Fort Worth Daily Gazette

UGLY COMMENTS.

Rumors in Washington that Teemer Sold out the Boat Race to O'Connor Yesterday,

But Disinterested Observers are of the Opinion that the Contest Was Decided on Its Merits.

The Referee Thinks the Winner a Wonderful Oarsman - The Action of a Heavy Gambler on the Event.

WASHINGTON, NOV. 25.

There have been ugly rumors since the O'Connor-Teemer boat race was decided yesterday afternoon to the effect that Teemer sold out.

In an interview, Referee Elder said: "There have been some comments that the race was not an honest one, but I am satisfied that it was and cannot find any reason for changing my decision. I consider myself competent to judge of the character of a contest, and I am confident that the race was won fairly and that O'Connor deserves his victory. I regard him as being a wonderful oarsman and I think now that he can not only beat any man in this country, but that he can beat anyone in the world."

Men who had bet money on Teemer, declare that Teemer could have beaten O'Connor if he had tried. James W. Sullivan, a Pittsburg man who had increased the stakes to $2500, and who had made other wagers to the extent of $2000 that Teemer would win, has sent formal notice to each stakeholder not to pay over the money, as he proposes to contest the referee's decision. Sullivan also called on Referee Elder and stated that he regarded the race as being unfair, and requested that he withhold his decision in order that the matter might be investigated.

Elder, however, replied that he was satisfied that the race was decided on the merits of the two men, but he was willing to hear any evidence to the contrary which they might produce. Sullivan has already employed Campbell Carrington as his attorney, and it is likely some trouble will be caused before the matter is ended. It should be borne in mind that these complaints come from losers. O'Connor and his friends deny that there was anything wrong about the race, and this is the feeling among disinterested observers.