The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-08-23

the case, think it well. through your columns, TO
make a statement of the action Of OF the men,
bers Of The said Regatta Committee In the OF the
Argonauta crew kilograms received at their club
house at Bergen Point on Monday morning, ut nine
O'Clock, for the to appear at the Philadelphia
Barge Club House at Philadelphia at two O'Clock r. NJ
the same day and answer charges preferred against
them, which late notice rendered IL impossible for
them to DO present The President and of the
Racing Committee Of the club replied that they would
come and answer any charges preferred against the
crew. They did SO, arriving at Philadelphia shortly
after four O'Clock when they found the committee in
session and presented themselves Tor examination to
answer any questions regarding their crew.
On being called upon by The committee they were
for the first time shown set OF charges preferred by
W. II. Hills, OF Albany, which printed and had
been in tho possession OF the Secretary OF the Regatta
Committee for several days These charges Of a
general and imaginary character, merely sapposttious
in their nature acknowledging that no proof could be
brought forward in support OF their statements, with
the exception OF the charges made against Mr. smith,
which were under affidavit OF who said that
another man, now dead, had told him that the year
1867 Mr. Edward Smith had been hired fish for
him.. This rambling charge had been preferred
by HIS before the Saratoga Rowing Association
previous to tho late regatta, but was dismissed by
them AS unworthy OF notice. This being the only
charge OF which Mr. Smith no had anticl-
pated Its beng made 10 tho National Association and
had written them letter denying that he had
been hired or received pay from for nshlng
The gentlemen, being called upon give evidence
regard 10 the charges made against the crew,
that they were perfectly willing answer all questions
that might be put 10 them; that they had nothing 10
conceal and that they had always been ready to
swer questions before any authorized commttce and
after being thoroughly examined, answering every
question frankly aud fully were given TO understand
that the committee were fully satisfied. They pre-
suned that Mr. Smiths letter was sufficient to answer
the aildavts present ted by Mr.. Hills cut the action
OF the committee, as reported IN your paper shows
they were mistaken.
When the meeting had adjourned and they learned
aware That their case could be- laid before the
Executive Committee Tor hnai adjustment when Mr.
smith would be allowed hearing and present attn
davits which he was prepared to make, coniroverng
those oil Mr. Hills There was meeting called OF the
Executive Committee, TO meet at the Philadelphia
Barge Club House that evening, ami Mr. Dexter, the
President OF the Executive Committee, had sent tele
gram from Providence that he would be at the club
house at T. NJ accordance with the call OF tho
secretary. No such meeting was held, five being
necessary TO quorum, Mr.. Dexter AID three other
members OF the committee being the only pres
ent. Mr.. Garfield, Secretary of the Executive
Committee, purposely absented himself upon
statement made to Mr.. Graft that he did not
intend TO go TO meeting where ne would be outvoted
Other members Of the committee, who having acted
charges presented to them Regatta Committee,
also absent ed themselves for what know not
but, certainly il clearly their duty, having taken
action at tho Regatta Committee meeting, to have
been the first on hand to listen to appeal Mr..
Dexter, the President of the Executive Committee and
the other three members, waited until eleven O'Clock
L. NJ. at the Barge club house hoping that q quorum
might arrive and having learned where Mr.. Garfield,
the Secretary 10 be found, started of in search of
him, with what success the writer does not know, as
he was Obliged TO leave tho twelve clock tram
for New York
These the facts far they 90. but from the
preconcerted action Of those who absented themselves
from this meeting am justified in coming to the con-
clusion that It was based upon personal aninus
ARGONAUTA.