New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-30
on TILE THAMES.

on THE THAMES.
This is a great day at New-London' anu
thousands of Yale and Harvard graduates all
over the country will participate IN the excite
ment which pcrvades the valley OF the lhahes
and listen in suspense for the telegraphic signal
cf victory and defeat. The rapid Development
Of poprar interest in ether intercollegiate sports
has not diminished the peculiar sollcitude WIN
which the annual boat race between the anclen'
rivals AZ Cambridge and New l1averLjs an'lci-
rated bv their sons. nor moderated the emo
tions which the struggle and the result pro-
ducc. Tradition has something to do with the
orx;otv and the enthusiasm which attend the
,ace. The circumstances and surroundings are
also influential The football game in this CITY
On Thank sgvng Day may be witnessed by
,arper and more tumultuOus crowd, but that
exciting encounter has lost in recent years TO
., considerable extent the college atmosphere.
II occurs on a public holiday, and is almost
public function large proportion OF the
sDectatcrs arc not hot par,isans, and tho most
lavish display of colors may possess only
docnative significance. The general community
continues to own the city, and feels perfectly
at home on the field of combat. But on the
last Friday in June the universities own New
London and the Thames, and the al-pervadlng
sentiment corresponds to the visible occupation
of the place. Not trace of the commercial
shirt is discernible, AMI the aidor is perfectly
unsefsh.
The scene of the race is remarkably beauti-
full. and its natural fitness for the purposes to
which it is devoted ne week in tho year is eX-
,raordnary There has been some talk from
time to time about the advantage OF looking
for another course; but it is to be suspected
that this is merely diplomatic, being designed
ONLY to produce a due sense Of the distinction
which is annually conferred upon the ancient
and conservative city Of New-London. Ger
tainly no other place has been discovered which
offers - many facilities TO oarsmen and spec
tators and leaves so little to be desired. Land
and water seem to have been adjusted there
with special reference to modern boat race
The means of access and of observation are
well-nsh perfect.
The contest which yearly demonstrates this
combination of advantages il worthy OF them.
Craftsmanship is fine art. and when it has been
brought to perfection and is exemplified over
a four-mile course by eght-Oared shells must
fascinlie all who are capable of comprohending
the skill and discipline which it exacts. Is
Young opponents are fairly entitled 10 one day
of glory in twelve months. At a constant sacri-
flee Of ease and pleasure during almost the
whole college year and with perfect loyalty
ard obedience they have been preparing for the
single event to which all their restrictions and
cndeavors are ADDRESSED. They have not had
the cxhilaraion of preliminary and suboidn,tc
contests, being in that respect far less fortnnd''
than their feIlDw-athlctcs. For the baseball
and football players the routine of training il
frequently diversified by game, of varying i'm
pnr.ance in college estimation. The d.>lppolnt-
ment Of one days defeat is recompcnsed by
victory on another day, ard succession OF
conte.tS is cheering in anticipation and yer!
likely gratifying in retrospect The Oarsman
has not these encourlgements and attentions.
His supreme effort is the only effort he is called
upon u make in the presence OF the college
world Ii comes al the end Of the academic
year. and there is little consolation for the
vanqui,hed. They may do better another time,
but he next chance j. twelve months distant
md the prospect is too remote and uncertain TO
afford much solacc in the hour of defeat.
Perhaps we may be accused of taking this
affair at New London too seriously. But we
comics, to strong admiration Of ;be physical
and moral qualities which t)-day's race will
Illustrate, and TO h'arty sympathy with the
generous enthusiasm which il will arouse. Pre-
dictions were perhaps never more unsafe than
they arc this year. There dos. however, seem
to be good reason for expecting n close c'n-
test. May the better crew win by Il narrow
margin.