New-York tribune., 1873-07-03
THE SPRINGFIEED REGATFf.

With the close of the College terms the
manifestations of interest in the coming boat
race at Springfield are daily becoming more
marked. The young men, released from their
books, are establishing themselves in training
quarters at the scene of the contest and the
pleasant little railway city on the banks of
the Connecticut puts on an unwonted ap-
pearanoe of holiday activity. 1t is safe to
say that, since the memorable trial between
English and American University crews on
the Thames, no boating contest has excited a
1.-THE of the popular concern which Is given
TO this match between the rowing men OF
eleven of our foremost seats Of learning.
The organization of the Rowing Association
of American Colleges in 1871 has produced
already two admirable races-the first resulting
in the unexpected triumph Of the raw but stall
waIt young fellows of the Massachusetts,
Agricultural College, and the second in the
splendid victory of Amherst College, IN
the quickest time thus far made on our waters.
The full fruit of the Association is to be wit
messed in the regatta of this month, when no
fewer than ClcytH University crews are to
contest the yictog's flag. and minor races are
to be rowed by several crews of Freshmen (;
and we shall be disappointed and surprised IL
the day do not eclipse both 1871 and 1872. 9
There Is sorno question whether eleven boats
can race on the Connecticut River without
fouling, or indeed in any other waters that
arc otherwise suitable and convenient; and
the result of the Springfield regatta in set
tling this point may settle tho practicability of
any Association such as that under which it
is TO be held. II is Of course highly desirable
that these annual contests should be regulated
by sort OF students congress-, and there can
be no doubt that the effect of such super
vising or governing body is to promote good
order, fair dealing, and enthusiasm, TO restrain
the occasional oxcesses Of youth, to foster
generous emulation, and to prevent disputes.
The rules are few and simple. but they are
well-considered: and it is doubtless owing in
n great measure to the excellent tendencies of
the ASSOCIATION that tho faculties Of some of
the Colleges have this year shown such
marked favor to the boating clubs and done
so much to assist them.
A much more important question, however,
is to be advanced toward solution by this
race than the possibility of a general college
rowing association. Our special correspond
emf. who has been making q tour of the COM
peting Colleges dung the past fortnight, has
mentioned, in his descriptions OF the various
crews, some highly suggestive facts. 1t was
n crew of half-tIained farmer lads that de-
feated tho experienced rowers of Harvard and
Brown in 1871. 1t was another crew of green
farmer lads that astOnished everybOdyiby the
victory of 1872 Now there are five farmer
crews entered for the race of 1878; there are
five distinctively city crews, several of which
have the advantage of experience and what
we might call hereditary training; and Cornell
University will send a mechanics crew,
every man in which Is, or has been, practical
artisan. Now hero is the opportunity for a
valuable lesson in physical education. II 1t
appear that the triumphs of the two Amherst
crews last year and the year before were not
tbe result of accident, but the logical cOnse-
ouence of previous habits of life, we may
have to modify tho accepted practices of the
trainers, and overhaul all the principles of the
gymnasium.
Now one word to the young men who have
the ordering of the race. An immense con-
course Of spectators will gather on the banks
of the river at the appointed day, provided
the hour be fixed to suit the convenience of
those who live at a distance. The danger is
not of its being put too early but of its being
put too late. People must get home after the
snort is over; and if the great contest of the
day is postponed until the close of the after
noon, thousands will be prevented from
attending who would gladly be present.
STATE TAXES AND EXPENDITURES.