The Hawaiian gazette., 1908-01-24
SPOR I s
GREAT OARSMhN
IN LAST RACE

The following article from the Taco
ma Ledger, in relation to Edward
Hanlan, who once visited this city and
gave an exhibition OF rowing, when
on his way 10 Australia to compete in
the Australian championships, should
prove interesting here:
Edward Hanlan, the oarsman, who
died in Toronto last week, was six
times champion of the world and I'M
doubtedIy the most scientific sculler OF
this or any other generation. He GER
tainly was the most idolzed.
In HanIans day on the water pro
fessional rowing was at the height Of
its popularity in all English speaking
countries ana Hanlan won the cham
pionship OF America when he was
scarcely twenty in the Centennial re-
gatta in 1876, and he afterwards de-
Tended against the best oarsmen of
America, England and Australia. His
victories at home and abroad were
marked by a general suspension Of
business an, TWO days rejoicing, in
which every body in Canada from the
governor general down participated.
When he returned 10 Toronto after
his first championship victory in Eng
land he was met in New York by a
delegation OF the members of parlia-
ment, mayors, and aldermen from all
over The dominion. The name of the
island on which he was born was
changed from Toronto island TO Han
lan's island. Houses and lots, horses
and carriages were presented TO him.
In fact, had he discovered a new con-
tinent or conquered a vast army he
could not have been more highly hon
Ored. Hanlan merited the confidence
OF his people, for in all the one hun
bred and odd races he rowed winning
and defending the championship his
honesty was never questioned. The
waning Of interest in professional row.
ing began when he ceased. TO be a
champion factor.
His first public appearance was
when he vac sixteen years of age.
He was one Of a crew made UP of
fishermen and they were successful. In
ISL he took part in some skif races,
and his first shell race was in 1873,
when he won the championship of
Toronto bay. Next year he won the I
Of Burlington bay, de- |
,eating Thomas LOUdin, holder of the /
title. Some minor victories, including /
medal offered by the governor gen. !
sral OF Canada and the championship |
II Ontario, brought Hanlan 10 the in
.ernationaI centennial regatta at Phil I
ldeIphia in 1876.
His next race was on Silver lake,
Boston, June Il, 1871. He started
against tweIvy men. Plaisted Won
sanlan did not finish. On the 4th of
July he rowed in a regatta on the
Charles river and was again defeated
BY Plaisted, HanIan being disqualified
or fouling Plaisted at the start
'renchy Johnson, a negro, finished sec
md. He and BODY Barry were the
'nly colored oarsmen. In the fall Of
s77 he defeated Wallace Ross in Tor
INTO bay for s1o90 a side.
At Toronto bay, May Is, 1873, Han
an defeated Fred Plaisted for $1,000.
he race being two miles. HanIan's
.ext race was for the American cham
.ionship against Evan Morris on the
course Of five miles Hanlan won
After another victory over Ross, Han
an defeated Charles Courtney, the
resent Cornell coach, for a stake of
POGO al Lachine, Canada. The result
-as unsatisfactory TO Courtney's
riends. who claimed that Hanlan's
ictory was largely due to the fact
hat he was rowing in home waters
nd was better acquainted with the
curse Another race was arranged
n ChaUrauQUa lake, but the night be-
ore the race Courtney's boathcuse
-as broken into and his shell was de-
troy ed. AS Courtney had never shcwn
be white. feather and had won every
ace in which he rowed as an amateur
e was absolved from completely in
be affair. which was charged TO gam
lers, who wished TO prevent the race.
he two. oarsmen finally met on the
0tomac river Courtney was in poor
ondition evidently, for before the race
as half over he showed signs of dis
Tess and padded TO the shore. Han
N rowe,f over the course alone
ourtney was widely assailed as a
quitter." and even harsher terms
ere used But his friends have al
avs maintained that the treatment
as unjust He had simply met a bet
= man. His star had begun TO grow
ina. and he had sunk TO the has
zen" class. Just as Hanlan did a few
ears later. The latter was in his
rime and probably no man in the
ord could have defeated him.
lICK RIlRIEY