The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-09-22
The Yacht Trlumph.

RWEs, our Minister in Paris, to Colonel Ham
llton of New York, (says the New York En-
presS,) shows how deep an interest everywhere
was felt in the success Of the yacht America
BoULooSE-sUR- MER, Aug. "a, 1851.
My DEAN Sir: | congratulate you with my
whole heart ON the success Of the gallant America
in her contest with the Royal Yacht Squadron the
day before yesterday, the result Of which has just
been communicated to me here.
When had the pleasure Of seeing you al Paris
told you how much felt our national honor and
interests to be involved in the issue of any match
the America might engage in at Cowes, and how
much relied on the sagacity, Judgment aud skill
OF Commodore Stevens, with his spirited and pa
triotc companions, to uphold the reputation of our
glorious flag. The contest has now been decided;
and the America, and with her our American
stars and stripes, have been once more victorious
And what victory! To beat britannia,
4" Whose flag has brayed thousand years the bat
tie and the breeze;''
to beat her in her native seas in the presence
of her queen, and contending against fleet of
seventeen sail OF her picked models of naval archi-
lecture, owned and personally directed by the
proudest names Of her nobiity-her Marlborougha
and her Anglesseys-is something that may well
encourage us in the race of maritime competition
which is set before US.
The destinies OF the world in regard to civil and
political liberty, and progressive civilization of
every kind, must depend in a great degree upon
that power which shall obtain permanent ascend
ency on the Ever since the demonstrations of
our naval aptitudes and prowess which the war of
1912 gave rise to, all eyes have been turned to
America a candidate for that great and glitter.
ing, and brightly used. most noble prize have
al anid Init oh bast
tives abroad, and Commodore Stevens and his
brethren of the New York Yacht Club have shown
how well they understand their mission. Honor
and thanks to them, then, for having added an
other glorious day to our national calendar; for
SO highly do estimate the importance in itsehect
direct or indirect of their successful achievement
of peaceful rivalry the day before yesterday that
the ttuenty- second Of august is destined in my
opinion, to take rank in annals with those DAYS
which have been rendered memorable by victories
won at sea or on land, or have been otherwise en-
deared to by associations connected with our
national renown.
And how OPPORTUNITY has all this come to raise
up from the depressing effects of our supposed
failure in the exhibitions of the Crystal Palace
an arena in which have always been inclined 10
question the policy of our appearance at this time
In the character OF competitors, was early to
be foreseen that objects of mere luxury and artistic
elegance would be predominant there, in regard to
which it was not to be expected that 80 young
people could contend on equal terms with the older
and more luxurious nations of Europe Ship build
ing, and the arts of seamanship, however, with
other pursuits of the useful and the original be-
long to the bold and adventurous youth of our
country, and trust il is now demonstrated that in
these need not fear comparison with the rest
of the world. The arts OF elegance will follow in
their turn and in due season. In the mean time
we cannot cherish with too much pride and fond
meas that element Of our national strength which
in the extraordinary mechanical improvements of
the age, has become indispensable means OF Sc
curity and selfdefence, while it must in the end
exercise controlling influence upon the destinics
of the civilized world.
In this connexion truat Legislators will not
be unmindful of the high duty they are under of
giving an efiectual encouragement and support to
the noble enterprise that has been commenced
with such brilliant in your city for vindi-
eating our equal share in the navigation of the
ocean between the Old and New World by steam,
and the whole nation will, am sure, rise up and
cheer the America by their joyous and spontaneous
acclamations, (the only encouragement, happily
which she requircs,) as the news of her sue
GEES shall meet our shores.
have not the pleasure of being personally known
to Commodore Stevens, but pray you to present
my best respects to him, with my warmest thanks
an American citizen for the proud leaf he has
added to the chaplet Of our naval and national re-
Believe me, my dear sir, very truly and faith.
fully yours, w. c. RIyES
Col JAMES HAMILTON nj Cowes