New-York tribune., 1874-07-18


WITH THE DECISION.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRBUNEl
SARATOGA, July IA visit to the Yale boathouse
an hour before the time set for the race found IL
silent and deserted The racing boat had been sent
TO the lower end of the course and the crew were at
their quarters preparing for conveyance in wagon
to the start, about mile below. The Yale house is
the Dartmouth boat house, where, beside the
Dartmouth BOYS, were the Williams crew,
who rOwed down to that point during the prepara-
ton for the race yesterday afternoon, but were
prevented by the state of the water from going
further and left their boats there for the night.
They took a hard practice pull IN the morning,
after early dinner, and then took themselves to
the Dartmouth quarter. There for several hours
they awaited in their scant but cl0sc-iittng rowing
tights the calling of the into line killing time
and quieting their nerves by promenading the lake
road, and nDbling crackers. Promptly upon the
opening of the artillery fire from the hill overlook
ing the Columbia quarters, they launched the sheu
and pulled for the starting point, although the
water was higher than Gunster was willing to row
in. The Columbia boys were found lounging on
the grass by their house. and looking refuy at the
ripping water which had belied the promise of the
ouiet morning and was covered with waves driven
by the southwest breeze.
The hopes exclted in Saratoga by the idle flags OF
a few hours before and the encouraging telegraphc
dispatches concerning the state of the water and the
air at the lake were chilled by the appearance of
the uneasy surface of the lake. From this reason.
or because of the enforced departure OF many after
the disappointment of yesterday, there were very
few teams to be seen on the shore road Oh
the way to the anticipated spectacle, anu
the number of collegians about the boat-houSe5
of the several crews was very small in comparison
with the enthusiastic bands OF the preceding day'
Al thcir ease among the trees behind the Columbia
house lay the Princeton crew, their boat having
been left III the Columbia house since the preceding
day. The light, 1.-THE boys of Princeton were quietly
waiting for the wind to cease, and seemed ready 10
do their best for their Alma Mater. 30 were the
courteous collegians of Columbia, who all APP
pearcd in finest trim for the contest, though
very much disturbed in mind because the race
had not taken place in the morning when tue water
WAS admirably smooth. At half past four the repre-
seutatives of Harvard walking with quick. elastic
step and confident bearing. seemed well htted to
meet the high expectations of their admirers. Capt.
Goodwin declared that every one was in rugged
health. and that they look hopefully TO the race
At 4:ij the referee, William Wood the starter,
Commodore Brady, and Ferry and Thomas OF the
Regatta Committee. landed at the Columbia foat
from their little steamer The prospect for a race
seemed then of the poorest, the wind coming Ill
lively puff, and the water beingoverrun with waves
There was general exchange of expressions
of regret that the had not been rowed
i'm the smooth water OF the morning.
The referee and starter were very earnest
in lamenting the mistake. All the captains present
declared that they were very anxious to row to-
night even if IL were necessary To wait TIL sunset
for the wind to go down, but all were positive that
ia -i,,S, S,tnbr nUlNN fer
Then, after some time spent in lamentations over
the DELAY Harvard, Princeton and Columbia re-
turned to their shady resting places, and Mr.. Wood
walked away to consult the Wesleyan Captain. The
knotty farmer boys of MiddetOwn were foand sun
ming their broad backs in field back of the starting
lne A rugged crew they looked, bronzed and
toughcned with all manner of exposure and with
great store of strength aud staying power III their
tough half-naked bodies Capt. Eustas complained
bitterly of the delay of the race till afternoon ana
grumbled that il had ever been put OIL lie sald he
felt half sick having caught cold from the soaking
of the day before. Eusty urged that the race should
take place tonight, though very late, Dut sald
the men would be i'll poor condition after SO much
wearing delay, and row with empty stomachs
long after their usual supper time, would have been
very hard them. Eustls returned with the
referees for consultation of captains at the Column
ing beside their wagon to the shore where their boat
was They all had the look of soundest health
Can't. Cook was free in expressions of disgust
that the race was not already over by use or the
mornings At this time the wind was slowly
falling away and the Regatta Committee determined
10 give the signal for bringing together the crews
and at G:0j the cannon was fired. The signal was
twice repeated TO prevent mistake and hasten pre-
paratiOns. The waiting Oarsnen were startled 10
brisk activity; oars were oiled the bearings of
sliding seats were creased, the oarsmen stripped
and wound their colored handerchiefs about their
heads Many heart beat fast and many hahd
trebled in the work at the thought OF the expected
contest.
As the sun went down to the horizon edge, and its
almost level rays barred the broad lake with gold
the wind sank and only ripple disturbed the
water. Near the east shore the western part OF the
lake was still very rough and the Cornell crew were
only able TO get their shell across to the start
with great trouble and delay. At G:5j the Williams
crew come to the Columbia boat-house
and their boat was towed down. Ten
minutes later the Dartmouth crew arrived, and
their boat was in sight i'll tow. From the Columbia
boat the Trinity came across ana, WIN Yves
leyan and Yale. were on shore near the start. All
the crews were now on hand except Cornell anG IL
her BOAT had been on the east side the race might
have been begun in few moments; bnt IL was iar
of in the rough part of the lake, being slowly owed
across.
At ,0 the referee called together all the captains
who were about the Columbia boat-house. Har-
ward. Columbia. Dartmouth, Princeton, and Will
liams were represented. All showed the greatest
anxiety Ia have the race over as soon as possibl?
"A af f...s .lTfl h