The New York herald., 1877-10-17
OWEGO'S AQUATIC FESTIVAL.

GREAT CROWDS GATHERING TO WITNESS THE
RAcEs-THE PROFESSIONAL CONTEST COURT
NEY LOOKED UPON AS SURE WINNER.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD
OwEoo, N. Y Oct. 1s, 1877.
The city Is full of strangers, and many OF the hotols
are compelled to decline the patronage OF anxious
seekers for lodgings, while kilograms are fitting be.
tween tho telegraph oflces and popular hostalries
from out folks vainly endeavoring TO secure
accommodations Every train that arrives un.
burdens itself OF the enthusiastic admirers
OF aquatic sports. The chief interest is
centred In the professional between Courtney,
Riley ana Jonnson, although it may be reliably stated
that tho former is by reasoniof his acknowledged
periority his competitors practically out OF the
contest Riley observed incidentally this evening to
tho HERALD correspondent that he believed the man
was yet known In the profession that could beat
Union Springs champion. johnson stated In effect
the same; and, though thero are no inconsiderable
number of admirers OF the Saratoga contestant as
against Courtney for the championship honors IL Is
generally conceded that The spirit Of the race will be
between Riley and johnson.
HANLoS AND ROSS REPORTED EN- ROUTE.
telegram from Buffalo received this evening is to
tho effect that Hanlon and Ross are both their way
TO Owego TO enter the tomorrow afternoon The
despatch lacks confirmation.
POSITIONS
Courtneys position is the south side OF the Susque-
hanna next TO the grand stand. HIS colors blue,
universally adopted by the lovers Of the sport. Riley
takes the second place in the middle Of tho
white pcnnant, and johnson TO the extreme left
with cardinal red as a distinguishing chevron. Be-
tween Riley and Johnson there exists little feeling
as to the possible results. Riley not confident
while johnson bctrays his anxiety In vain attempt
to conceal IT,
THIS oARsMEx ON EXHIBITION.
Courtney and Johnson are domicicd at the Central
HOTEL The parlors and public rooms are crowded with
people from out OF town. Much the same may bo
saIa OF the surroundings OF the Globe where Riley
anil al na nf n
crowd
BETTING ON TIE REsuLr.
At the pool selling this evening the auctioneers
cried themselves hoarse IN the vain effort to obtain
bid on the field against Courtney at any Odds Per-
force Of the confidence in the leading choice he was
barred, and many pools were hen sold upon Riley and
johnson. There be said to be choice from the
bidding the one leading the other time and again IN
the sales.
The course Is one mile and return and rs such will
compare iavorably with any in the State. The grand
stand IS cominodious and affords clear view OF the
entire stretch.
AMATEUR RACE.
The amateur match will be contested between Mel
son B. Eldred, Of Auburn; A. NJ Laerty, of Watkins,
and Robert Larmon OF Union Springs, ono mile
the course and return. Their positions are the same
as indicated above IN one two three order, beginning
at tho grand stand The choice in pools Eldred,
superbly formed ard enthusiastic admirer OF tho
sport Every indication points IN this contest to .
great struggle II tho Efforts oi the men In practice
basis sufficient upon when to form an opinion.
THE GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS.
The iaciites are ample Tor conveyancc TO the scene
OF excitement out, unfortunately. there is no small
steamer speedy enough to keep company with the
contestants, and upon the best one at command the
referee expected to take his position and the be-
time capable milc eight 1t is
TO say that the HERALD representative has procured
other and more accurate means for ascertainng the
exact time and incidents OF tho races The referee
has not yet bceu decided upon Tho choice may fall
upon Mr. Meeker, OF New York city.
The weather Is unproplious. The water was 100
rough this evening Tor Practice and at this writing
the SKY threatens wet and windy morrow