The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1875-07-19
THE SCULLERS.
the Race Between Manton and Cor
cOran Saiurday-A Large Crowd
and Great INSTRUMENTATION the

ne morning UlOhS Si'uui anu sN4N
enng Saturday, and about nine the win
dows of Heaven were opened, the rain fell
and loud and deep were the mutterings OF
those most deeply interested. Before
noon. however the clouds broke, the sun
streamed in full radiaace from cloudless
skv. and although quite warm, the AIR
was pure and bracing, in TACT the climat-
IT, condition was the most favorable pos
sible. The water WAS as smooth as
mirror, bearir on its tranquil bosom
,h. reflection of the beautiful hills and
valleys Of the opposite shore. All ma
,ure seemed TO have conspired
to give the contestants n good
day and good track. Long
before there was any probility OF
the race beginning, thousands had as
scmbled on the bank securing the most
eligible positions to see the race and impa-
tiently awaiting the start. The river
was dotted with all descriptions of craft
from the dug-out John boat to the taper
shell. most of them anchored near the
starting point, others rowing about SEEM
iugly without motive.
At five o'clock the banks on the Viz
gnia side was solid mass Of humanity
cheering and shouting for the contestants,
who soon responded to the call, and got
in their shells, determined to swim or
bust a hame-string.'
No contestants supposed to be evenly
matched were ever in more striking con-
trast physically than these two; CorcOran
of large frame and heavy build gene;-
ally; Manton small and slender, but
wiry, and thirty pounds lighter than his
adversary-a David pitted against
Goliath; the easy victory
OF the "ancient little one" was hardly
more surprising than the later one.
Their styles of rowing were also striking
" different, Manton having the short
nervous stroke peculiar to Americans, by
no means graceful and looking as though
it might be very exhausting; but the
sequel proved that he could stand the
strain. Corcoran has very graceful
action, n long, sweeping, powerful stroke
and manner calculated to inspire con-
iidence.
All preparations having been made,
the boats took their positions, waiting for
the starting word Co.. which was given
to the men ut twenty minutes after five.
They cry from the crowd, "They are Off,
directed all eyes to the principals who
were now strainlng every nerve and
sihcw for victory. MAY the best man
win was the heartfelt wish of every
body.
At the start off Corcoran seemed to
have the advantage, but both men left
the line very nearly even and satisfactory
TO all parties concerned. Corcoran was
n lew feet ahead for a short distance, but
Manton in beautiful squirt, after rowing
about thirty yards, pulled ahead.
This, of course, was observed by the
crowd and the Nail City boys commenced
to otler bets lively on their man. Before
the start everybody seemed DESTROYS of
betting on Corcoran, and there were very
few,takers In fact the friends of Corcoran,
who was the favorite in betting circles,
offered S25 to Sl5 on their man without
takers. When it WAS seen that Manton
started off ahead the folks who were cry
ing Justify for bets on Corcoran subsidized
Immediately, and everything was quiet,
the spectators being especially interested
in the rowcrs. Manton kept about
two boat lengths ahead until the return
buoy was reached. In turning Corcoran
managed to gain on his opponent until
he nearly reached the centre of Manton's
boat. At Bcnson's Ferry the boats ran
together, but both men continued in their
struggle. Manton continued the lead
without any difficulty until
within about one-fourth of
u mile to the referees boat. when Corco-
ran with some heavy pulling, got nearly
up with him again. Manton soon pulled
away from his adversary, and in short
time left him way behind, coming at the
stake between three and four boat lengths
ahead, and winning the race in u
minutes and Ct seconds.
The crowd chcered immensely when it
was asccrtained that Manton won the
race, and everybody seemed satisfied
foul was claimed by Cocoran, but upon
investigation, Captain Travis, the
referee, decided in favor of
Manton, and it was generally conceded
he was entitled to the race, though on
the technical grounds we are not sutT-
GENTLY posted to state whether Corcoran's
claim of foul is justified or not The
judges were Messrs. VIM. Peters, Captain
I'd. KNOWLES, of the Nail City Club. and
Jas. McGronGgan and John Moore, of
the Hegner.
There was considerable betting on
the result of the race, and
the result not being satisfactory to the
hackers of Corcoran another race was
arranged Saturday night, to take place