THE AQUATIC CHAMPIONSHIP.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1796, 22 November 1879, Page 2

THE AQUATIC CHAMPIONSHIP.

New York papers make no reference to the act that Tnickett’s backers had offered to accept a challenge, purporting to have come from the Hanlan Club. The matter has been transposed in some way or other, and Tricketfc has been placed before the American public as the challenger to row Hanlan for 2003 to 5000 dollars instead of the challenged. This fact, coupled with the efforts made iu the United States to bring about a match with Courtney led to a " New York Herald ” correspondent interviewing Hanlan at Toronto on August 22nd. The result is thus described iu that journal of the day following : There was a large party of German excursionists on the island, and they appeared highly interested in rowing, and watched Hanlan with close attention while he gave them a spin over the rather lumpy water. When he returned to the island the correspondent of the “Herald” accosted him, and the following conversation ensued. Correspondent—l suppose you have seen the statement that Trickett has challenged you ? Hanlan—Yes, but I doubt if it is genuine. I rather think it is a canard started to keep up the excitement. Ido not think Trickett will challenge me. Correspondent—Why are you of that opinion ? Hanlan—Trickett has no record that compares with mine, and I think he would rather rest content with the glories he has than risk them by a competition with me. Correspondent—But supposing the challenge be genuine ? Hanlan—lu that case I would accept. Correspondent —Do you consider the purse mentioned sufficient 1 Hanlan—Yes, I would row him for 5000 dollars and expenses. Correspondent Would you be prepared to go Australia in answer to the challenge at at once ? Hanlan—Certainly not. 1 have my hands full for this season, and could not think of going this year. Correspondent—What do you mean by having your hands full for this season ? Hanlan—Well, I mean that I should like to be on the spot in case Courtney should challenge mo, and if not, I should still like to remain at home with my wife and child. Correspondent—Still, should the Trickett challenge be genuine, you will accept ? Hanlan—Certainly ; I will not refuse any challenge, no matter who it comes from, as long as a sufficiently large purse is put up. After this conversation, Hanlan took the correspondent into his own house, and introduced him to Iris wife, who was nursing his first born, whom he regarded with a good deal of pride. “ There,” said he, “are my two anchors, and while they bind me to ray island home I have no particular desire to visit such a far distant part of the world as Australia. Still, if it is required to go there .to maintain my championship, I cm prepared to go, no matter how much inclination may prompt me to stay at home.”