New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-08
AMONG THE OARSMEN.

High water prevailed in the Harlem River for
the greater part OF yesterday. and the oarsmen
of the various boat clubs took advantage OF II 10
train and have a good time IN general. The water
was fresh and COOL and there were more swimming
races and horse-play INDUCED in than usual. Foot
balls were also brought out and many impromptu
no. likely that anybody got more heaithfu and
restful fun for little money than did the Harlem
oarsmen yesterday
The Metropolitan Rowing Club has a new
cot His name ia "Rastus" and naturally he Is a
deep mahogany in color He was initiated into
the club yesterday with what the members con-
sidered fitting ceremonies He was coaxed TO don
a bathing suit. and then he was taken out on the
river for his first lesson in rowing When "Rastus'
tried 10 pull on the oars failed observe that
a couple of brawny oarsmen were alongside OF the
DO 1t pushing back It with all their strength.
"Fo de Lords sake. dat am der hardest boat dat
/ cher tried ter row." he heard to remark.
About this time for reason unknown TO
'"Rastus" the boat upset, and he was dumped into
the water. He had boosted Of his ability as a
swimmer. but when he struck the water he was
a badly frightened negro; He swallowed about two
quarts of the salty fluid before he came up, ana
then. with much splutterng and struggling ne
made for the snore his swimming stroke T h,s
something entirely unknown IN aquatlcs; ana ms
efforts appeared to be those Of a person in mortal
from fear when he finally reached shore. and no
amount Of persuasion could make MN 60 oui on
mascot for the club until he becomes more familiar
with water.
There is considerable talk on the Harlem OF two
clubs consolidating. They are said TO be the Union
and the Harlem Boat clubs. The club members
deny that they know anything about 1t. but 1t Is
well known that the members OF the two clubs nave
been extremely friendly Of late The Harlem
Rowing Club. while being a comparatively young
organization. is already one Of the strongest on
the river In rowing material. 1t Is situated just
above the Third-ave bridge but It's clubhouse Is
a rather rickety affair. and 1t contemplates build
Ing "a
already got the float on which the new house was as
older club. and it is also strong In rowing talent
The organization has a fine boathouse up the river
near Central Bridge. All the clubs will have 10
move up in that direction before many years
Should the two clubs conclude to combine their
forces 1t would make great organizaton' ana
there would be necessity for the Harlem CLUB
10 build new house
one Of the most enthusiastic oarsmen on the Har-
lem ia Captain Heffernan OF the Union Boat club
lie will leave this week 10 attend the regatta OF the
Canadian oarsmen at Toronto.
The members of the Lone Star Boat Club have OF
late taken kindly to sailing. and number OF them
have ordered fast sailing catooais. Louis hess al
ready owns the sloop yacht Mate and the catboat
peue NJ Minzelhcimer IL the proud possessor OF
Inc flying catboat Commodore Bennett ana he
stands ready 10 sail race with any OF the"'
The programme OF races for the Middle states
REGATTA has been made up They will be held on
Labor Day on the Harlem River. and the list Is as
follows. Junior singles intermediate singles. senior
singles Junior doubles. intermediate doubles. junior
four-oared gigs senior fouroared gigs junior eight
cared shells and senior eight shells. There
will also be a quarter mile dash for senior single
shells and the winner will receive special prize
II viii be the ninth annual regatta OF the Middle
States Regatta Association. and In point OF entries
least II will doubt be the largest and most
Important that the association has ever held. All
the races will be one-mie straightaway. and hand
some gold medals will be awarded 10 each member
OF the winning crews and each crew Will also re-
ceive beautiful club banner
The big four gig OF the Valencia Boat
Club. OF Hoboken. was on the Harlem yesterday.
and the crew will doubt be heard from in the
coming regattas.
One OF the star attractions at the New En- land
Regatta will be a senior double shell between
Ten Eyck. the champion and his rowing partner.
Lewis on one side. and Mcguire and Whitehead on
the other Mcguire won the single SOULS al the Ma
tonal Regatta last year and whitehead is also a
the chances slightly In favor OF Ten Eyck and
Lewis. ----.---