The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-07-27

Ietion nowadays. The unexpected de-
feat OF Cornell by the University or
Pennsylvania at Saratoga lake upset all
the calculations OF the experts. If the
Ithacans had won the four cornered
race on July i between their eight and
the crews of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
and Columbia, they would have had un-
questioned right TO the championship,
as they had already crushingly defeated
Yale and Harvard on the Thames a
week previously.
Now, however, the state Of affairs Is
considerably mixed. AS Pennsylvania
did not meet either Harvard or Yale,
she can hardly claim premier honors,
for although she defeated Cornell. 1t
was acknowledged by all who saw the
crews and the race at Saratoga that the
wearers of the red and white were not
at ALI in condition. In fact, one man, Z.
8 Moore. who rowed at No. B. was serl-
ously III. So, without in any manner de-
CRYING the Pennsylvanians, who rowed
q snlendid race and were in every way
entitled TO the honors they gained, 1t
can hardly be said that they rowed
| against the Ithacans when the latter
wore fit for a contest or that the race
should be regarded as fair test Oh the
relative merits OF the two crews.
II Is 10 be hoped that next year mat
ters will be decided more satisfactorily
Cor it is hardly fair to Pennsylvania, as
e was none OF her fault that her rival
was in poor shape.
For some time past Cornell has been
advocating the holding OF great re-
gatta on the Hudson river at Pough-
keepsie. There is no doubt that this IS
the best course for such an event. The
Thames, with its sinuous turns and eel
grass, is out OF the question. IL IS
barely wide enough for three crews ana
would be totally inadequate for holding
a regatta in which six or even more
eights might contest In one race. The
SARATOGA lake course is satisfactory, but
the lake is very difficult OF access, the
spectators can only see practically the
finish of the race, and there is accom-
modation for but a limited number TO
view even that part OF the contest.
The fact that both the varsity races
this year as well as the freshman race
at Saratoga had TO be postponed day
on account OF rough water does away
with Yale's old argument in favor or
holding the contests on either OF those
courses because OF their smooth water.
Yale authorities are reported TO have
said that they will not row at Pough-
keepsie, while Cornell is just as strong
In her asseverations that she will row
nowhere, but on the Hudson river course.
Besides, Yale and Harvard are said to be
desirous OF fiocking by themselves and
holding dual rowing contests. IL is possi-
BILE they may do so I'm future, but u
must be remembered that aquatics as
carried on nowadays at the large east
ern universities is an expensive sport.
and with a great regatta such as the
intercollegiate Rowing association pro-
poses 10 hold on the Hudson river next
summer there will be little interest, out
side of college ranks. in the dual event.
New Haven and Cambridge may affect
90 look down on the outside public and
the press, yet IL II were not for these
two factors sports at tho universities
could not be conducted on the lavish
scale now regarded as necessary.
The intercollegiate Rowins associGs
tion. which is composed % ths four tp.
stitutiops which this ysar connected af