The International Herald Tribune looked back recently on an idea, mooted in 1906, to get the best University crews from around the world together.

It appears, though, that the English-based crews were worried about the expenses involved:

"WASHINGTON 1906: English Oarsmen Eager for Race

LONDON: The Herald’s proposal to establish an American cup for competition between college crews of the world finds great favor with British amateur oarsmen, who praise the Herald for its endeavors to bring about a meeting of the best University crews of different countries. Prominent men in rowing circles here, however foresee difficulties in the scheme as regards British university crews, owing to the great expense. Both Mr. E. D. Hay Currie, captain of the London Rowing Club, and Mr. F. Fenner, who started the Cambridge and Harvard crews in their recent race, were very strong on this point. "The Herald’s idea is a splendid one," said Mr. Hay Currie, "and one in which I am certain our fellows would delight to participate, but it would be extremely hard to find a University combination in England that would be rich enough to pay, like the Harvard boys, all the expenses of a trip across the Atlantic out of their own pockets." "