Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-08-04
SPORTING.
TEEMER WINS.
The Mckeesport Wonder Lays cut the
~. John Man.


NEw YoRK. Aug. >.
One Of the greatest boat races ever wit
messed was rowed on Long Island Sound. OF
Oak Point, this evening IN the presence OF
about 5000 spectators. Ii was also one of
the most remarkable of aquatic events ever
rowed under the national association rules
Wallace Ross and John reemer were matched
several weeks ago TO row four mile race for
$1,000 = side. and il was also agreed that anv
benefits accruing from admissions 10 Oak
on the day of the race should be given, one
third To the proprietors Of the grounds and
the balance to osrsmen, the two-thirds 10 be
given Ross and Teemer, to be divided in
such a way as to secure to the winner two
thirds and the loser one third. Chafing un-
der his defeat of a week ago at Calais
Teemer arrived At Oak Point determined that
he would not lose another race by failure TO
study the currents and eddies and, although
he mastered the tidal advantages and disad-
vantages of the sound, he was advised 70
follow his competitor, Ross, over the course
until he knew he had him safely in hand
Hon. Bernar Biglin, was designated "a act as
referee. The betting few davs ago was
made at the rate of Sl00 to $50 in the favor
of Ross. but this forenoon is was even. and
there was plenty of money at the Teemer end
u
of Mr., Saulson, Teemers backer, being a
delegation of Bostonians who have followed al
the races in which the McKeesport wonder
has engaged this season, and consequently
know what estimate to nut upon him,
The referees boat backed up in line with
the single shells. and about o'clock the
men eagerly awaited the word. The course
was directly across the sound from Oak Point
passing South and North Brothers islands.
crossing the line of travel of the big steamers.
and SO on a mile aud q quarter farther To the
turning stakes then in as direct line as
possible 10 the point of starting. Mr.. Bislin
was surprised TO see the men shoot away
when he asked them: Are voi readvY" but
as thev dug into the water simultaneously, he
did not call them back, but gave the word
go" as they were taking their second stroke
With the impetuosity of his years, Tee.
mer at once shot to the front, and
was a few feet ahead after he had taken six
strokes Following instructions. he then
slowed dewn a little, and Ross took the lead,
and AT an eighth of mile was half a length
ahead Neither man was doing his hardest
rowing. however, and every little while they
watched each other closely. Ross drew
away to a good length at half a mile. but
Teemer was holding him, and had not vet
spurted since Just after starting. Ross had
made a spurt at the first island aud still had
plenty of 20 in him. $50 in Wallace; YOU
have him sure .""Hurrah he's done already, A"
was cried from the press boat. Between the
two islands Ross was leading by three. quar-
ers of length. Just bevond the second is
land, when three-auarters of n mile had Leen
finished, Teemer looked over his right
shoulder, and, taking a firmer grin on the
water, he cimed right up on Ross. About
the same time both men pulled into the
swash of a passing steamer, and Ross mf-
fered most from il. losing on that account
about half length. When the men were
going steady again, their boats were about
even, and they were both squirting. The
struggle resulted in Teemer getting n lead
of half a length. A mile and a half was fin.
i.he1 and Tecmcr vas leading by half a
length. and rowing 80 strokes a minute,
weile Ross rowing little faster stroke. A
quarter of mile farther on, Teemer led by
a length, and then began a great struggle for
the honor of first reaching the turning stake
Teemer made the first turn, and " hen he had
squared away for home was three lengths to
the good. For quarter of a mile from the
turn the race was interesting, and Teemer
appeared to be holding Ross without a great
deal of effort Just then. however. Teemer
caught crab and unshipped his right oar.
lie backed it as quickly as possible. and got
under way, but Ross by that time got 10 with.
in length and three-quarters of him. and
the race once more assumed an interesting
aspect. Spectators on the boats following