The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-06-16
NAVY HAS GREAT CHANCE
ATPOUGHKEEPSLE RACES
Course Of Training at Annapolis
Should Stand Cadets in Good
Stead.
COURSE NOT TOO LoN(
Every Facility Will Be Afforded
Embryo Admirals During Next
Few Days.
by SOL. NEITHER.

by SOL. ,lETZER.
When Secretary of the Navy Victory
ting the eight-oared crew from the
United States Naval Academy at An
napolis, Nd, to compete in the regatta
held under the auspices OF the Inter
collegiate Rowing Association, at
Poughkcepsic, n. T., June 2Gth, back
In the early part OF April OF this year,
the college athletic world received 1t
with reclamation. for no more impor-
tant matter could happen IN this circle.
All manner OF reports followed the 1
announcement that the government |.
Naval Academy was to send crew to
Poughkccpsic, but few, outside Of
those who were on the Inside, realized
the midshipmen's eight would be n
strong contender for first honors at |
tho big intercollegiate regatta. an
honor that duiIng this century has
FALLEN to Cornell with but one break.
IT was stated that the navy boys |
would be too young for the task set
before them, that they would be un-
prepared for the strain OF four-milc /
race. because all OF their contests for
years back had been for but half that
distance. and that they were being
gent purely because they would enjoy |
the sport. II was forgotten Annapolis
had within the past few years regis
tered defeats against the best crews |
,Pennsylvania, Yale. Columbia and
Georgetown could turn out. and that It |
has been q policy with the naval au-
thorties to promote athletics at the |
i academy to the best Of their ability,
land when outside competition is in
duged In to go for the victory. Fur
thermorc, before Secretary Metcalf had
given his consent It was realized by
those in authority at Annapolis that
this years crew was the best the
Middies had ever produced. and would
stand an, excellent chance to win the
race, which, to state 1t mildly, would
be the best thing American college
rowing could have happen to 1t, for the
continued Victories OF Cornell In the
sport. although very much merited
have served to create lack OF interest
in the Poughkecpste regatta. as well
as to somewhat deaden the sport at
the other five colleges. Pennsylvania
Columbia. Syracuse. Wisconsin and
4 Georgetown. participating annually IN
the event.
Yet It was frankly admitted by the
naval department and by heauthorities
At Annapolis that they expected their
crew to rank we'll to the fore in the
big varsity race. for the United States
government, once It makes a move.
does II we'll, and in the case of her
two preparatory schools. the one for
the navy and tho other for the
4 army, she desires to show that she its
her proteges as we'll physically as
mentally. as we'll as do the big uni
Tersities and colleges Of this land.
IIouaebout an Innovation.
With such being the conditions un-
der which Annapolis enters the race 1t
Is well to consider now her appear
ance will effect matters at Pough-
keepsie and how her sons are prepared
Tor tho contest, for In going to Pough-
keepsie she has decided to have her
oarsmen live upon houseboat, truly
splendid custom and new one
among American collegians. and in her
preparation for this race she has fol-
lowed line far different from that In
vogue at the six colleges which will
send crews to match their speed and
strength with hers. Her entry also
carries with 1t great Importance for
1t VIII bring to the regatta for the
1irst time since his being President,
Theodore Roosevelt, q matter OF
1nomentous Importance when 1t Is re-
membered that the President Is not a
graduate Of any Of the institutions re-
presented. and a matter that will focus
the attention OF the world upon the
event.
Furthermore tho department at
Washington interested in these mid
shipmen will permit the entire body to
appear at Poughkeepsie on the day OF
me regatta to view the races from
three United States monitors
the Nevada. Florida and Arkansas
and when this war fleet steams UP
the mighty Hudson. which at Pough-
keepsie. upon this all simportant day, is
given over entirely to the boat races
and presents sight to gladden. the
hearts OF any American, crowded as
she Is with yachts. motor boats. and ,
. ..tl II MI ri
sizes of pleasure Graf there will BIZ
added to the race day" scene q mic
turcsqueness such as only tho blu,
and gold Of the American navy cal
lend.
Then there are the eight men in tn,
boat to consider, splendid PHYSICAL,
and fine fellows, especially the cap
tain. Midshipman Ingram, youn.
man to stroke and lead an eight /,
such strenuous life. yet one who ha
fitted himself we'll for 1t. and who's
record in athletics Is forever lasting
in the hearts OF navy men because on
day! last November at Franklin Field
University of Pennsylvania, he mad
long and wonderful run through til
entire West Point football team 70
the touchdown that was 50 much need
ed to win the day for tho nav
against their rivals from the Arm
Academy-by far the most thrlliln
play that football produced last year
Surely a well-scheoled young man 70
tho task which rests upon his should
ers. Then there Is the coach to consider
one Richard Glendon,, of the Bosto
Athletic Association, who in the tire
years he has been In charge of row
ing at Annapolis, has raised its stand
ard from oblivion to the foremos
rank, record which marks him q
tho man for the position he occupies
5a Great Affair for Mindless.
But chief OF all side plays will /
that manifested in the houseboat Eyol
glades, which Colonel Robert
Thompson, of New York. a knigh
Grant of Annapolis athletics, has o.
fered for tho occasion. This floatin
home will DO anchored nearby II
lighthouses, which are temperate
Nd constructed by tho regatta commit,
for the different crews, and an owe
hang will be built to accommodate IL
jentiro party OF oarsnen, coaches, maj
ayers and servants, and upon 1t wi
| 1.-Two these men during the two week
le tstay No gayer place than This hons