Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-05-20
the HAnlon- COURTNEY RACE.
An Easy Victory for the Canadian
Oarsman.

NV YORK, May %, 245. The Telegram
has the following:
| WASHINGTON May 10.
Courtney was taken sick and 10 lying on
his back in room at the Riggs House, par
! tally unconscious. His attendants are work
ing hard to get him round. His sickness is
not known outside his room.
WASHINGTON. ID. c.. May 10. Blake has
issued the following bulletin this morning
relative to the prospects for a race -
Washington, A. NJ.
l have Just seen Hanlon and Courtney.
Hanlon told me he had pretty good nights
sleep and would be at the starting line
promptly at a this afternoon.
Courtney is still asleep, and although his
brother John was cooling his brow with
wet sponge, his head did not feel feverish to
my touch. He had not been restless in the
night and when last awake. left word that he
was TO he called at o'clock this afternoon
His advisers say he will positively be at the
starting line at l.! to-day. lhave instructed
Riley to be ready within call. so he may be at
the line if necessary at moments notice.
The surveyor has sworn that the course is 5
miles long. The weather is fine and all in
dica,ions point to a race.
(Signed) WM. BLAINE. Referee.
Washington, ! =. NJ, MAY 10
Courtney still continues indisposed, and
considerable anxiety is felt among those who
have confidently predicted his success. His
intimate friends and attendants, however. de-
clare he will positively start. The referee
has in;imated that he will postpone the race
till 6 =. NJ, at the request of Courtney's
friends. some of whom contend it might sac
riiice his life To start him in race during the
hottest part of the day. Mr.. Blake is now
making final inspection of the case and
upon his return the question of time of start
ing will be definitely settled. The reports
from Ilanlon's headquarters indicate he is all
right.
Las. At the request of both Hanlon and
Courtney the race has been postponed
The streets are filled with strangers.
Every incoming train brings large Numbers
to witness the boat-race. Numerous stands
are erected all along the river front, each ca.
pabe of seating from 200 to 5000 persons 1t
is estimated that 80, 900 will witness the race.
At IL A. NJ. referee Blaikie issued the fol-
lowing: "Word from both boat houses is
that everything is in readiness. and row ing
apparatus of both men is in perfect order"
Referring to the statement published in
New York that Courtney is living on his back
partially unconscious, Blaikie says ''Tha. is
all CANNON" One of Courtney's hackers,
and Soule, both of whom have Just left Court
ney's room, say he is now dressing for din
ner and will undoubtedly row the race at the
appointed hour.
2.4O. The general feeling now is that the
race will surely be rowed.
GEORGETOWN, ID. c., May 10, 40 p. NJ.
Wharves, stands and every available place
is crowded with spectators to view the
race. Shipping is covered with bunting
and crowded with people. Aqueduct bridge
has been crowded since o'clock this morn
ing. Every avenue of approach to the river
is lined with vehicles and pedestrians, hur-
rying to the course. Small crafts of every
description dot the river and crowded steam
ers are lying at various points along the
course. Ferry boats are busily engaged in
carrying passengers across to AnacOstan
Island, directly opposite Georgetown, where
large stands are erected for spectators.
At Us gun was fired notifying the men
to be at their posts at 80. At 30 Riley ar
rived at the starting point to take part in the
race, provided either contestant failed to
appear. At 80 gun fired for the men to
get ready. At 6.03 Hanlon and Courtney
came to take position. Fully 100000 peo-
pie collected to witness the race. Hanlon
won the toss and took the Virginia side. At
6. 10 the word go was given and both men
were off. Courtney took the lead Hanlon
went to the front before reaching the quarter
mile flag, and at the half-mile still led. Han
lon turned the stake boat first, long way
ahead of Courtney. On the third mile Han
lon was leading, but not much. At ! mile
from the finish IIanlon still led. At the
mile flag from the finish Courtney left the
course and rowetl to his boat house. Han
lon rowcd to the finish, in about 81 minutes.
A fb. q he first 4 vniIa
pulled at the rate of 30 strokes a minute,
while Hanlon timed Al. Before Court
ney pulled ten strokes however Hanlon over
hauled him and each succeeding stroke sent
his boat further to the fore. At 1 of mile
clear water could just be seen between the
boats. At this point Courtney turned to
look over his shoulder and evidently realized
he was beaten, as he suddenly dropped his
stroke to 80 and said to those on the referees
boat, who shouted to him to pull, at isn't in
me-" IIanlon also eased up and pulling
steadily at 81 opened the gap as he pleased.
All interest in the race was gone when Han
Ion reached the flag, fully ten lengths in
advance. At the first mile he was pulling 81
strokes and leading by fully - boat lengths,
Courtney laborng unsteadily at about 20 and
frequently casting desparing chances over
his shoulder. Soon after passing the mile
flag Courtney stopped rowing and removed
his handkerchief, dipped it in the water and
replaced it on his head, repeating the opera
ton half a dozen times during the next mile.
His steering, which at the start was fault
less, became more and more cratic and
three of the six flags from the half mile To
two mile point were either brushed by his
oars or run over directly by his boat
Courtney stopped his boat p miles from the
start, pulled leisurely back over the course