The St. Louis Republic., 1904-03-30
Russell E. Gardner Says That Re
viyal of Old River Sport
Would Be Interesting.
WILL GIVE $1,000 FOR PRIZES.
Mayor Wells Believes Business
Organizations Should Arrange
Celebration and City Ought
Not Bear the Expense.

As novel. exciting and interesting
feature for the st. Louis Day celebration
It has been suggested that a steamboat
race. such as were common in the earlier
days of st. Louis, be run on August II,
| when the citizens OF St Louis will COM
memorate the erection OF the first build
ing on the townsite OF 81. Louis.
Russell =. Gardner. owner of the yacht
Annie e. Russell, made the suggestion IN
letter which he wrote to Mayor Wells.
Mr.. Gapiner believes that the race would
prove interesting to the thousands of per
sons who will visit st. Louis on that day.
The rival boats could start at jefferson
Barracks Mr.. Gardner says. ''at 9 o clock
in the morning. race TO the Chain of
Rocks, turn and finish at the foot Of
Olive street"
Such an affair would cost money, but
Mr.. Gardner offers to contribute sl,Oc0 to-
ward 4 fund to provide suitable trophies.
He also suggests that perhaps Sir Thomas
Upton. the famous English yachtsman.
could be induced to come to st. Louis on
August IL. thus adding to the attraction
of the affair. Mr.. Gardner believes that
a revival of the old river sports would be
a great attraction during the Worlds
Fair period. Mayor Wells Is pleased with
i. Drew Of No. S547 Cass avenue sug-
gests that a parade of decorated barges on
the river would also be interesting. The
barges could be made symbolical OF events
showing the progress of the cities in the
Louisiana Purchase Territory. +. T.
Teasdale. president of the Miller & Teas
ber OF the Business Mems League. sug-
gests that the citizens Of st. Louis ought
to wear a button or badge to distinguish
them from the visitors at the Worlds
MAYOR WELLS RECEPTIVE
Mayor Wells is still in n receptive mood
He is still undecided just what to do
about the st. Louis Day celebration, for
he says he has not had the time to give
the subject serious thought. In speaking
of the subject yesterday, Mayor Wells
said:
Il really haven't had time seriously to
consider the question, but when l have
moment to spare I will confer with the
officers of the various business organiZa-
tions, and other societies with a view TO
getting their opinions on the subject
believe that they should take charge OF
and conduct the arrangements for the
celebration. / do not favor the pro-
posal TO have the city bear the expense.
for the city needs all the money for public
improvements.
When 1 have consulted the officers OF
the business and other organizations
perhaps will take the initiative in appoint
ing u general " ldht tiidI BE
OF the work. but just when l shall do this
cannot say at this time. 1 am still open
to suggestions
When asked if he had any suggestions
TO make, Cyrus p. Walbridge, president
of the Business Mems League, said: Il
believe that the Mayor should take the
initiative and appoint committee to do
the work. l do not think that the league
should take the first step. The question
hasn't been considered by the league.
do not believe that the executive commit
tee will take action on the question. and
l have no suggestions TO Offer
The executive committee of the league
meets next Wednesday, and II was I'M
derstood that it might take some action
on the Mayors suggestion that the league,
as the principal business mems organiza-
tion in the city, should take charge and
carry out plans for ST. Louis Day ceIe-
bration. It is known that the members
of the league believe that, as it IS a
strictly municipal affair. the city should
bear the greater part of the expense nee
essary in a proper celebration of the day.
They point 10 the fact that other cities
that have had special days assigned to
them are making elaborate preparations
to send delegations of State and city Of
ficials and citizens to do honor TO the
respective municipalities on their days.