6 APRIL 1912, Page 3

The Boat Race was rowed last Saturday in a westerly

gale of wind, and both boats were swamped. It has never happened before that more than one boat has been swamped. Cambridge sank near Harrod's buildings, on the east aide of Hammer- smith Bridge, and abandoned the race. Oxford, who had been leading almost from the start, struggled on to Chiswick, where they emptied out their water-logged boat in shallow water and then completed the course at their leisure. But the umpire decided that the race was void, and it was decided to re-row it on Monday. It was said that the umpire—we have not heard that the reason for his decision was officially made known—declared the race off, as Oxford had been technically aided in emptying out their boat by spectators who touched the boat or the oars. If that were his reason Cambridge, we imagine, could have claimed the race, as Oxford would really have been disqualified. Whether the reason for the decision, however, is disputable or not, we are sure that the decision was in effect sound and desirable in every way. On Monday Oxford won easily, in accordance with expectation. Mr. Bourne, the stroke, created a " record " by stroking a winning crew four times. His style is not attractive, but he has real generalship, and crews behind him always have good length, good rhythm, and any amount of dash.