Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-14

every commendable way. i firmly hold
the opinion that the popular love
of honest boat racing is just as powerful as it
ever was; but it is in a state of torpor at
present. An international race of impor-
tance would soon bring that feeling into
prominence with all its old fire and enthus-
iasm. 1t is also safe to say that if that old
feeling of admiration for sculling was again
to come into prominence there would soon
be large and promising stock of rowers.
The blood and muscle of the young athletes
of to-day are just as good and strong as were
those of the old-timers. All that is needed
is q potent revival Of the interest in boat
racing, and we'll soon have legion of scull-
ers, and probably some of them well able to
uphold the name and prestige of the United
States in matters aquatic.
$*$
About Searle's Challenge.
Searle hasn't issued his challenge yet, but
there is no reason to think that he will not
carry out his declared intention. There are,
however, one or two features worthy of note
connected with the Australians challenge.
1t is not unfair to ask why he couldn't come
to America and row. True he offers TO row
on neutral waters, but the latter are not so
neutral to him as to an American sculler.
In England races are rowed straightaway on
fast-howing current while in America, IT
the current is flowing the race is with
turn. The turn also holds good on lake
water. 1t can, therefore, be seen
that an American has somewhat the
worst of the change from his native
rivers to an English course. There are ex-
cellent courses in the United States, which
would be just as new to any of our cham
D,,A L. ,,,sl1
doubtedly, want to row a tour-mile race
straightaway. Here again an American
sculler must deviate considerably from Gus
tom. In this country the rule is three
mile race with a turn. However, hereto
fore it has been the rule to row worlds
championship scull races as Searle will
probably ask. OF course there was devia-
tion from this custom IN one of the races be-
tween Hamil and Kelly. The difference,
however, is an important"one, and it is a
pity that the leading conditions of a race
here are so different to recognized rule in
other countries. It is natural to expect
that Searle.will select English waters for
any race that he may take part in. By
rowing on the Thames or Tyne he will still
be under the SWAY of his native flag, and
consequently the English people will be as
enthusiastic about him as if he was 'true
born Englishman.
Who Will Row the AustraIians
The most important question connected
with Searle's trip is; Who will row him in
England for the championship He has
particularly mentioned Teemer and O'Con-
nor, but the likelihood of the latter at once
accepting is stronger than in Teemer's case
and it is reasonable to expect this. In the
first place O'Connor like Searle is a British
subject, and were he to row the Australian
on English waters the contest would simply
be like a contest between the mother coun-
try's children; it would certainly be fam
lily affair. Besides, O'Connor had almost re-
solved to visit Australia and tackle Searle
there and surely it would be easier for him
to 60 to London than to Sidney. O'Connor
is also in possession of the championship of
Canada and the United States. Teemer's
position at present is exceedingly different
to that of O'COnnor's. The former is now
negotiating for series OF races with Gau-
daur; he has also made engagements to row
in several contests weeks and months ahead.
This would seem to mean conclusively that
he couldn't go to England for long time to
come, except at a big financial loss. OF
course the Mckeesport sculler had no idea
OF Searle'S challenge when he made the en-
gagements. He has intimated that he will
be prepared to join in a sweepstake with
O'Connor and Searle and row In this coun-
try. A race in this country would GER
tainly be an interesting one, but 1 fear
Searle would object to row for champion
ship title in this way. Many of us can still
remember we'll the unpleasantness there re-
suited from the three-cornered race between
Kelly, Cooper and Chambers at Kings
Il
to get race when he lands, and everybody
of the fact All of us, certainly
are anxious to know what Searle'
merits are. Either Teemer or O'Connor
could prove this for US, and with that proven
we would have the key to the Australian
standard of sculling. I am one of those
people who think that the Australian
standard is not as high as it appears to be.
but so far we have nothing definite to prove
the assertion. Hanlan cannot be taken as a
criterion, because he is not the rover he was
a few years ago. But 1 tail to see why
Gaudaur will not have a hand in any con-
test that may take place or be arranged. St.
John, his backer, seems confident that he is
as good as anybody, and it is very likely
that he and Gaudaur will be matched short
ly. Despite the statements written by those
matters are progressing favorabIy toward a
match. st. John wrote me the other day to
the effect that some "Smart Alecs" are
crediting him with all kinds of stupid state
ments in the newspapers.
McAuliffe and Carney.
1t may be that we will have another in
ternational prize fight before the summer
comes and goes. After a comparatively
long silence Jack McAuliffe has definitely
made an offer to visit England and fight any
lightweight there for big stake and ex-
penses. Jem Carney, OF course, has at once
replied to the effect that he will be happy
to accommodate McAulife with battle for
$1,000 and allow reasonable expenses to
fight in Europe. The McAulife party at
last accounts are quite willing to cross the
Atlantic so that, to repeat the opening SEN
tence of this paragraph, it may be that we
will have another international fight.
Doubtless many will be surprised at the
resolve or intention of McAuliffe. For a
long time he, Dempsey and others declared
emphatically against going among the