Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-10-04
The Great Boat Race.

The Eve miles international sculling race. at
Lachfne, Canada, between Edward Hanlon OF
Canada, and ChaS T.. Courtney, of New York
took place yesterday, and after a close and ex-
citing contest HanlOn won by a length and
quarter in 5tm. 222s. Hanlon is is of Irish de
scent, and was born in Toronto in lS15. In
lS74 he won the championship of Burlington
Bay as a sculer, since which he has Won much
reputation as an oarsman, his last victory,
previous 10 yesterday, being over Ross, In July
last. in Kennebecaris river, ST. John, n. b.
HanlOn is feet s inches in height, and weighs
in condition, l52 pounds: Courtney was born
inch high, and weighs, in condition, about l70
pounds. As professional oarsman he has
scored, up to yesterday, eighteen victories out
OF twenty races.
PARTICULARS OF THE CONTEST.
Sheriff Harding formally announced to the
Judges appointed by the contestants that he
intended TO have the race run and would call
sSous apS asr
some little time, during which Hanlon and
Courtney were notified, the steamer proceeded
from the dock to point near the contestants
quarters, where the signals to come out were
given: They were obeyed with alacrity, the
Canadian champion being the first to make
his appearance. He wore blue shirt aud red
trimming. having on his head red cap. He
was followed without delay by his antagonist,
who had On white shirt with blue star on
The breast, and sky blue cap. Both men, as
heartily cheersd by the people ON the stands
and barges Cn the river. AS they approached
the press steamer they were eagerly scrutin-
lied. There was a striking contrast between
the men: Hanlon was fair. with a clear, bright
skin, while Courtney was dark and tawny as
an aborigine. They were both in splendid
their arms ard legs like huge knots. With
considerable deXterity they wheeled their
boats into line. the latter being Immediately
saken hd ho!d OF and held by the parties stationed
delay occurred while the Judges barre
was being plSesd in position, after which the
referee askedlf allWere ready. "Aye"t'ayer
having been answered by the aquatic heroes,
the signal go was given at 4:56. The men
dipped their sculls together and sent their
shells forward; with terrific force; Hanion
making 81 and Courtney 3 strokes to tue
minute. They appeared 30 be taking il easily
for the first half mile. Up to the first half
mile buoy no peIceptible difference could be
diScerned. The men were pulling a slow aud
steady stroke, Courtney especially SO. Their
style of rowing was somewhat similar, the
american being little jerky, as compared
Before reaching the half mile signal boat Han
Ion drove the nose of his craft in advance OF
COurtney's she'll He maintained this position
until he passed, when the red flag went up,
indicating Hanlon's supremacy SO Ear. Cheers
from the Canadians on the press steamer
greeted the appearance of their faVorite's
celoTs. The next half mile was repetition
of the first, Hanlon making some beautiful
and effective sweeps with his SculiS, and
still maintaining the lead. The mile was
done in ! minutes. Passing into the
rather more ru1ied, in consequence of which
10th men steered for the lee of Isle Courcelles.
When close TO the land and in calm water,
Courtney made determined effort to over
haul his opponent, and succeeding, drew in
advance, placing at least boat length of day
light between him and Hanlon. The latter
had eaSed off to about twenty five strokes TO
the minute, while Courtney made 81 in long,
slow strokes. They competed for some dis
tance, Courtney Slightly Increasing his add
vantage. Rain now began to fail briskly but
did moi last more than few minutes, when it
cared of as the contestants passed the small
speck OF land called Dizie'S Island They
were again neck and neck in the race, but on
approaching the two mile signal boats Hanlon
drew TO the front and passed about a length
and a-half ahead. Time OF second mile, nine
minutes. AT Isle DOrval Courtney rowed a
tremendous stroke, steering straight for his
turn buoy, put having diverged very much by
getting under the lee of the island, II inon
obtained q Slight advantage and drew almost
imrreceptibly ahead turning his sounding
buoy in Il minutes - second from the start
Courtney only about seconds behind. Both
men lay 10 their oars and with any amount Of
VIM Sir0ye TO obtain an advantage, but unsuc-
ceSSfully. Hanlon won III 36m. 22S