Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-09-16
THE BOAT RACE DECISION.
Some Plain Reasons Why the Race Should
be Rowed Over Hamm's Illegal
Action on the COurse-Re.
rL Ahnuf CnrnRrs.


marks About Carpers.
Probably one of the most unsatisfactory
sporting events that has taken place in this
locality for very long time is the Teemer-
Gaudaur boat race. The event was one of the
leading affairs of the week. and directly con-
Germs myself, inasmuch as was called upon to
perform duty that was as distasteful as it
was thankless. 1t was one of the most un-
fortunate events that l have been interested
in, and doubtless it will have a very dampen-
ing effect OH professional boat rowing in
this locality. 1t will have this effect because
many people will not for one moment stop to
argue conscientiously all the features and
outs and inns of the question. Or course
am well aware that numerous people are of
opinion that on Friday Teemer was beaten by
better man than himself. Granting this, how
ever, does not at all affect the reasons for the
decision that the race be rowed over. Like
other events of the kinds the race was under
very rigid and clear code of rules The Teemer
party claimed that these rules had been vio-
lated, and urged that Gaudaur's arrival first at
the winning end was the result OF violation
of the rules under which the race was being
rowed. This claim or objection narrowed The
matter down. not to a question of merit. but to
a question of whether or not Teemer had been
interfered with or that Gaudaur had received
an undue advantage in any way Ieemer sat
urday afternoon claimed that Hamm. Gau-
daurs trainer, had interfered with him; in
fact, had broken his boat; and he further
claimed that Hamm was on the course tor the
purpose of coaching Gaudaur. In word, the
first objection was overruled at once. because
as referee, l absolutely failed to see at any
time where Hamm's boat interfered with
Teemer's. The second objection, however, was
stronger, and had sufficient force to warrant
the decision made. After the race I asked
Hamm pointedly at Mckeesport what he was
doing on the course. Here's what he said: Il
was there to protect Gaudaur and keep him
from striking any snags." This admission,
which was heard by everybody in the room,
meant that he was absolutely violating rule
and one of the most prominent. Here is the
rule. 1t is rule l6 of the code under whlch the
race was rowed: mo boat shall be allowed to
accompany a competitor for the purpose of
directing his course or afording him other
assistance. The boat receiving such direction
or assistance shall be disqualified at the discre-
tion of the umpire"
Hamm's Admission.
Now fail to see how any man who can read
or understand English can fail to perceive how
Hamm's admission and the rule can be recon
ciled. If guiding man clear of snags is not
assisting him or plotting him, l fail entirely TO
understand the English language. ST. John,
who is undoubtedly one of the most honorable
and clear-headed gentlemen that have known
in boat-rowing affairs. argued that though
Hamm was on the river for that purpose, he
did not carry out his intention. This, in my way
of thinking, is not sufficient answer. Hamm
says he was there for that purpose, and he was
uncomfortably near the rowers, and when he
went out to perform the mission, which he ad-
mits, he could do it in hundred
ways not ,discernible to the uninitiated
see why Hamm had any reason, outside of car
rying out his acknowledged intentions, to be
rowing from side to side ahead of the roWers
and within very short distance OF them.
Briefly, that is one reason for the decision. An
other is that every steamer accompanying the
race, except the referees boat was ahead OF
Teemer long before the race was finished. 1
submit that was an interference. The disgrace
full conduct of the Mcdowell and the Dauntless
not only interfered with the sternmost man,
but shut out the referee from the race for a
to protection as far as the application of the
rules are concerned, and at all hazards the |
rules were applied irrespective of the merits OF
the men. Rules are rules with me on all oc- |
casions. and Hamm has only himself to blame |
for the very unfortunate termination of the
race. On many occasions Mr. St. John has |
urged that nobody should be on the course but |
the rowers, and if Hamm was not on the water
and in close company with the rowers, in the
interests of his charge, Gaudaur, fal to see \
why he was there at all. |
The Little kickers.
IL is amusing TO Hnu IN events Oh GnlS KIM Lne /
various kind of kickers. After tile decision |
was made 1 met a gentleman who was |
awfully wild and making considerable noise
about the honesty OF sports. He very emphat-
ically stated that the affair would ruin rowing
here and intimated that the decision was worse
than "rotten." l discovered that our friend |
had been betting on the race and had backed
Gaudaur. But the same gentleman few days
previously had stated that the whole "busineSS |
was fixed" and accordingly he was betting be-
cause of information received" AS rule |
have found that these tremendous kickers,
who claim to have the dignity and honesty of
any particular sport at heart, are people who
never hesitate to participate in all the 'fXed'
affairs that they connect themselves with.
have done with the race and only regret that
Mr. st. John did not resolve to row the race |
again on a course where he could rely on all
the fairness and protection necessary. am
assailed by many who have not the
remotest idea of boat racing rules. and
who know as much about a boat race as an
elephant knows about hornpipe dancing Others
will assail it because of feelings of envy, com.
Dined with the hope of throwing discredit on
myself and the work in which I am engaged.
Certainly, l anticipate much personal abuse
from carpers who have no knowledge of the
facts of the case. The intelligent public, how
ever, will distinguish between abuse and argu-
nent firmly believe that my decision was
light, and that 1t protected the public, and 1 |
I'm happy to say that such prominent and trust
worthy authorities as H. M. Long ATTORNEY
frank Gutfy, John Staley, John Newell, James
Caylor-in short, all the leading local authori-
les indorse my view of the matter. In all earn
stness say that l would make the same de- |
ision tomorrow under the same circum-
tances Above all, none of us should forget
hat in matters of this kind the public is to be |
Iwould like to ask those carpers if |
had ignored the rules and the case had gone |
o court would they have paid my costs in
oslng case? PRINGLE. |
THE GRAND CIRCUIT.