Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-08
BIG REGATTA bOOMS
National Event on Potomac to
Be a Grand Affair.
COMMITTEES WORK HARD
Secretary Of States Invitation to
Foreign Crews Has Stirred Up
All Amateur Oarsmen.
COMMITTEES WORK HARD

Though the great National regatta of
1910 is not due until the 10Th and 18th Of
August next, one would suppose from
the work being carried forward and the
interest manifested by the outside world
that the affair was scheduled for an early
date the present month
The fact that the Secretary of State
has rendered an invitation to all foreign
regatta has stirred the aquatic devotees OF
America up to pitch that the National
Association of Amateur Oarsmen did not
deem possible, and hence they are con-
WINGED that the Potomac river next Au-
gust.will be the scene of the most inter-
esting international regatta ever held in
any country. Some Of the more enthusi-
astic are of the opinion that it will sweep
away the prestige long held by the Eng
fish Henley, because more representative
crews from various parts of the world
will be here to participate.
The national committee expects crews
from Great Britain, and, while not
from the London or Thames Row
ing clubs. yet strong representatives
from other countries, who have
made regulations on the waters Of their
sections. The trouble with the strong
clubs in the neighborhood of London is
the exacting demands made on the status
of the competitors, and the qualification
they must pass ere they can be classed as
amateurs. In the general run of the Eng
fish clubs they hold that an amateur is
one who, If he works. does SO only for a
pastime, and in this category they only
allow men who are lawyers, bankers,
clerks and men of medicine to he in
cluded. while the general run of workers
is debarred Oh the grounds of profess
slOnalism. In America every man is An
amateur except those who make a living
on the water or use oars in going to and
from business
If America would adopt the ideas of
England In regard to the status of an
amateur there would be no doubt that
the London and Thames clubs would
come. but a howl would go up if they
attempted such a move, and the people
Of this country would be right in howl
ing.
Foreign Crews Coming.
Still, there will be many foreign crews
here during next August, as the head
quarters in New York has received word
from all sections stating that this and
that crew was coming. But it was felt that
it would be wrong just now to give any
detailed particulars, though one of the
rumors was to the effect that the crews
from faraway Australia which would be
in England in July to attend the Henley
would be a stellar attraction here dur
ing the national. II
In local circles the feeling il high that
the regatta would eclipse the now IA
nous Middle States held here in 1908,
which was the largest attended one ever
held in our country.
Mr.. Frank Russell Underwood, treas
urer of the regatta committee. is one
of the most enthusiastic workers in
Washington. and he is sanguine from his
past connection in working up row.
ing interest here that it will be the finest
gathering of swell oarsmen and scullers
ever corralled any river course in
the world.
Why" said Mr.. Underwood, "the last
Middle States was banner event for
rowing, but that was only a one-day af-
fair. yet it was full of exciting and
spectacular rowing affairs. The coming
national will see that and so ii one bet
ter.
I'm all the races sent off from the
starters pistol on those coming two days