The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-07-03
LONGFELLOW'S GREAT TRIUMPH.
He Defeats Bassett for the
Monmouth Cup.
UNCLE JOHN HARPER HAPPY.
Nerris' MOllie Jackson Colt the Winner Of
the Hopeful Stakes and Little
ton the Mile Heats.

the hotels on Monday evening and on yes
terday forenoon presented strange contrasts
Instead OF the unmeaning dwaddling char
acteristics of fashionable sea side existence
there was the stir and hustle, the private caucus
sing and high drinking which distinguishes assem-
siages OF men addicted to sport or devoted
to politics. And in this there were not a few
OF the guests at the hotels and the cottages
who were politically spOrtve and sportive pOliti.
Cally-that is to say, they were men whose
anxiety to be pleased on the racing course was
tempered with sectional preudices. The cause Of
THE UNUSUALLY LARGE GATHERING
1T the Branch was the impending contest between
the Southern horse Longfellow and the much
Wanted Basset. The Southern heart was fred as
well for the honor of old Kentuck as the success
Of the great racer. Perhaps there never was
better representation OF Southern and Western
horsemen at any Northern convention OF sporting
men than yesterday assembled at Monmouth Park
The Kentuckians never ceased to boast OF Longfel
low and to declaim against his opponent.
But Bassett had his admirers too, and
these were far in the majority. Between the two
parties much feeling not however Of an unfriendly
nature existed but took the form OF betting
Everybody seemed to feel that the race was to be
the
THE GREAT EVENT OF THE SEASON.
and that, no matter how 1t might turn out, would
,Dnuence the prospects Of horse racing in this
country. Let the following description OF the race
yesterday run show how those expectations were
realized.
The morning was bright and fair as any of the
year, and somewhat cooler than the intense heat
Of the previous days seemed to warrant. Every
body with the sun, or shortly after, and
congratulated everybody else on the prospect OF the
hay. But unfortunately, about seven O'Clock there
were unmistakable symptoms Of great and unusual
k&nA& n~<v Nt,-
riages ready or begging about the hotels for hacks
TO take them to Monmouth Park the sun came out
In all his summer force, and all hopes of O cool
afternoon melted away In perspiration. 1t was
awful weather for horse race. Persons who,
through the grasping avarice OF the landowners
and the inadequate preparations, were compelled
20 take the stages hesitated to expose themselves
On the tops Of those vehicles, and, indeed, not a
few declined to go at ALL fearful Of the heat and
burning SUM- But while 1t was unfortunate for
THE COMFORT OF THE VISITORS
20 the course that the heat was so excessive, the
success Of the race was not marred in the least
Fully twenty-five thousand people occupied the
grand stand, the club house, quarter
stretch and the neighboring points Of
view when the bell rang for the
first race and none left until the close OF the days
spOrt The utmost interest and enthusiasm were
manifested when, after the preliminary contests had
been concluded, preparations were made
for the grand struggle Of the racing year.
The appearance Of Bassett, In the quarter
stretch was hailed with applause; but when Long
fellow came stalking on the ground the Southerners
set up cheer that showed their perfect confidence
IN the result. The little darkey who jockeyed
Longlelow came in for share Of the cheering.
AFTER THE RACE
described below and when Longfellow in with
IN apparently easy but swift, springing stride
the excitement was such as has been
rarely witnessed on an American course Fully
half Of the vast concourse Of people present gave
way TO the widest enthusiasm, throwing up their
hats In the air, and dancing like exultant Apaches.
Kentuckians patted each other the back,
and cheered with might and main; Old John Harper
threw up his hat with the rest, and received the
congratulations Of his friends with Joy. The hub
bub was maintained for several minutes the CON-
mingling cheers making Babel of noise and con-
fusion. The scenes that followed were not 80 ex-
citing, but were not without interest and worthy Of
note.
1he trains Of cars, hungry, thirsty and greatly out
Of temper, for though wei pleased with the sport,
they had every reason to be dissatisfied with
THE ARRANGEMENTS
made for their comfort. Scarcely anything could
muddy and aisasreeaSe u to the taste, " was
actually bought for ten, and in some
eases cents the g nssne T 1nS vss
at length they Came on the track they were not
properly managed. 1t was five O'Clock when Long
load Of people did not get back TO
New York until nine O'Clock. The Ply
mouth ROCK was uncomfortably crowded, and the
rowdies and roughs on board seemed to have every
thing their own way. With these exceptions,
days racing at Monmouth PARK was great success.
and will be long remembered.
Two hours alter sunrise the crowds of New York
people and those OF its hundreds OF suburban towns
began to nle towards Murray street. They
fhnuco and a.. W.
street for tickets. 1t was an eager throng
of racing men, while many of them were enthusias-
that did not deter them from conversing and bet.
ting on the great race Everybody seemed
hours 10 earlier than usual, and were eager eager
TO get to the track There must
have been 5000 people on the Plymouth l Rock, and
were left, and some jumped on the boat when IL
was leaving at the peril OF their lives among
socia, '1 posit,on. The ofticers and walters
also earfully excited, 80 IL was almost impos-
sible for them TO attend to their respective duties
and they wagered among themselves their little
money recklessly. Indeed, some or them had been
laying aside sums for this purpose, and Bassett was
TO Fhe breakfast room this excited throng at
once began TO make their way, and the poor French
hungry men and women that came upon them like
land slide At this time the palatial steam.
grand saloon sitting on luxuriant sofas and lounges
radiant In beautiful colors, calmly discussing the
merits OF the fast horses were men from every
ward In New York and men from every section
of the country. Kentucky and New England
volubly compared notes, and New Orleans
with Chicago sauntered through the afterpart
OF the boat calmly discussing the event. Senators
and generals were likewise Interested, and more
than one gentleman lotered among the ladies'
advising them TO be careful how they
wagered their money. Others were on the
lower deck bracing themselves up with
their canes. as the boat had 'listed" 30 much IT
was necessary for such assistance to keep In per-
pendcuIar position. They, too, talked horse inces-
sanity. Then, wicked like, the boiling throng
KEEPERS dispensed liquors OF all KINDS.
Ten and twelve deep the patient, heated
without breakfast ges semen asked ior cocktails