The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-11-21

OUT new JOBS TO the lobby; let them ieglsiate
so as to secure to the citizens cheap gas and
cheap fare, through the medium of Board of
Public Works, and the popular endorsement
Of their conduct will soon be made manifest
at the ballot box, even in these benighted
municipalities.
The Ocean Yacht Race In Dccen.ber-sub-
scription by New York Merchants.
The meteoric shower, the benefit Of Madame
Ristori, the defeat Of. the "ring," Cornell's
more or less than Christian resignation, the
HERALD's new plan Of reco nstructing the South
by means Of another Union army, the varying
phases of the Mexican question, the last new
fashions of short skirts, no crinoline and bro
caded silks, the improvements along Broad
way and Fifth avenue, the prospects of bril-
liant winter season, the pictures at the Acade-
my of Design, the possible and probable can
didates for the Comptrollership, the anniver-
sary Of the founding Of the Historical Society,
the projected alliance between President john
son and Chief Justice Chase, the arrangements
for public and private balls, the nomination Of
Greeley for Senator, and-last but not least
the weather, are current topics of converse
ton in the various circles of society; but
everywhere the topic that seems to supersede
all others in interest and to excite the most
general attention and debate is the approach.
ing ocean race between three members of the
New York Yacht Club. No new developments
have recently transpired officially, and the
questions whether the owners Of the yachts are
to sail in them, and whether other yachts are to
be admitted to competition with the Fleetwing.
Vesta and Henrietta, are still unsettled. Never
theless, the newspapers continue to discuss the
subject, and in their articles, as well as in con-
versation and in the letters Of correspondents,
numerous suggestions are made.
One Of our contemporaries, for example,
tries to throw cold water upon the yachts
mcn-who will probably have enough of it
before they get across the ocean-by insinu-
ating that their only purpose is "to win and
pocket given sum Of money" and that their
yachts are bound "for Cowes and q market"
Nothing is to be gained by such ill-natured
sneers as these. When our contemporary
talks Of 'Cowes and market" in connection
with American yachtsmen it commits posi-
tive bull. We have already pointed out the
obvious fact that If yachtsmen simply desire
to win money they can do SO without going to
sea. Up to the present time the members Of
about the Sound in pleasant weather, and their
greatest achievement has been o race to Cape
May and return. The sweepstakes now
arranged will revolutionize all this and inau-
gurate new era in American yachting. II is
true, as our contemporary states, that yachts
have already crossed the Atlantic, and that the
America, the Sylvie and the Alice have accom-
plished this feat; but that it is no very easy
journey is proven by the fact that only these
three yachts have attempted it. Neither did
the Sylvie, the America and the Alice under
take to race across, but they started for q
mere voyage, selecting the summer months
and not caring how long they were on the
way, 80 that they could arrive safely at last.
We have no intention Of Understanding the
performances of these stout and stanch
boats; but there is the same difference
between their voyages and the race to be sailed
In December as there is between riding around
the Park roads for exercise some pleasant
afternoon and dashing over the Jerome park
course in steeplechase over hedges, hurdles,
walls and brooks. The latter may be . dan
gcrous pastime, but it requires pluck, endur-
ance and skill to perform; and these are pre-
cisely the qualities to be developed in our
young men by ocean yacht races, and are to
be valued for themselves and for their effect
upon our national character and reputation,
quite aside from any pecuniary reward that
may accrue from their cultivation and ex-
hibition.
But il is q curious instance of the diversity
Of public opinion that we should receive on
the very day ths! our contemporaries article
appeared, a letter from South street mer-
chant expressing very diverse views Our
contemporary seems TO complain because
there is some money at stake upon the ocean
race, while the South street merchant is
anxious that the stake should be made larger
by q voluntary subscription Of one hundred
thousand dollars, to be divided into prizes for
the three yachts now entered. Such sub
scription would be thoroughly American and
exceedingly liberal and generous. The yachts
men do not ask for it; indeed, so far as We are
informed the contestants are very well satisfied
with the terms Of the race already arranged.
These terms were not hastily proposed and
accepted, but were deliberately agreed upon
after considerable consultation. AT the same
time we do not believe that the yachtsmen
would refuse to allow our leading merchants
to interest themselves in a matter which lie, as
our correspondent reminds US, national affair,
involving our national pride. Each Of the
contestants is naturally hopeful Of winning the
race. and consequently gives no thought to