New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-28
TILE INTERCOLLEGIATE REGATTA.
PRINCETON REMAINS.

PRINCETON REMAINS.
A LETTER FROM CAPT. NICOLL--wHY TIE ASSo-
CITATION SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AT LEAST
ANOTHER YEAR.
To tho Edifor OF The Tribune.
SIR Having noticed in your columns a query as
to whether any of the other colleges composing
the Intercollegiate Rowing Association would fol-
low tho example of Yale and Harvard We have
thought that an expression Of our views and an
nouncemcnt of the probable position Of Princeton
would not be amiSs Although, owing to the vaca-
ton there has been official action by Princeton.
yet what have to say expresses the sentiment Of
many Of our boating men, and will doubtless be
approved by the College. We are resolutey opposed
~ following the retreating footsteps OF Yale and
Harvard. On the contrary, every consideration of
duty and courtesy forbids us deserving the Inter
collegiate Association. Notwithstanding the very
natural wish to avoid the public gaze the part of
the seeding universities, and their horror of de-
grading this contest into spectacle ii will not
DO denied that tho regatta, as now con-
stituted. is a Clean respectable, and manly
method of competition, and not only to the
colcgians, but to many others, great
and attractive feature Of the Summer season. Next
year it will be doubly so. Next year every phase of
American life Will acquire increased Importance by
being submitted to the friendly criticism of all
foreign nations OF all years, that will be the one
when our greatest athletic contest should not be
marred by desertion among the contestants A
decent regard then, for public interest and proper
respect to the throngs of foreign visitors conpes us
las VIC had hoped it would compel every other
member of tho Rowing Association to sacrifice
individual preferences, and TO lend our aid toward
making tho '76 regatta memorable success.
Moreover the Intercollegiate Rowing Association
at its last convention invited the English univer-
sites to be present at the regatta of '76 and chal
lengcd them to race. How, i'll common courtesy, can
we unless the challenge be declined abandon OF III
any way impair the existence Of the Association,
whose invitation and challenge our English cousins
will probably accepts 1t is not ours 10 anmadVcrt
on the course pursued by Yale and Harvard. No
one disputes their right to withdraw. but the
Dropriety and courtesy Of it very questionable.
The necessity of preserving the Association for
,bia wear at least is so obvious that their
disregard of il has created suspicious which.
though possibly unjust were to be expected from a
course so eventful and untimely. Notwithstanding
their secession the intercollegiate Rowing Associa-
ton is likely to exist, and the time Of the winning
crew in the regatta Of 70 will not be longer because
Yale and Harvard axe rot among the contestants.
Their departure to be regretted, more because 1t
was the part Of duty and courtesy to remain, than
because their presence was formidable. 1t is to he
hoped that no other college will be led astray by
their example am, Sir, respectfully yours,
BENJAMIN NICOLI,
CAPTAIN Princeton University Boat Club.
C,leqe OF Ne,c,JcT,cy Princeton, " j., Dec p, 1879