New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-09-09
THE BEST EIGHT Won.
Haruard Praised for PIucky Race
and Good Sporfsmanship.


Putney. England. Sept. s.---The eight-oared
shell race between crews from Harvard ami CAM
bridge universities to-day, which by
the Englishnen ny two lengths. was probably
the most surprising rowed on the Thames
River not 50 much because Of the result. II
had been considered snybody's race since the
crews moved 20 Putney, as because Of the way
sn which il was won.
Cambridge. had been feared by the sup
rortcrs Of Harvard and hoped for by English
men. got away better than their opponents Sc
curing "A lead which they maintained and which
they increased to three lengths before Hammer
smith Bridge was reached. Both crews as they
went under the bridge were rowing steadily at
SEVENTY eight strokes 10 the minute. neither APP
psrently eXerting themselves. Suddenly Har-
ward began 10 put more power in her stroke.
snd although Cambridge already had the race
and had the advantage Of water conditions
they were compelled 20 increase their stroke TO
thirty-three. and finished tired out crew.
When the line was crossed Donaldson was
ready 10 collapse. and Close Brookes. I'm the
how. was in distress. that the remainder Of
the crew padded the boat 20 the landing stage
The Harvard men. on the other hand. were quite
sresh. and took their boat across the river at
brisk rate.
English experts say there is but one ex-
PLANTATION for The result-the superiority Of
English oarsmen and Of the English stroke.
Harvard the experts declare, was one Of the
finest crews physically ever seen the river.
but they unable 10 overcome that training
which English osrsmen receive from childhood
The Cambridge crew. too. had in Stuart the
advantage Of one Of the best strokes England
has produced. They also. Of course. had the
advantage Of choice OF sides. but those who
know the river best say this was little in their
favor with tide and wind they were to-day.
MONSTER CROWD SEES THE RACE.
The crowd which lined the Thames banks
from Putney to Mortlake and was massed on
bridges. roofs and balconies and weighed down
The boughs II trees record one for recent
years. To innate the number OF persons who
witnessed N contest would be impossible but
they stretched I'm unbroken strings for four and
q half miles either side Of the river. with the
greater masses at the points OF greatest van
tage.
OF Americans there were hundreds. all show
ing the Harvard colors. chiefly in specially
chartered boats. The crimson. however, showed
only in splashes amid The endless display Of
ihe light blue Of Cambridge. This great crowd
which included many women as men. added
the bTfliancy Of the scenic Thames and
formed a triumphal passage for the progress of
the Cambridge boat
when the light blues were seen To have gained
sn advantage at the start great cheer went
mp from the crowds on Putney Bridge in Full
ham Park and on the Putney toWpath. It was
taken up by those further along and continued
without interruption 10 the end Of the race.
when there a final tremendous Outburst
from the people on Barnes Bridge the excursion
steamers anchored at the finish and the thou
sands upon thousands who had gathered at
aortlske.
HARVARD OARSMEN CHEERED.
As the Cambridge crew crossed the line win
hers OF the race. the Harvard men for the mo-
snent were forgotten I'm the enthusiasm. but
when the two crews were seen intermingling on
shore and an enthusiastic Harvard man gave
his college yell, cheers resounded for the visit
ors who by their sportsmanlike behavior have
made 8 splendid impression in English rowing
circles.
The excitement eliminated when the crews re-
turned 10 their lighthouses. From both sides Of
the river roar after roar went up and while
the enthusiasm for the Cambridge men was In
tense the Americans also were generously
cheered. The two lighthouses are separated by
a small lawn fenced OF from the towpath and
The crowd in its enthusiasm and despite the
efforts Of foot and mounted police forced down
this fence. sweeping away the line OF police in
or6er 20 get near the oarsmen.
Several spectators and half a dozen women
tainted during the crush and were taken into