New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-20
An AMERICAN HENLEY.


The organization Of an American Henley, long
desired Ivy many lovers of nmaicur rowing con-
tests. was more than encouraged by the pro-
ceedings at the Cornell University Alumni dih-
ncr in this city On Friday evening. 1t was
initiated and ii seems not unlikely that the
complcte realization Of an engaging project will
hereafter he recognized As due 10 DR.. Seaman
generous dedication Of cup 10 the purpose
which he cloqucnty advocated. For the pres
en-, year this handsome trophy is appropriately
placed il the keeping Of Cornell which won a
brilliant race last year against veteran COM
pctiiors under highly honorable conditions
Hereafter the donor hopes that II may success
svely pass into the possession OF a long line OF
worthy holders. each of whom has won IL IN 4
fair and open contest To all who are fasci-
mated by excmpllfcations Of the beautiful art
OF Craftsmanship n its finest form. when men
untainted by am sordid motive are its expo
nents the enterprise thus happily forwarded
offers an anmating prospect. IL IL virtually
certain that the preliminary arrangements can
be completed within the year during which Cor
nell is authorized 10 hold the Seaman Cup. ana
there seems to he no reason why the early sum-
mer of 1899 should not include week or Drill
liant and stirring contests such ms annually IN
teres; all England and have repeatedly attracted
American crews to the Thames.
The undertaking is especially gratifying for
the reason that it will presumably stop the un-
desirable movement for an unweldy regatta or
American rowing colleges. such as broke down or
it's own weight twenty years ago. after several
unsatisfactory experiences on the Connecticut
River and Saratoga Lake. With every care In
preparation and every desire 10 avoid contro-
versy and accident. 1t is practically impossible
that many boats should race side by side over
narrow and ill-defned lanes Of water with re-
suits wholly satisfactory even to the winner.
II Is partly because Of her firm determination
not TO be drawn into another combination OF
that sort that Yale has given a somewhat in
hospitable reception TO proposals from other col
leges which seemed TO tend in that direction
For this year the relations Of Cornell Harvard
and Yale have been amicably adjusted on the
basis Of an agreement to row together at New
London next June, without any definite ar
rangement for the future. This is therefore an
especially fortunate time TO set on foot the or
ganization Of an American college rowing asso-
citation having for its object the establishment
Of an annual aquatic competition In heats sim
liar to that which has made Henley famous.
SO far rs we can see. there Is nothing In the
plan that is likely to interrupt any new or old
relations IF next year or thereafter 1t Is the
desire Of any two college crews to row an In
dependent race, for the more precise determine
ton Of their comparative merits as 1t Is pretty
sure 10 be the desire of Yale and Harvard to
do they will be at perfect liberty TO crafty that
ambition; nor would the plan necessarily inter
pose any new obstacle in the way OF triangu-
lar race such as the three universities have
agreed TO row this year.
The objections 10 n complicated contest or
from five to a dozen or more crews rowing
abreast are serious. 1t ought TO be admitted,
we think. that they are insuperablc. They re-
late to the spectators as well as to the con-
testants II n course wide enough to give all
the boats ample room could be found, some Of
them would be almost out OF the field Of vision,
the unity OF the spectacle would te destroyed,
and most Of those in attendance would be dis
appointed On a course restricted enough TO
obviate such disadvantages still greater ones
would inevitably arise. On the other hand,
though there are some possibilities of dissatis-
faction In n series of dual races leading 10 n
final test of the winners. there Is little risk Of
accident the general conditions are fairly equal,
and public interest is promoted. We hope that
the presen tation Of the Seaman Cup Will give
the necessary impetus to movement which
deserves to succeed.