Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-08-06
THE BOAT RACES.

THE BOAT RACES.
These, of course, were the feature of the
day. Quite number of oarsmen of national
reputation were advertised to compete, and
the vast crowd of spectators were on the
oui rire to see the famous rowers. The lit
tie steam launch ''Messalon>kee" was char
tered as referee and press boat, and answered
the purpose quite well. although the eager
scribes on board momentarly expected
ducking as the craft lurched from side to side.
Mr.. John Kennedy of Portland, acted as
referee and starter, assisted by Mr.. Davis the
oarsman. Messrs. f. Driscoll and F. A.
Warren were the judges at the lower stake
The prizes were quite generous. In the pro-
fessional scullers' race they aggregated s225,
divided 800 to first $50 to second; $40
to third; S25 to fourth. In the professional
four cared race they amounted to S265, divid-
ed $50 to first; S75 to second; $40 to third.
For the amateur scullers' race three prizes
were given,-the most valuable being an ele-
CANT gold watch. Other cash prizes of less
amount were awarded to the winners Of the
other races.
AMATEUR SINGLE ScULL RACE.
When the hour for starting approached the
scene from the referees boat was very excit-
ing. For quarter of a mile up and down
the Lake the shore was packed with humani-
ty Flags idly dropped on the poles, and II
score Of row boats laden to the waters edge,
were freighted with Humanity. The Band
was discoursing music. Around the boat
house there vast black mass of human
beings. The Lake was in fine condition A
refreshing breeze tempered the heat, and
kicked up little catspaws on the water. The
day was just superb. Bang" goes the gun
from the steam launch 'Annie." rever-
berating all up and down the wooded shores
of the Lake. The men begin to get in line.
The first in order was the Amateur Scullers
Race and the men began to draw for position.
Murphy of Norwich, Conn, drew one; Buck
lev of Portland two Holmes of Pawtucket
three, and Powers of Bath four. Murphy
did not row; and the men moved up into line
Stevens of Bath was excluded from this race,
it being alleged that he had hitherto rowed in
professional races.
Gentlemen. are YOU ready:" Mr.. Davis
voice rings out clear and loud from the ref
erees' boat. a moment later comes the well
come word eco" and hoarse shout peaiS
out from the threats of ten thousand people
The men kept together at first, and then
Holmes and Buckley forged little ahead,
leaving Powers in the rear. On the first half
mile Holmes was pulling sc strokes a
minute, and Buckley 40. Then Holmes
slowly began to lead. and passed the turning
buoy about two lengths in advance of Buck
lev The latter made splendid turn, and
reduced his opponents lead. Powers was
way behind. but pluckily pulled on. From
the referees boat, one could see by the wash
of the oars that on the return Holmes was
little in advance, pulling "a strokes minute,
to Buckley's 81. As they came IN sight OF
the crowd, tumultuous roar welcomed
them. Holmes shot under the wire about
three lengths in advance of Buckley. Time
22.45. $3.50 ANY complaints asked
Manager Davis '.No; he rowed too fast
for me-" said Buckley good-naturedly. The
race was very pretty and interesting.
PROFESSIONAL Four DARED RACE.
There were four entries to this contest
and positions were drawn as follows; Con
we'll and O'Brien, Portland, one; West End
Eour Rostop, two: Columbus. East B"s-
tor three. Everetts. East Boston, four;
Cn,.rpr;se Lynn, five. The crews were
n'ado nm of hare armed, stalwart looking fell
iows Who rot the word of starting after con-
siderable scoring. On the first quarter Tue
Enterprise and Everetts fonled, forcing me
former crew out of its course almost On '''e
bowever and kept steadily on. The west
End crew reached the turning buoy nrst
One could see Hosmers broad back, clad IN
a blue shirt, move up and down IKE the
walking beam on a steamer, as ne oe",
To the stroke. The Columbus turned
second, and the Conwell and OBrien came
last. They were pulling an easy stroke. anu
evidently realized that they were out OF the
race. The first money in this race was taken
by the West End; the second by the 1"i
umbias, with the Enterprise, Conweil anu
0'Brien, and Everctt's last. The Everett
claimed "foul," but the referee decideu ,ha'
they were at fault and did not ADMIT ''''ii
claim. Time. 1924; l9.4oa; is.ooa'
BArrEAU RACES.
But three boat entered for this race. they
were the s.Maid of Erin" Bangor; the Ha"
ford" Bangor: and the Tempest OF Lew
iston. The latter craft was of such a heaVy
and antiouated pattern that it was thousn'
best to allow it forty seconds START out ''es
might have allowed it five minutes so Ia, as
winning was concerned Inc Maiu y,
Erin" took the lead almost at the nrst, anu
held it throughout. coming IN al tne cioss
buoy one-eighth of mile ahead OF the san
ford" AWAY off in the distance could ne
dimly discerned the laggard Tempest.
INDIAN CANOE RACE.
The mile dash by the untutored children
of the forest who pursue the painting uner
and make baskets on the islands OF inc c
nobscot was very interesting 10. tne poo,
Indian paddles birch bark canoe WIN an
the grace and ease of his NOBLE ahces'o,s ;.
Four boats were entered, each manned oy
two brawny aborigines. This race eiicited
much cheering and applause from the spee'a-
toys nm tho hsnks They kept well together