The Washington critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1885-1888, 1885-08-15
msTRAIGHT" OARsMEN.
The washingtons indicated on the
Evidence of Their Accusers

The joint regatta committee met last
night at the Columbia Club rooms to
hear the evidence in support OF the
charges against the Washington club.
1t was the express wish that the pro-
ceedlngs should not be given to the
papers, though the accused Washing
tons wished the utmost publicity.
without giving out the actual proceed
ings it is sufficient to say that the
charges were totally unsupported by
evidence, and the investigation assumed
such farcical hue that without waiting
to hear the defense the committee
unanimously voted the charges not sus-
tanned and admitted the new club.
The witnesses who appeared before
the committee are largely responsible
for the ugly rumors concerning the
Washington Club which have been
alloat for the past six weeks. That
their own evidence must have proven to
them the hollowness of the rumors Is
beyond question. That it should teacb
them and others II lesson is to be de.
sired. On mere hearsay evidence, VIII
o. the Wisp, Jack o. Lantern sort Of
suspicion, the Washington Club has
been the subject Of base criticism in the
newspapers and on the street corners
for the past six weeks. Its members
have felt that each shaft aimed at the
club was aimed at each individual mem
her. They have smarted under the in.
justice, and have felt honest indignation
and scorn for the instigators Of the
abuse.
Not until last night were they per-
United to face their accusers. 1t is not
the purpose Of the Washingtons to
accuse these men of malice. They no
doubt acted from honest convictions.
Too much dishonesty has been charged
already. But they are al old boating
men, and all members of rival club.
These two things alone should have
made them doubly cautious, not to lay
themselves open to Critisism. While
the Washingtons are still smarting
under the injustice done them, still it Is
their desire to bury and forget, as far as
possible, all the unplcasantness that has
occurred, and to join with hearty will,
with the other clubs, in making the
Potomac Regatta the most successful
ever held on the river.
The Columbias tell funny incident
in connection with. the four cared race
at Boston. Last year Harry Garfield,
president of the National Association,
was referee. When he said, "Are you
ready" In the four-oared race, the Co
lumbias started Off. He c.lled them
back and gave them talking TO. This
year they determined not to be caught.
Referee Shaw gave the words, "Are
you ready?" but the Columbus waited
for the word "go.' 1t did not CT me,
and finding all the other crews had
started, they ST. uck in at the tail end
OF the line.
The Columbus say that the Crescent
eight is much faster crew than they
had any idea Of.
One Of the daily papers, in its report
OF the Boston regatta, made it appear
that the Crescents accused the Column
bias of stealing the race from them. 1t
was not the case at all. The Columbus
r0wed magnificent race, and won in
handsome style. The Crescents won
the double sCull race, but were ordered
TO row it over, because the Albany
crew was interlcred with. They refused
to do so, and the Albanys were given
the race. This was the race they kicked
at losing, aud not the Fights.
The Washington senior crew leave
tonight on the Lady of the Lake, for
Fortress Monroe, to pan tcipate in the
regatta Of next week. Mr.. Alfred
Wood, ageut of the Inland aud Sea-
board Coasting Company, has made II
handsome reduction in rates.
Turf Tips.
For the races at Monmouth to-day,
The CRITIC tips are: First race,
Duplex or Panique; second race, In.
spector b or Salisbury; third race, Lord
BeacOnslield or Julietta Colt; fourth
race, Blast or Clonmel; fifth race,
Richard l. or Judge Griffith; sixth race,
Bart Warren or Detective.
Baseball.
Below will be found the standing of
the clubs in the several leagues: