Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-05
RACING AT HENLEY.
Nesper Crew Was Beaten Handily by
 the Leanders.

Nesper Crew Was Beaten Handily by
 the Leanders.
 Henley, Eng. July 5.-The weather clerk provided splendid weather for the keenly anticipated struggle be- tween the Vespers of Philadelphia and the Leanders. This was the first race or the day and the widespread interest taken in 1t was evidence by the great crowds which thronged all the vantage points along the course and congregat- ed in the vicinity of the winning post long before the hour for the start. The Philadelphians arrived at the boat hous eat 1O:30 all fit and full of go. They launched their boat and set off on a paddle at 11:45 amidst encourag- ing shouts from a big gathering of their c0mpatriots and the friendly cheers of the British. The Leanders both which was manned by outside oarsmen and not by the crew which pulled in the race had passed up the course a few minutes previously. The slight breeze towards the Bucks shore gave the Leanders who had the Berk- shire side. a little advantage in posi- tion. The Americans shortly before the time set for the race rowed up to the starting line but the Leanders shell was brought up by the outsiders. the British crew driving up to the starting point in carriages and embark ing thence.
 As the boats came up to the line preparatory to the start. the British oarsmen seemed the more composed of the two crews.
 The boats got away together but The nervousness of the Philadelphians was shown in the splashing which marked their first half dozen strokes. The Leanders started with stroke of 41 to the minute and the Vespers with s. The nose of the British craft forged slightly to the front but there was not much to choose between them when they passed temple island in the rec ord time of 4T seconds. The Philadel- phians however soon began to give signs that the hard work was telling on them. The Leanders dropped their stroke to B hut the Vespers could not diminish the lead of half length which the home crew had already ob- tained. This was increased to a full length. When three-auarters of mile had been covered the Leanders again slowed down their stroke to 3i. but they always maintained a safe lead. In the last quarter the Nespers made a desperate spurt and Exley quickened his stroke rapidly. The Americans re- sponded and their boat gradually forg- ed up until only three-uarteqrs of a length separated the two prows.
 The effort however was futile. The Leanders had plenty in hand. They responded to the squirt of their op- ponents and passed the winning post a full length in front Both crews fin- ished strong and rowed to the landing stage where they picked mp their boats. The Americans were as heartily cheer cd for their plucky effort as were the victors. The latter ranged i'm weight from 1Js to 1SO pounds while the Yes pers weighed from I52 to lS1 pounds.
 The scenes on the banks of the river during the progress of the race were very exciting. Enthusiastic support. CTS of both contestants followed the boats the whole course in droyes shout ing encouragement through mega phones. When the Americans spuried inc cheering rpiouhled-
 After the landing the Americans I'm mesiiarely dressed and went to the Jeander club to congratulate the vic tors