National Republican (Washington City

The Principals Both Confident.

The excitement regarding tomorrow's aquatic contest continues to increase, and every detail regarding the principals is eagerly sought after. The hotel corridors are thronged with a surging, restless multitude intent upon getting points, and every visitor to either man is besieged for information as to how they are looking, what they say, etc.

Courtney did hard work yesterday on the river, and last night said to a representative of THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN that he had never been in finer form in his life, and the race tomorrow would be a tight one. Hanlan was found at his quarters surrounded by hosts of admirers, and expressed himself in similar terms.

The practice pulls of both men yesterday were witnessed by thousands of spectators, Courtney's style seeming to be the most thought of. Referee Blaikie had the Speedwell out for a trial in the afternoon, and she worked splendidly, showing thirteen knots to the hour. He expresses himself as fully satisfied with the progress made by the men, and that the race will certainly come off tomorrow. He entertains no fears of any crooked business, saying that neither man could afford to do anything wrong. He was busily engaged at his room last night issuing tickets to representatives of the press and invited guests. On the day of the race one gun signifies Hanlan and two Courtney. At the Analostan boat-house the signal balloons, showing the progress made by each man, will be located, the red one signifying Hanlan at the north end and a blue one for Courtney at the south.

In the pools sold at Willard's last night Hanlan was a hot favorite, selling at $100 to $60.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RACE.

The following circular was issued yesterday afternoon:

WASHINGTON, D. C., May 17, 1880.

If there is a reasonable prospect at 3 o'clock on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 19th, that the water will be in good condition for the race at 4 o'clock, one gun will be fired from the referee's boat. Fifteen minutes later a second gun as a signal for the boats to get in line; and at 4:30 another gun for the start. At the turn one gun will be fired if Hanlan is leading: two if Courtney. When the winner crosses the finish line one gun will be fired if Hanlan wins, and two if Courtney. In case any postponement should be necessary, either for a short time or until another day, it will be duly announced on the blackboard of the referee's boat. No craft of any kind will be allowed to accompany the oarsmen over the course except the referee's and press boats.

It should be borne in mind that the shells of the scullers are but about three inches deep and that the least swash will be very likely to swamp them and thereby destroy the race. Captains or persons in charge of small crafts will please co-operate with the referee in doing their utmost to maintain a clear course through All steamers that propose lying near the turn will anchor not less than a hundred yards below it, so as not to impede the speed of the oarsmen by any suction. All steamers at any point above the turn must be at anchor by 3 o'clock at the latest, and east of the course, out of the channel and between the foot of G street and the Potomac boat-house. All schooners and other sailing craft in the port will anchor on the Virginia side, between Analostan island and the aqueduct. A sergeant from the signal service will communicate from the referee's boat with another on the top of the Analostan boat-house the relative positions of the oarsmen at each half mile. It would be well for all proprietors of boarding houses who have rooms to spare to send their address and rates to the local press at once, so that ample provisions may be made for visitors in the event of the incapacity of the hotels to accommodate those who may arrive in the city for the purpose of witnessing the race. The referee would respectfully request the hearty co-operation of all citizens and visitors who purpose witnessing the contest in the endeavor to keep the course absolutely clear, and to do all that is possible toward rendering it a successful as well as a memorable one. By so doing they will accomplish a great deal in the direction of making this the national course. Although this country has witnessed a generation of rowing contests, it does not yet possess a suitable national course; that is, one similar to the famous British Putney to Mortlake course on the Thames. All applications for tickets on the press boat must be made in writing and signed by the managing editor or representative of the paper and addressed to the referee at the Riggs house Only one representative of each paper can be accommodated on the press boat

WILLIAM BLAIKIE. Referee.