The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-04-04
OXFORDS OARSMEN WIN.
THEY DEFEAT CAMBRIDGE By OYER
~ ENC tbs.

Finely Contested Hnco 60 About . Quarter
or n N1iIe Of tho Fipish-The Crews start
Away ON Even Terma-ONoninnu Ono TO Four
lavorites-nnnLs OF the Thames Crowded.
LONDON, April 3.--Tho annual race between
tho crews Of the universities Of Oxford and
Cambridge was rowcd to-day over the
Thames championship course of four and
one-auartcr miles. from Putney to Mortlake,
and was won by Oxford. Tho weather was
raw and damp and the wind blew in gusts
during the morning. The usual crowds,
nevertheless, began moving toward Putncy at
an carly hour, most OF them wearing light or
dark blue colors, and tho countless cabmen had
the colors OF their favorites tied to their whips.
Special trains, which were run at frequent in.
tervals, we're packed with people, though many
OF these went to Sydenham, where the cham
pionship game Of football between England and
Scotland was to be played.
At noon there was u strong wind from the
cast, vcering slightly to tho south, which prom
isod n fast race. The Oxford men came out in
their working boat and padded about for n few
minutes. They then spurtcd for a minute and a
half ut IA fast stroke, after which they returned
TO their quarters. Tho weather was bitterly
cold. but tho water was smooth.
II was evident from the size Of tho crowd that
occupied every available space along tho banks
OF the Thames at Putney and throughout the
course that the fixture was as popular an event
this year as 1t has always been. Besides attract
i iss, I dps@ tb tnronT OF Of a eoskneTs. tn thS %b F@Se, a in
spite Of their ignorance OF aquatics, 1t IL one OF
tho. great events OF tho year, and to witness
which they brave the worst kind OF weather,
and to these must be added all the friends of the
oarsmen forming the university crows of this
The stone bridge which leads to the big road
across the river at Putney. close to the point from
wide stretch of shore just below on the right
bank, in front of the lighthouses of the London,
densely packed With spectators. this being the
place ut which the boats were launched. Equal
~ great were the crowds Of holiday makers
sile and upon Hammersmith. Bridge, beneath
which the boats passed on their course, to the
winning post, and the Barnes railway bridge
had u smaller but not less enthusiastic patron
age. A great, number Of coaches and othcr
ground gave access 10 the banks, and all these
had full loads of excited and cheering spectators;
so had innumerablc barses. tugs, RATS. and
other floating things moored along the banks ut
Shortly before the race was started all traffic
on the waterway was stopped by tho officials OF
the Thames Conservancy us completely as. is
the traffic of the streets upon tho occasion of u
royal procession. Barges were towed out into
the stream and swung across to block the archcd
way under Putney Bridge. and in front OF this
wheel passenger b~oats-which conveyed the
persons privileged to follow the racers, took up
were allotted respectively to guests OF the UNI:
gire. quests Of the Oxford , Tniyersiiy Boat
SluD, guests OF inc cambridge University bObC
Club. and representatives of the press.
a quick movement In front Of the 6oathouses
from a the Sou police snU and q aHe sea they D Gomez R"'ef fTSm
the people at length announced the appearance of
.he heroes OF the hour. The Cambridge men, as
their headquarters, the boathouse OF the
Leander Rowing Club, amid the cheers Of their
Clasper boat to the landing stage and were soon
afoat. padding with slow precision to a skiff
moored for them out in the stream. there to
await the arrival of their opponents. apparently
Oblivious OF the rounds of applause which they
received on every side.
Another movement on shore and Oxford's rep.
1csentatiyTss v emerged sd,I from m their QUARTER rrtte ths
they were haiied with an outburst Of enthusiasm
exceeding in volume and fervor that given to
the light blues. They were soon launched, and
padded out amid continuous cheers to their own
moorcd skiff. The riverside betting at Putney
5ust before the start was 4 to / on Oxford. with
very few takers.
ALL preparations having been completed. tho
umpire. Frank william. on board a little steam
launch, put to the crews the customary ques-
afterward gave we the signal IN" to start By fring his
pistol. The boats got off at 2:24 o'clock exactly.
The oars of both crews fell almost simultaneous.
ly into the water and the boats shot forward on
their course. At a prescribed interval the four
paddle-wheel steamers followed after the racers,
their occupants, with the exception OF the busy
reporters on the press boat. roaring themselves
hosrse in encouragement of their respective IA
vOrites.
At the London Rowing Clubs boathouse OK
ford was a few feet ahead. but upon reaching
Bishops Creek Cambridge spurted and drew up
level with the oxonians and was rowing well.
II was an exceptionally good race to Graves Cot
lage. a little short OF Il mile from the start, Cam
bridge sticking close to the Oxford boat. At
Hammersmith Bridge, however, Oxford had
drawn away and was about a length ahead.
Both crews were fresh and rowing steadily. AT
Chiswick Eyot. about two and three-quarter
miles from the start, Oxford had drawn ahead
n length and a half. At Bulls Head Oxford
seemed to be leading by two lengths, and as tho
foars passed under the Barnes railway bridge
f. was seen that the dark blues were fully two
lengths ahead and rowing spicndidiy.
As seen from the press boat, Cambridge made
q line squirt at Bishops Creek, which was an
0wercd by the Oxford men, who seemed to be
perfectly fresh. the latter shot Hammersmith
Bridge nearly n length ahead. Cambridge put
on a squirt and reduced the lead, but the efforts
OF the light blues died away and the Oxonians
gradually increased their lead to The end, having
virtually won the race after passing Chiswick
Eyot. Oxford won by two and one-third lengths,
and the time officially announced was ~ min
utes IL As seconds. The time OF last years race.
which Oxford won, was 20 minutes and 2 sec
Onus.
The weights Of the crews az they sat in the
Loats to-day were as follows:
bow. J. De knoop