New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-09-22
A RACE NEXT YEAR.

The news that our yachtsmen must be prepared
to defend the Americas Cup again next year
against an English competitor is exceedingly
welcome The first report has been conhriheu'
and Mr.. Charles Day Roses informal announce
ment Of his intention will soon be followed by a
formal challenge through the Royal Victoria
Yacht Club of Ryde The time and circumstances
impart flavor of special grace and courtesy TO
Mr. Roses action and make it peculiarly grateful
TO Americans. On the face Of 1t the challenge
merely signifies an English genteman's ambition
and purpose to capture an international trophy
which many others have tried to win In vain; put
1t really means more than that So early notin-
cation was not necessary under the terms OF the
deed Of gift, and its arrival at this time, whlie
the incidents Of the recent mournful fiasco are
still being discussed, and before Lord Dunravens
return to England with a personal narrative OF
his experiences. may fairly be interpreted as
complete and decisive disavOwal by Mr.. Rose
and, we think, many other Englishmen, includ-
ing not improbaby the Prince of Wales. OF SYM
patty with Lord Dunraven's ungallant behavior
While adding, as we must suppose, to the burden
Of humiliation which he carries here and Will not
be able to drop at home, and though not essential
TO confirm Americans in the conviction that he
has been treated here with absolute fairness and
constant courtesy. 1t is nevertheless extremely
gratifying as a striking expression of English
opinion.
This Interpretation Of Mr. Roses action Is not
a broad inference from the mere fact that he is
about to challenge formally for the Americas
Cup. He himself has promptly supplied the
reasons for such an understanding OF II. He said
frankly yesterday, in reply to inquiries, that he
had no thought Of imposing unusual conditions
for the race; that any conditions satisfactory TO
the Cup Committee would be satisfactory to him;
that he had not the slightest fear OF meeting with
anything but fair treatment, and that he sup
posed the conditions would be practically the
same as those which prevailed in this years
races. That is the language Of a gentleman, and
we sincerely hope he will prove TO be as stout
competitor as he is true sportsman. NO lover or
fair play could wish to a more pungent re-
buke administered TO those ill-informed English
men whO having begged all the questions in
volved in the recent controversy, have pro;
nounced a rancorous judgment upon American
yachtsmen and the American public That the
sentiment which such persons reflect Is by no
means unanimous in England has been evident
from the first and there is reason to believe that
they will soon find themselves In a very small
minority Of their countrymen.
Mr. Rose is quoted as adding to his expressions
Of confidence in American fair play the remark:
II only hope they Will give us clear water This
will be the ardent and universal hope here. 1t Is
condition hard to establish, as Mr.. Rose Is
doubtless aware, on any yachting course In any
race exciting great interest 1t has rarely, II
ever been present even in England, where 1t Is
not the custom for spectators to follow the races
In excursion steamers but where the courses In
some cases narrow and difficult, are additionally
INSTRUCTED by numerous yachts at anchor, through
which contestants compelled 10 find their
way as best they can. From all that we are able
to learn on the subject II appears that the en-
barrassments Of navigation, though somewhat
different in kind about equal in degree on
both sides of the Atlantic; though 1t must be con-
ceded we think, that a misfortune OF position Is
more detrimental in English waters than here,
where the consequences Of crowding are In gen.
eral impartially distributed. But, at the same
time, every possible effort and every reasonable
concession ought to be made in the interest OF alb
solutely unmpeded races for the cup next year.
Mr. Rose is peculiarly entitled to the most cordial
and considerable treatment 1t Is doubtful II the
course off Marbehead, or any other that is avail
able, would prove TO be better fitted for the pur
poses Of an international contest than that Off
Sandy Hook but we understand that there Is no
obstacle In the way Of choosing new course,
and II Mr.. Rose has a preference we should be
heartily glad to have 1t consulted.