The morning call., 1890-08-16
OARSMAN O'CONNOR.
Explanation of His Defeat by
Stansbury.

The defeat of William OConnor, the
Canadian oarsman, by Stansbury, the Aus
stralian, was not much of surprise to the
aquatic fraternity of this city, who expected
it on account of the close finish which
Stansbury gave Searle before the latter
sailed from the Antipodes to England to
row the American and Canadian champion.
The accounts OF the race as reported in
the Australian papers have already been
published here, but the following letter
from OConnor TO the Toronto Empire
proves that the Canadian was fairly out
rowed
race between Stansbury and myself long before
this, but thought you would like to hear some
thing further about 1t from me. foul took
place on the first occasion, and we rowed the
race a second time in consequence. On Monday,
June 23d, when We rowed the first race, It was
very rough day and blowing very strong from
the southwest L won tue TOSS and TOOK the
southern shore.
After the start he kept very close to me. and
kept crowding me toward the rocks, and by the
time we were at Uhrs Point was almost high
and dry on The land, and he was on top Of Inc
and fouled me. l claimed the foul and did not
row any more put Simply mp paaaiea , over tne
race ON the foul. The umpire decided the race
in Stansbury's favor. as he held that what had
occurred did not affect the result protested
against the stakes being paid over, as thought
/ mad won the race on he foul, and the parties
behind SIansbury decided, In view of what had
happened. although the umpire had decided Ia
his favor, TO row the race again on the following
Monday.
On the day Of the second race we rowed against
a strong Tide and fresh wind In the river. l
claimed the toss from the last race, which en-
titled me TO the southern shore again. When
did so they agreed. but stare ed us on the other
side OF The river. l was out In mid stream, and
this gave s. ansbury the advantage OF having the
other shore and the shelter of ths mile point.
steered badly, not knowing the river well, es:
from there BEFORE was leading by TWO lengths
at three-quarters OF a mile and we were both in
the same Kind or water. l was holding my own
a little better. but directly lie got In The eddy l
was steering out in the river and he got ahead OF
Inc. | had Then chance against man OF his
power In that kind of water. 1 know no
more now than before l left home. L
do not like to pass an opinion on Stansbury. He
has beaten me, but he has not convinced me
that lie is any such man as Searie was. L have
not decided exactly what 1 am going TO do yet,
bnt l shall not leave here for some little time.
/ may make match with some of the others,
but II ! do Will alter the starling-point If the
race Is TO be pulled on the Paramatta River. IL
I row Kemp for the championship will row
him on the Nepean River. A person coming to
this country has not all even chance In race. as
the river is so hard TO learn, and man TO row
without cutters has no chance against those
brought up herein fact such person would
have TO be once and half as good to beat them.
1t was not on mysconditlon that was beaten.
1 was never In better condition In my life. L am
not sure whether made mistake in changing my
rig, but don't think rowed quite as well as L
ought on form. and | seemed 10 be a little I'M
steady on The high seat. l don't think L had
quite time to get down as fine on IL as might
Matterson and Brown are matched to row In
about months time and there Is some talk OF
a match being got up between Mclean aud my
self. would like to row Kemp for the champ.
ionsliip before l leave on The Nepean. AS
write You these lines am we'll in health. but un-
decided as TO what l will do will not leave
here Tor some time' however, whether , row or
not. Yours, etc WILLIAM OCONNOR-
,SIfIu N MI e.