Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-20

chance to the lighter crews from the
smaller colleges. 1t would mean, TOO,
that institutions which now do not fig
hre at all In the college rowing champion
ships because of insufficient men who
can stand the gruelling physical strain
would become serious factors on the
water. A light crew would have an
even chance with a heavier rival at n
distance of one and half miles, as the
trial heats would probably be.
1T has been good many years now
since the big universities which take part
In the Poughkeepsle and New London
regattas have met in one competition,
and the spirit of the movement that aims
to bring them together again will ap-
peal to every Sportsman. wouldn't II
strike anyone as a fine sporting PROPOSE
tion to set aside an entire week for such
races and have the best crew prove its
right to the title OF champion after a
series of races that would put it in COM
petition with virtually every rival? The
whole idea speaks for itself. 1t is built
on the soundest kind OF basis and could
only meet with great success"
There are many places in this country
where an American Henley could be
held. Carnegie lake at Princeton hgs
been suggested as favorable spot and
Saratoga lake also has been consid-
cred. II is desired especially to find
place that will offer advantages to spec
tators. for the backers OF the movement
are almost as anxious to surround the
regatta with the picturesque color OF a
Henley week as they are to provide a
means for the leading crews of the coun-
try to meet in one competition. This side
of 1t is being gone into carefully. and
when the final selection has been made
It will I'm all probability be found that q
lake accessible to automobile parties and
so situated that thousands may view the
contests from the banks will have been
chosen.
Saratoga is sure to find favor in many
Quarters. In view of the fact that the
residents OF that place have long been
eager to have staged there Just some
such sporting carnival as the intercoi-
llegiate regatta would be. Some years ago
Horace White. when lieutenant governor,
suggested that the various branches OF
the sporting world get together and ar
range for a great carnival OF sports TO
be held in this state once a year. Mr..
White believed that Saratoga would be
an ideal spot for a carnival OF the kind
he had In mind. because it could pro-
vide the means for handling all kinds OF
sporting events-rowing, track and field
contests racing and games Of various
sorts.
Plan is Splendid One.
But aside from the details, which will
take care of themselves. It is a splendid
idea the college men have hit upon. and
IL win be a great pity II II is not sue
cessfully carried out. The English hsn-
ley Is one OF the greatest sporting events
held in Europe. II is a source OF fine.
wholesome pleasure and amusement 20
thousands OF persons who like the out
door life. and II has q strong tendency
to lift the standard OF all sports. Ameri-
cans who have enjoyed the experience
OF Henley week and know what health
/ full fun spectators and competitors alike
derive from IL have dreamed OF the day
when this country would have a similar
/ sporting carnival. Now the opportunity
Is at last here. with the universitles
| agreeable to do their part toward max
ing an American Henley a permanent IN
stituion. 1t would be nothing short OF
a crime 10 obstruct the path in any way.
| Yale and Harvard, as before mentioned,
are willing to enter their crews IN q gem
eral regatta The differences that re-
suited in two sets OF races each year
one on the Hudson and the other on the
Thames-have evidently been brushed
aside. A Yale man. the crew manager.
has been appointed 10 arrange the de-
tails OF the association and draw up regu-
lations to submit 10 the authorities OF
the various universities.