New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-24
THE MONTREAL CARNIV4L
SPORTS OF THE OPENING DAY.

SPORTS OF THE OPENING DAY.
THE CITY CRowDED-FINE wEATHER-THE GAMES
AND PROFESSIONS.
MONTREAL, Jan. 23-Montreal has never proba-
bly, been invaded TO the same extent as at present
by strangers from all parts of the United States and
Canada who have taken up their quarters hero Tor
the grand 'rnva week. There is little more than
standing room in the hotels for guests, while the
private DIV ellings which have been thrown open are
full of visitors who are unable to obtain accommo-
dation elsewhere. The weather for the opening
dav was all that could be desired for
Canadian winter sports, and the outlook for Its
continuance Is highly encouraging. The gay
tournament is now fairly begun. although the moro
formal opening ceremonies will not occur until to-
morrow.
The annual excursion of the Contractors Society.
although not strictly on the programme. was the
first incident this morning to draw the people out.
In the procession which proceeded to the country
for a drive there were about 200 well-appointed
sleighs, handsomely decorated and drawn mostly
by four horses each. After dinner at q hotel ten
miles distant the company returned in the after
noon and made grand entry into the city.
The next enlivening feature furnished by the
students Of tho universities, as well as OF
the senior colleges, who turned ont and
marched through the streets singing their inspiring
songs and catches. French martial refrains with
the Marseillaise occasionally introduced, were de-
cided novelty to American visitors, who scarcely
expected to hear in this English city so many
hundred youths singing IN foreign tongue.
The first event in order on the programme was
grand curling bOnspel. in which tho sons Of Aud
Reekicp revel. A large number of spectators were
attracted TO the INKS, which are situated In one OF
the basins IN tho harOor, and although the biting
wind sweeping on the ice-bound st. Lawrence was
aNf ed AZ h
Ing tho play with intense interest IL was an
exhibition of endurance which nothing but an en-
The assembly of curriers' is the largest and fnest
ever collected III the Dominion. In addition to all
OF the principal clubs OF Canada, many OF those of
the Eastern States present. The following clubs
opened the bonsplel;
lron-paying cubs-BelevIle against the Mon
trell fhisiles; Sherbr1oke against hree Rivers
Carlton against ArDpriOT; ST. Johns, Que. against
Ottawa; Pembroke against Montreal Calodonian
Quebec against ReniIew-Montreal q bye.
Stone-plsying ciubs-BOwmanyllle against Pater-
son. \. j.; Toronto against hamilton; Port Hope
against Burns Club of OgdenNburg; 81 Andrews
OF NewYOrk. against Pictou. y. =; Chatham, " H.,
against Truro y =; Toronto Granite against Lind
say; Onlia against BI0ckviie; Thistle, of ~.
John, y. b., against Thistle, OF New-lorh-Hailtax
bye
The ice was IN excellent condition and under
such favorable circumstances the cOmba auts, most
of whom were veteran players. entered into the
sport with enthusiasm. The most vigorous aud
hotley contested match was that between those old
opponents. the Toronto Granite Club and the Lind
say Club. The latter won. Another vigorous con-
test occurred between the Toronto aud Hamilton
Clubs, two OF the most distinguished In Canada
The latter came out victorious. The other matches
will he continued tomorrow aud Oh Thursday.
The opening of the new tObOgganlng track On tho
Cote de Neiges Hill TOOK place late in the afternoon
when thousands Of spectators ard participants
weTo on the ground. The newly formed line gave
great satisfaction, being 80 well constructed aud
sale that no danger Is apprehended.
IhOevenlngs proceedings on Mount Royal were the
most picturesque OF all. IObOgganing WAS formally
begun on the new track under the IuOst gorgeous
ing ever seen here. Nahegated lamps alter
mated with electric lights, illumined the whole face
of the country. The one long TO De
mrmbered. Although tObogganing has an element
o. danger IN it, no accidon happened. The closing
sport Of the first day the skating races We
tona Rink They drew well and some astonishing
feats on the Ice were performed.