The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-12-11


controversy few years ago. AWestern news
paper published the alleged discovery In one
Of the mounds in the Mississippi valley, OF "a
huge iron kettle for cooking proposes
Several savans were proud Of this proof In
favor Of their favorite theory that porpoises
once fOurished in those latitudes. But alas
for the fallibility of scientific minds, the words
turned out to be misprint for cooking pur-
poses"
The Great Atlantic Yacht Race from NV
York 70 the Isle Of Wight.
To-day, at one o'clock, the Fleetwing, vesta
and Henrietta-three yachts belonging to the
New York Yacht Club-start upon their long
and hazardous race across the Atlantic The
starting point will be OF Sandy Hook, and the
Needles, OF the Isle Of Wight, will be the ter
minus Of the course. For the sake of the
yacbtmen and their friends we hope that the
sky may be clear, the sun bright and the wind
fresh and fair to-day, so that the commence
ment OF the race may be attended with that
eclat which so important yachting event de-
serves. This will be the first race across the
Atlantic ever sailed by yachts of any country.
1t will be the first genuine ocean race
if we except the Americas race and
the two hundred mile matches to Cape
May-in which American yachts have
ever been engaged. Although it might have
been preferable, in some points Of view, had
all three Of the owners accompanied their
yachts, still the presence Of several members
Of the Yacht Club upon each Of the boats saves
our yachtmen from the sheer which the
British would be only too ready to make, that
Americans declined to risk their lives in their
vessels. Under all the circumstances, then, we
expect to see the bay crowded with steamers
and sailboats this morning to bid hearty fare
well to the young fellows who are about to
inaugurate new era in American yachting
and If the weather be pleasant the scene will
be delightfully."- picturesque, and the excitement
and enthusiasm most unbounded. A reception
almost equally cordial will greet the three
yachts when they reach the Isle of Wight, as
the English yachtmen, headed by the Earl Of
Wilton, take the greatest possible interest in
the race.
When we contrast to-day's start with the
Yacht Club regatta Of five years ago, we can
see at glance the wonderful progress which
our yachtmen have made. Five years ago the
most pleasant month in the year was selected
for the regatta; the sky could not be too serene,
the sunshine too golden, the breeze too delicate
ly gentle, and the waters Of the bay too smooth
and waveIess. Now our yacbtmen choose the
month of December, when the weather is sure
TO be cold, II mot stormy, when the golden sun
shine gives no warmth ana when there Is no
chsnce of being obliged to whistle for wind
Five years ago our yachts Rugged the shore as
closely as child clings to it, mother putting
into port the moment the breeze began to
fresbsn or a cloud appeared upon the tran
quill horizon. Now our yachtmen steer
boldly out to sea, like true. !, sons Of
Neptuxs, wooing the storms and the
waves, and only anxious for weather rough
enough 70 test their seamanshiy and tho
strength'sT their bosta They keep up their
summer regatta and review for the benefit Of
their lady friends; but they prefer more ex-
hilarating sport for themselves. The race to-
day, which b one Of tho FIRST and boldest do
velopments, q this new feeling among our
yachtmen, will undoubtedly be followed by
others Of tho same character. The winaer Of
this sweepstakes. VIC are informed, will chal-
Iengs the British yachts to race around the
Westward IsIaDds Severed American yachts
viii take part IN the race ~ the Frencla Ex-
position prize. Altogether, there will be- 90
general a yachting Juror tAat scores Of new
yachts will be bailt and yachting club will
BE- organized IN every seaport town. The
yschtmen who sail to-day, and to whom we
wish the happiest Of voyages have at least the
satisfaction Of being the first 70 show US that
. now era Of Anencan yachting has begun.
On THAT reputatica no one can ever deprive
them, no matter whether they win or lose the "
race.
The New COMMUNICATIONS are great
nnsny curious rumors and opinions and
sasculations nosting about in relation to
the newly elected city Comptroller, Richard
F. Connolly and the course he will pursue