Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-22

Try IHB DISPATCH pointed out that the title
left by Searle belonged to nobody until it was
contended for, and most assuredly this is .
fact think the preponderance of opinion
among sporting authorities is on this side; in
deed cannot see how anyone can, with any
degree of reason, contend otherwise. There is
no champion sculler of the world to-day. That
part Of the question is conclusive, and the
best be contended fort
How to Settle 1t.
1 will not be surprised If Stansbury the Aus
tralian, lays definite claim to the title or de-
mands that American scullers or anyone who
desires to contest for the title 90 to Australia
and row, am free to admit that at first sight
Stansbury has some little claim to the first
honors because he not only routed Searle, but
he had challenge issued to row Searle just be-
fore the latter died. This challenge is certainly
Stansbury's strongest claim. but it most assur-
edly does not entitIe him to the honor of the
champion sculler of the world. The fact re-
mains he must row for it because there were
one or two others who were willing TO row
Searle when stansoury issued his last chal-
heard from definitely it is difficult to say what
their views of the matter are. So far the talk
ing has been done by 0'Connor, Hanlan and
Teemer. The two last named suggest a sweep
stake contest and Teemer suggests second
course, viz, regatta similar to the Hop Bit
tiers affair which took place on the Thames En-
two in a heat, and it took few days to end the
contest Mr.. Thayer of Boston, has come to
the front with an offer of 5000 for regatta
similar to the above. Hanlan seems to cling
declared that he will be = ready to
row anybody next spring Now both the plans
suggested or supported by Teemer and Hanlsn
look very well on paper, but think that past
experience has proven that they are faulty
methods in determining champion. have
never believed contesting for the absolute
n1nr amin in 0f fha rln mr. in
a regatta or a big sweepstake. The sweep
stake between Chambers, Kelly and Cooper
years ago was very unsatisfactory one But
my great objection is that there are too many
races to be rowed in rapid succession. and this
may give some of the contestants an undue ad-
vantage over the others.
O'CouuOr's Plan.
L am forced to the conclusion that William
O'Connor has gone about the matter in the
most business like way. BE has followed the
example OF Joseph h. Sadler when James Rem
forth died so suddenly. When Renforth and
Sadler issued challenge to row any man for
the title. nobody responded within a reasonable
time, and Sadler became the recognized cham
pion. BagnaIl subsequently tackled him but
was badly beaten. Well, there wasample rea-
son for Sadler being allowed the title if for
nothing more than his challenge was unac-
cepted. O'Connor to some extent has acted
similarly. he was first in the field with def
mite challenge, after the death of Searle, to
row anybody in the world for the champion
ship We cannot reasonably deem Stansbury's
challenge to Searle, just before the latter died.
pertinent to this issue, because then there was
champion, now there is none. O'Connors
challenge is in keeping with the best Gus
toms Of professional aquatics He comes to the
front and says: Now here is the title lying
unclaimed, and I'll row anybody in the
world for it under any reasonable condition"
This is a business way of doing things, and
O'Connor's standing is such that his challenge
cannot under any circumstances be ignored
If it is not accepted within a reasonable time
would say let him, as in tbe case of Sadler. be
deemed champion. 1t may be said that several
persons would like to contend for it, but this
lenge. The first to accept will be the first TO
row, and if O'Connor is beaten why certainly
his vanquisher will give other aspirants try
within a reasonable time. really think
those who decline to make bona fde match
with him are simply aiding HIM to the owner
ship of a title without rowing for it.
Horse Racing Prophets.
There are many interesting features about
horse racing. but few are more SO than that re-
lating to the prophets" or ''tipsters." Pro-
viding all events are honest, betting is founded
On the science of probabilities; but the modern
'ripster" has become a very important factor
in that science, or at least in the business. To
get 'np" from some unknown man who ''fol.
lows the runners day in and day out." !" sends
the majority of obscure turf investors to the
seventh degree of delight. And it need not,
therefore, be surprising that very large
amount of money finds its way to these
prophets" 1 certainly am not opposed to
turf tipsters, but what l want to point
out is that they are not such q paying
investment as themajority OF the public seem
TO think either in this country in Europe.
In England what is called Bdtty'S list of turf |
prophecies is published everTyear, apd it gives
a faithful return relative TO when the leading |
prophets" have been right and when they |
have been wrong. He takes 16 prophets" and |
20 leading events and not one has scored quite |
half, nine being the top figure of sure propne- |
cies. All the l6 were wrong on the Czarowitz |
and Cambridgeshire handicap. The majority |
of true tips were on sure" things and there |
fore the horses were exceedingly hot favorites. |
The best picking of the year was made by 2 of |
the Is who pumped for Dog Rose, a 100 TO 7 |
shot. The above is interesting because a simi- |
lar state of things exist in this country, and is
becoming more fashionable every season.
They Know Something.
1t must not be imagined that these prophets" |
don't know very much. They know more than |
the public and an English authority, comment
ing on Bditys list, says:
Taking them collectively, they know about all |
that is to be known. They are constantly among