The New York herald., 1876-01-31
THE CENTENNIAL REGATTA.
NEW YoRK, Jan. %, 1876.

NEW YORK, Jan. %, 1875
To THE EDITOR THE HHRALD:-
1t requires no great amount OF boldness to predict
at this comparatively late day the success of the
ing Centennial Regatta TO be held upon the Schuylkil
next August, undertaking conceived nearly two
years since and which is silently but steadily being
pushed successul termination under the leadership
of Commodore Ferguson, backed up by the zeal and
resources OF the Schuylkill Navy
There is every to believe that the contest will
be rendered "internatonal' in its character by the
presence of the best amateur and professional crews
and scullers oil the United Kingdom.
Looking the field with the knowledge at our
command, there is every TO believe that the
honor of American Craftsmanship viii be fully upheld on
the part Of our amateurs by from such clubs
the Atalantas, Of New York; the Wah- -Wah-Sums, Of
Michigan; the Argonautas, OF New Jersey; the Du-
quesnes, of Pitsburg; the Mutuals and Beaverwycks
OF Albany, not TO speak of sundry other crews now
being organized at Newark Staten Island Har-
lem Washington, New Orleans and elsewhere
which mysteriously limited at as the ssdark
horse which is to sweep the field. While on the part
OF our professional oarsmen there is little doubt that
the efforts which contemplated being put forth by
such men Josh Ward, John Bigin, Evan Morris and
others will meet with the hearty cooperation of all
the way Of raising the necessary funds to enable them
to meet on equal terms the best oarsmen that will come
from abroad. Properly equipped ana with the money
necessary pay their training and travelling expenses
there need be fear but that professionals will
acquit themselves with credit
But turning TO that side Of the centennial Regatta ~
which chiefly interests a large number among us
viz, the Collegiate Racc' open to the world vague
feeling arises that may be disappointed in our hopes
OF witnessing international contest owing to
the seemingly divided councils prevailing this side
OF the water. Let US briefly review the case
The Rowing Association of American Colleges quite
recently challenge to Oxford Cambridge and Dub
lin TO here in July "a time when they can
not reach herel and race in sxoared shells "a sy 10
OF boat almost unknown IN England or reandl Now
If college boys realty desire contest how much
more polite and polite 1t would be to name a date
upstc fo bar.
from the effects OF the voyage and "get in cond-
uon'-say about the lst Of September; and II they
wish 10 cnch matters, TO modify their challenge to a
four-oared race, without coxswains style Of rowing
known 10 all boating men, and one which has become
the standard among all, college men alone excepted
One very important TACT has been overlooked in this
matter by the Rowing Association of American Col
legcs-vz, that the Centennial Regatta Committee of
Philadelphia year ago sent over an invitation by
their chel, in person, 10 Oxford Cambridge and
Dublin TO participate in the Collegiate race
TO be held upon the Schuylkll and to become their
guests and subsequent invitation from another body
even II from the Rowing Association Of American Col
legcs row Centennial race at different and I'M
practicable time and upon another course might look
like piece Of interference and to friends abroad
have the appearance OF such Of harmony on this
side OF the lead them decline both nvl-
tatonS-a result which every one here Interested In
boating would depore Cannot something be done ere
II be too late TO avoid such a probable resutS
will but just touch upon another point The fca-
ture Of the Centennial Regatta will undoubtedly be the
four Dared race open 10 crews from all regularly organ
ized boat clubs barring professionals which Will bring
together the best college and amateur crews
from both sides OF the waller. Would II not
DO asking too much OF our Oxford Cambridge
or Dublin friends TO cucumber themselves
IN crossing the ocean with double stock OF racing
boats-VA. SIX and four cared shells, which they
Will have 70 do, II they ceme at all and accept the
challenge Of our colleges to six-oared race The
only alternative would be for them TO stay out OF the
bg race IN ours where is proposed to bring col.
lege men and amateurs together and in which II they
WIN more glory viii be gained than IN any other race
10 DC rowed Tor hundred years TO come l trust that
wise counscs will prevail among those having these
matters IN charge and believing I do that all arc
Interested for tho best welfare Of the sport hope
none VIII be governed IN their actions by any in
huenccs but such will be calculated 10 bring honor
fame and renown 10 the vanquished as well As TO the
vctors who In the Centennial regatta will struggle for
the laurels OF victory. AMATEUR