New-York tribune., 1902-07-21

These results are artificial and annoy. the easy
going veterans who sigh for the unconventional
liberty of bygone days but the cumulative effect
is refinement of beauty in blends of color
such then unknown
Henley has become as time has gone on a
section Of clubland rather than a picnic ground
with luncheon served in boats from hampers.
There has been enlarged hotel accommodation
in the somnolent old town, and the banks are
dotted with marques and tents where luncheon
can be had more comfortably than on the water
The regatta is now combination of club and
pleasure ground promenades and hotel recep-
tions in place of the oldtime water picnic with
luncheon basket in the bow and champagne cup
on the edge of the sheltered bank The vet
Grams do not like this change of lunching habit,
because it largely increases the expense of a
days outing. Economy is still practised by
thousands. who content to provide a home
made luncheon and to enjoy it on the water;
but for those who do not like to be behind the
smart sets Henley now involves royal bill of
costs, with entrance into fashionable club in
closures. Iuncheons in tents, with expensive ca
tering and incidental boat hire for the byplay
of the river. There are compensations how
ever. for what oldtimers regard as a demoraliz-
ing increase in luxury and extravaganza. The
extension Of the club Enclosures has involved
improvement of the lawns either side of the
of landscape gardening where there were for
merly signs of neglect and the reform of deco
ration of club properties. Henley is now more
beautiful and restful than it was when l saw
my first regatta years ago. Whether in the
cool of the morning in the sultry hours or
the afternoon under a blazing sun, it is the
loveliest water fete imaginable. 1 missed only
one effect which / remembered from my frst
Henley. That was the scarlet blaze of an i'm
+taI
side back of Temple Island and making 1t In
very truth a Royal Henley. The pageantry OF
the river carnival was, however, more brilliant
than ever before.
When the onlooker observes how little atten-
ton is paid by the rollicking crowds to the boat
racing ITSELF he understands how deep rooted
and natural is the English prejudice against
the conversion of Henley into an international
battle-ground, with professional trainers ana
jockeys, and more or less patriotic excitement
There has been only one moment Of frenzied
enthusiasm to-day. This was at tea time, when
the Radey schoolboys Unexpectedly won heat
for the Ladies' Challenge Plate. Ordinarily
they against EtOn at Henley, and are out
classed in weight and age. This year they suf-
fered under even greater disadvantages, for
their tagonists were Cambridge men, from
Jesus College. but they were not disheartened.
and kept we'll abreast Of the older men from
start 10 nnlSn. A group or Radley boys per
ceived chance of winning even when the Cam
bridge forging ahead at the final
stage. They shouted with boyish enthusiasm
and their encoura cement inspired their fellows
in the boat with fresh vigor. In an instant
they had gained the lead. and their partisans
on shore fairly flung away their heads from
excitement. The spectators were with the
schoolboys. and a mighty shout arose from the
banks. The Cambridge men had lost their form,
and there not time to recover their lead.
Radey passed the line few feet in advance,
and there was not boy in the eight with
breath to spare when the oars We're eased. 1t
was the best race of the day, and excited genu-
inc enthusiasm. Otherwise there evil
dence of hearty interest in the contests. There
languid cheering at the finish when a
won, and the sport not taken seriously.
Henley implies hours OF Incidence and holiday
spectacle with a good deal Of incidental racing
which does not much excitement. The
restfuI water fete is spoiled according to Eng
lsh ideas if flags are waved on shore and strong
appeals are made TO national pride. 1. n. F.