New-York tribune., 1905-07-06
DEFEAT FOR VESPER CREW
LEANDER EIGHT WINS.
american Oarsmen ROrc Plucky
Race in Henley Regatta.

Henley. England, July 5.-The crew of the
Vesper Boat Club, of Philadelphia was beaten
to-day by the eight OF the Leander Rowing
Club in the second heat for the Grand Challenge
Cup in the Henley regatta. The English crew
won rather cleverly by length in the fast time
of minutes / second. The crews crossed the
line amid perfect pandemonium OF cheers, in
which the beaten Americans came in for full
share.
The weather clerk provided splendid weather
for the keenly anticipated struggle between the
rival eights. 1t the first race of the day, and
the widespread interest taken in it was evidenced
by the great crowds which occupied all the
vantage points along the course and consre-
gated in the vicinity of the finish line long be-
fore the hour for the start.
The Phladelphians arrived at the boathouse
at 1870 O'Clock in fine condition They launched
their she'll and set off a paddle at IL :45.
amid encouraging shouts from big gathering
of their compatriots and the friendly cheers of
the British The Leanders' boat. 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.
A slight breeze toward the Bucks shore gave
the Leander crew, which had the Berkshire
side, Slight advantage in position. The Amer
leans shortly before the time set for the race
rowed up TO the starting line. but the Leandsrs.
shell was brought up by the outsiders, the Brit
ish crew driving up TO the starting point in
carriages and embarling 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 shells got away together to a good start,
but the nervousness of the Philadelphians was
shown in the splashng which marked their first
half dozen strokes. The Leanders started with
a stroke Of Al TO the minute and the Fespers
with 80. The nose OF the British boat forged
slightly to the front, but there was not much
to chose between them when they passed Tenn
pie Island in the record time of IL seconds. The
Phila del phians. however, soon began to give
signs that the fast pace was telling. The stroke
of the Leander crew dropped his stroke TO 81
10 the minute, but the American could not
diminish the lead of half a length which the
home had already obtained.
This lead was soon increased TO full length.
and when three-quarters of mile had been
covered the Leanders again slowed down their
stroke to 81.
In the last quarter Exley raised his stroke
and the Americans responded with desperate
squirt. Their boat gradually forged up until only
three-quarters Of a length separated the two
prows. The effort. however futile. The
Leanders had plenty in hand. They responded
TO the squirt of their opponents and passed the
winning mark full length in front.
Both crews finished strong and rowed to the
landing stage, where they picked up their boats.
The Americans heartily cheered for
their plucky effort were the victors.
The scenes on the banks of the river during
the progress Of the race were picturesque and
exciting. Enthusiastic supporters of both eightS
IoilONed the SneIlS over the WhOle course IN
droves, shouting encouragement through mega
phones. When the Americans spurted the
cheering redoubIed.
After landing the Americans Immediately
dressed and went to the Leander Club to con-
gratuate the Yictors.
L. c. Abel, coxswain of the vesper crew, said
to a representative of The Associated Press
after the race
We lost to a superior crew We both did all
we could. The race runaway and il
must be remembered that we were defeated by
the pick of all England. Still. believe that If
the Leanders had raced US in Philadelphia we
would have Won"
Harry Willis, the Leander's coach admitted
that his heart was in his mouth during most of
the race.
The Vespers' Willis said beat all my an
ucipations before the race. I expected them 10
play out halfway, but they pushed our crew
out to the finish. They fine crew as
ever crossed the Atlantic. I have alWays con-
tended that the English leg drive combined
with their swing. is better than the long slide
But must admit that this race does not prove
that our methods are superior TO those of the
Americans. The Leanders are all old roWers l
L have little doubt that they will beat the Bel
CLANS in the final heat tomorrow"
Thorne, the manager Of the American crew
was bitterly disappointed at the result He was
conhdent of victory up TO the last moment.
After the race he said
The Nespers did their best Thev were
beaten by stronger men. The best crew won
All the power in our boat was put behind the
oars. / am glad, however. that our crew did
not go TO pieces as all the English sharps pre-
dcted."
In the second heat of the semi-fnals for the
Grand Challenge Cup the Belgians beat the Lon
don Rowing Club by three lengths. Time
minutes 20 seconds.
The names and weights of the oarsn1en conn
posing the Leander and Vesper eights follow: