The New York herald., 1875-10-02
AMATEUR ROWING.
THE AMENITIES THAT SHOULD CHARACTERIZE
NoN-PRoFEssIoNAL CONTESTS.
Nrw yopx Oct I 1874

THE AMENITIES THAT SHOULD CHARACTERIZE
NoN-PRoFEss1oNAL CONTESTS.
New YORK, Oct. l, 1875
To THE EDITOR HERALD
The fact is now almost universally recognized that
rowing rapidly becoming the national pastime Of
young Any question, therefore, affecting the
general interests OF our amateur cannot be
deemed unworthy Of attention.
Those who attain proficiency in the OF the oar
arc usually desrous to test their skill and strength
against others supposed TO be equally proficient, and
hence the numerous regatas and match held
during each rowing The successful asprants TO
the highest aquatic honors looked up with admir-
alton by the youth of the country, and the names
Of the clubs and colleges they represent are
familiar as household words II follows,
as a natural consequence that the example set by
our most prominent and successful clubs in all matters
appertaning rowing contests is likely have great
influence deciding the future status Of amateur
ing and is therefore, fairly subject to criticism by all
who are interested in the progress and develop
ment of this sport generally than in the fortunes OF any
particular club.
The rules or laws which govern athletic contests are
founded certain fixed principles the strict observ-
Of which is absolutely necessary to attract and
secure the approval and support Of the intelligent
classes in the community; while, on the other hand
only the immediate offenders but the sport itself into
disrepue. The most essential Of these principles are
mutual courtesy and good feeling between the
ants, modest acceptance Of the applause and
aures of victory, prompt and graceful acknowl-
edgmcnt OF honorable defeat and above all things,
special courtesy the part OF the victors toward
those who have struggled in vain tho coveted
distinction, Contests based upon the observance of
these principles are an honor to young men, win
ming for them the respect and goodwill OF the general
public, and render their regatas and other aquatic
unions occasions OF very enjoyable nature. Ii is,
therefore, with great regret have observed the OBJ
jectonabe pursued by Of the noted OF
our local rowing clubs during the past few weeks
refer to the Atalanta Boat Club the pride Of New
| York oarsmen. The brilliant victories achieved by
| their racing at Saratoga and Troy had
more than regained for this club tho
| prestige lost in previous years. but tmmedi-
ately after they had their second VIC
tory they challenged the Argonauta crew (Which had
just been defeated for second time within veekl TO
match the course or the latter regardless of
the fact that tho Argonautas appeared 70 be totally
prepared to meet them equal terms. The only iustl-
1 ncat0n Of this action which they offered was the
technical plea that their club had suffered defeat from
the Argonauta year before and they had
the right 10 their revenge challenge Issued AT
such time and under such circumstances was gricv.
error for II IN direct opposition 10 the ieeang
Of generosity and consideration which the victor should
always show the yenQnished, and especially SO in
this nstance the atter openly Acknowledged their
defeats with becoming irnnkness
In week from tha daLa of The challenge tho race