AND FAIR,
who had yet to experience the joys OF witnessing
the victory Of favorte crew. Astute judges and
learned lawyers disciples Of Esculapius and Of
Bacchus black, red and white. and even 'the
heather Chinee" In q solitary instance, trOoped
hither. Those who had no vehicle OF their
own and were rich enough secured convey
ance from the livery stables and Others while
the poorer in purse availed themselves Of the am
pie railroad facilities which had been provided or
resorted to the Of their pedal extremites to get
thither From an early hour last evening
THE ROAD WAS COVERED WITH PEDESTRIANS
who, upon their arrival at TOrryburn, laid them.
selves out on the hillsides TO await the excitement
Of the morrow. Altogether the crowd presented
most Heterogeneous mass of humanity. Tired, but
anxious and expectant.
THE AMERICANS PRESENT.
or the most of them, threaded their way carefully
through the masses, cooly observant OF everything
that occurred, and laying their wagers here and
there as they found fitting opportunity. One Old
backwoodsman, who glorled IN the fact that he was
"a st. John man. by G0dp'
STOOD UPON A LITTLE PROMINENCE
for half hour before the appearance Of the crews
on the water and took all the bets that he could
get against his favortes until his pocket became
depleted OF its contents.
PINK AND BLUE HANDKERCHIEFs
were abundant, the former color somewhat pre-
dominating In appearance, and rosettes OF one or
the other Of the two hues were visible the coats
OF nearly all the spectators. Everybody was attired
in holiday garb, and all were hopeful of satsfac.
tory eliminating OF the days festivities.
THE COURSE TO-DAY
was in most excellent condition Perhaps the
water might have been bit more level to suit the de-
sires Of the most ardent partizans OF the St. John
crew. but as was the great majority Of the popuace
fioho od EO
the starting buoys the course enclosed between
anchored booms, serving the double purpose Of pre-.
venting undue running OF the water and of prevent
ing the crossing Of the track OF the boats by such
vessels might maciously or injudciously seek to
do 80. The staKeboats, as has been stated, were
anchored Yesterday about In the positions given in
the diagram above.
MEssRs. RENFoRTH AND FULTON WERE TOGETHER
at the time OF their location and the mutual consul
taton of course, resulted In mutual agreement as
TO their positions. Every precaution possible was
taken by DR.. walker Chairman OF the Committee OF
Arrangements, and by his equally efiiclent coadJu-
tors to secure an opportunity for
A SQUARE FAIR AND UNINTERRUPTED CONTEST,
and It is pleasant to know that their prudent care
proved enectual. Such little accidents as occurred
could not have been prevented, and they were so
few in number as not to cause much trouble. The
provisions for an honest race were In BRIEF all that
could be desired.
PREPARING FOR THE CONTEST.
At six O'Clock this morning the crews were up
and about in the way OF completing their prepara,
tions for the race. Renf0rth was the first man o.
the Tyne crew to spring from his bed, and, with q
jovial "Get up, boys,n ne started his companions
from their snuggeries between the Sheets On
lockers tell me that he came down stairs
with light step and exchanged the usual
morning greetings in mis- accustomed manner
Kelley Iazily pulled himself into sight, not
because he is Of sluggish disposition, but that he
has not been in tip top condition since hrs arrival on
the American Shore and Percy and chambers
TRoTTED THEMSELVES down STAIRS
c,ose beh,nd Before breakfast the crew busled
themselves in choppng wood. taking little walk
or In other ways endeavorng to get up an appetite
for their matutnal FOOD The doors of the Cairmoni
House were kept closely barred during the morning
hours, anc 1t was dilcut 70 gain any Information