The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-12-04
DUNRAVED TOCOME BACK
VaIkwie's Owner to Reiterate K.S
Charges Of Fraud.
ILLUSTRIOUS JURY SELECTED.

The New York Yacht Club Acts---hr. lse-
Inns Letter of Refutation Meets With
Hearty Endorsement - Ex-Secretary
whitney. J. Pierpont Morgan and
George L. Rives to Probe the Charges.
At an enthusiastic meeting held in New
York City William G. Whitney, J. Pierpont
Morgan and George L. Rives were appoint
ed by the New York Yacht Club committee
to investigate the charges made by LORD
Dunraven regarding the changing OF the
ballast OF the Defender. They were given
full power to represent the club and to take
any action they may see proper.
The club house was far too small to hold
the members, comprising many OF the most
distinguished men in the United States. who
attended the called meeting. While the
whole Of Dunraven's four-column explana-
ton In the Field as to why the Valkyrie III.
did not win the last Americas Cup race was
laid before the members. the chief interest
centred in the charges Of fraud against @.
Oliver Iselin and the other members Of the
Defender syndicate.
Commodore Brown, after calling the meet
ter from @. Oliver Iselin. which was received
with three rousing cheers.
Mr.. Iselin's letter to the club Is a
manly, straightforward statement Of the
dity Of Dunraven's charge. Mr.. Iselin
says It was practical imposstbility
for the ballast to have been changed without
his knowledge. He personally examined
her hold and every part OF her on the morn
ing OF the 7th, Immediately before the race,
and knows the absolute falsity Of the impu-
consider myself, therefore, RS standing be-
fore the world solemnly charged by Lord
Dunraven with an offense as base as could
possibly be imputed to sportsman and
gentleman, and which Indignantly resent
and repel-and more than that: with having
betI aged the confidence OF my associates IN
the ownership OF the Defender. the trust
placed in me by the New York Yacht Club
and the good name Of my country. whose
reputation for fair play was involved In The
contest"
After approving Mr.. Iselin's letter, COM
munication from q. Maitland Kersey. Dun
ravens representative in the United States,
was read, stating that Mr.. Kersey had re-
ceived a cable from Dunraven, who ex-
pressed willingness to appear before the New
York Yacht Club, or the CUP Com
mittee, II the club 80 desired. Lord
Dunraven said that while he thought 1t
rather late now to investigate the charges,
II the club or any committee deemed 1t to be
desirable he would placo himself at their
disposal, and that he wonld be ready to sail
for New York on December 1: II necessary.
Then Captain Lewis Casz Ledyard. the
owner of the schooner yacht Montauk. sprang
to his feet and offered the following resolu-
ton, which was seconded BY Captain Ogden
Goeiet Of the steam yacht White Ladye:
"Whereas, The London Field has lately
made public certain charges purporting to
have been made by the Earl Of Dunraven IN
reference to the recent cup races sailed un-
der the challenge Of the Royal Yacht Squad.
ron; and,
"Whereas, This club Is OF the opinion that
Notwithstanding the extraordinary conduct
Of the Earl Of Dunraven IN respect to the
time and manner OF making such charges, It
is due to its honor and dignity that suitable
action should be taken In relation thereto.
,"Eesolved, That J. Plsrpont MORGAN. WILL
lam C. Whitney and George L. R;ves are
hereby appointed committee, with power
in their discretion to add to their number,
to whom the matter of said charges ts hereby
referred, and that said committee shall have
full power to represent this club IN reference
to the matter, and to take. on behalf OF the
clue and In its name, any action which may
seem to them proper in the premises"
Mr.. Iselin's letter caused more enthusiasm
In the club house than has been seen there
in some time. but when the above resolution
appointing committee with power was read
all thought Of dignity was forgotten Tor the
moment, and the men Of millions shouted
approval with the vehemence of victorious
football team. The resolution was passed
not only with unanimous assent, but in<much
the same spirit which prevailed at the mem
orsble tea party which surprised the world
some hundred years ago.