New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-31
Sam Richards Expresses
Himself on Question of
Following Pace in
the Race.

The list OF prospective starters in the
Tribune Marathon Swim of July 10 over
the Battery to Sandy Hook course. con-
tinues to increase in length. Three more
names were added during the week just
elapsed, those of Herbert Lally, OF New
York; Charles Stolberg. OF Brooklyn, and
Captain James DAILY. OF the Staten ISL
and division Of the American Life Saving
Society.
Lally has seen considerable competition
in open races Of the Amateur Athletic
Union and has n good record, although
he has not so far undertaken so long a
trip as the one in sight. DAILY has con-
fned his efforts chiefly to pleasure swim
ming. but Is said to have good speed and
unusual endurance.
Stolberg has figured in many important
contests and Is well known. Since he
first broke int the racing game, in 1906,
a number OF excellent performances have
gone to his credit He has taken part
five times ;n the annual Battery to
Coney Island swim and twice in the New
England classic from Charlestown Bridge
TO Boston Light.
The controversy over whether the con-
testants In The Tribune's race shall be
allowed TO swim behind the plotting row.
boats has been referred to the Amateur
Athletic Union by Samuel Richards. Of
Boston. who writes as follows:
II wish to call attention to the preva-
lent practice OF accepting pace IN Mara
thon swims as | believe a swimmer has
no more right TO be paced by rowboat
than has a runner TO be by an automo-
bile
II would suggest, in fact. the advisl-
bilty OF adopting a general rule disqual-
flying any competitor who accepts pace
This is not only fair and equal to all, but
forces every entrant to swim on his rner-
its. II is impossible for contestant to
be towed when he swims besides a pilot
ing craft, or even between Two boats
while il is a very simple thing for him tc
use the old wire and button device and
receive help when following boat The
trick Furthermore, is almost impossible
TO detect and expose.
II would add that absolutely no pro-
lttllOD Ia duOIucu W lit man VIM o"Aiio
at the side of boat. never mind what
the direction OF the wind. while in the
back OF even the smallest craft there is
always a smooth path of water which
gives an advantage OF around six minutes
TO the mile.
This | have proved over measured
courses with stop watch, paddle whee
and cyclometer, and any one can be con
WINGED OF the truth OF what / say by the
simple experiment of dropping two pieces
of wood. one from the side and the other
from the stern OF a moving rowboat. The
former will stay where il alights; the
latter will follow in the wake of the boat
"As the rule | advocate will allow the
officials TO see for themselves from the
referees boat whether the contestants
comply or not with regulations. its adop-
ton will make easy the supervision OF
any race and avoid all chance of the I'M
scrupulous employing unfair tactics"
There is no means at present by which
the governing body can pass the proposed
rule before next July. so the decision in
this instance must be left TO the Tribune
race committee. The views OF the ma
tional swimming officers will be sought
and the question settled in few days,
when notice Of the verdict will be given
in these columns.
Entry blanks for the Tribune Marathon
Swim will be issued shortly and mailed
to all who have already sent in appli-
cations Others may obtain them upoE
request.
No entry fee will he charged. but a de-
post OF so must be forwarded with every