Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-08-07
vIGILANT Is WITHDRAWN.

VIII Not BE In Thursday's and Satur-
days Races.
While everyone was discussing the mer-
its of the Defender last evening at New
port, and specializing on how much greater
improvement the new boat would show
when she should again meet the Vigilant
later in the week. Mr.. Willard. who is
George Goulds representative and mana
ger Of the Higilant. gave out letter. which
at once shattered the well-laid plans Ct the
yachtsmen and others Interested in the
racers.
In the letter Mr.. Willard simply withdrew
the Vigilant from all future races In which
the Defender might take part. He said
very plainly that he felt the Defender had
treated the vigilant in rowdy fashion yes
terday, and also on July % Off Sandy HOOK
and he wanted no more to do with her.
MIR. Wizards Protest.
Here is Mr.. Wizards letter:
On Board Vigilant, Newport Harbor.
To the Regatta Committee. New York Y.C.:
Dear Sirs-I hereby withdraw Vigilant's
entries for the races on Thursday and Sat
urday. In doing SO 1 desire to add a few
words of explanation.
AS YOU are aware, Mr.. Gould. and I, as
his representative, fitted out and prepared
Vigilant for racing for no purpose in the
world except to assist in developing the
fastest American yacht ard thus AID IN
the defense of Americas cup. To this end
MIR. Gould has cheerfully gone TO great
expense and l have taken much pains and
spent much time. 1 cannot, however, con-
sent to continue racing Vigilant unless the
contests are to be conducted according TO
the rules of yachting. l have now twice
given way to Defender at the start or a
race when Vigilant clearly had the right
of way. because l was unwilling TO risk a
tph fDhf lkax IL
out a cup defender. However willing 1
may have been to waive my rights In the
past, l am not willing TO go on waving
them indefinitely, and, even II were, 1t Is
quite possible that situation might be
created in which collision would be in
evitable.
Mr.. Gould's sole DESIRE as we'll as my
own, is that the cup may be defended by
the fastest American sloop. which might
not be the case If Figllant and Defender
collided.
AS You know. have already protested
Defenders action at the start on July -.
In today's race the Defender again VIC
lated the rules and forced Vigilant out of
position to which she was entitled. In
both cases there would have been col
Hsion If Vigilant had not given way. In
each case the responsibility of avoiding an
accident was cast upon me. 1t would not
be fair either to the yacht or to her owner
to continue racing under these conditions.
Very respectfully yours.
E. A. WILLARD.
No One Will Comment.
When Mr.. Willard handed this letter to
the members of the press last night he re-
marked that the Vigilant was still at the
disposal of the America cup committee, to
be used for any purpose they see fit.
Mr.. Iselin was taken aback by the news
that the Vigilant had decided to draw out,
but he would make no answer to the letter.
Mr.. Kane. chairman Of the regatta COM
mittee. also refused to speak on the subject,
known, however that as soon as the COM
mittee received Mr. Wizards letter all
hands of them went out to see the writer
of the missive and had long talk with
him. The result of the interview Is not
officially known, and probably will not be
known until the clouds of war settle, but
the appearance of Mr.. Willard after it took
place was one that indicated firmness of
intention that could not be mistaken. That
there is strong feeling between the owners
of the Defender and Vigilant is evident.
This stand taken by the Vlgiiant's people,
it was thought might annul the action of
the Americas cup committee. held on the
flagship Sylvia yesterday afternoon, when
it was decided to hold formal trial races off
Sandy Hook on August 20 and o. and fur
Their races if they should be seen to be
necessary. Doubtless the action Of the
committee, which is headed by one of the
NEST experienced and level-headed yachts
men in the world-Commodore James D.
Smith of the New York Yacht Club-was
taken In order that a test of the Vigilant's
rough-weather qualities might be made.