The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-02-28
Is No Longer a Member Of the New
York Yacht Club.
BUT ONE DISSENTING VOTE.
Opinions of the Earl of an Un-
complimentary Nature.

all Up 10 the time OF meeting, no direct
apology or notification OF Intended resig-
nation had been received by any club OIL
GERS from Lord Dunraven.
1t was rumored that letter embodying
a resignation was on its way from the
owner Of the Valkyrie, but it was not In
evidence when the meeting was called to
order at $50 by Commodore Brown.
The only member of the board Of inyes-
tigation which carefully considered Lord
Dunraven's charges OF fraudulent practices
on the part OF the owners OF the victorious
Yankee craft, Defender, present was
George L. Riyes The model room of the
clubhouse was choked up with the mem
bers, who were anxious 10 join the yacht
owners, who could decide tine issue, In
sending the Irish earl to Coventry.
As soon as the meeting was called To or
der by Commodore E. NJ. Brown, Captain
Lewis Cass Lcdyard requested that his
motion calling for the resignation of Lord
Dunraycn from the New York Yacht
club, which he proposed two weeks ago,
should be withdrawn. The request was
granted unanimously. Captain Ledyard
then claimed that under chapter 81 Of the
bylaws of the club, Dunrayen's actions
should be summarily dealt with. This
chapter reads as follows;
In case of an Occurrences injurious 20 the
welfare OF the club the name or nenes OF any
member or members implicated therein may
be removed from the list Of members by vote
of the majority of the yachts represented at
any general or special meeting
Captain Ledyard then offered the fol-
lowing preamble aud resolutions:
Severe Censure.
The Earl of Dunraven, an honorary member
of this club has publicly charged foul play on
the part OF the Defegdsr in the recent races
for the Americas en- Ssof such "a nature as
20 necessarily impicats the managing owners
of the vessel.
The charge has been investigated by a com
mission of the highest character, which has
proceeded judcally, and before which Lord
Dunraven has appeared and given his own
and other testimony, and has been heard in
person and by counsel. The commission has
unanimously decided that the charge was
false; that 10 was nos merely improved, but
was affirnatiyely disproyed by competent and
uncontradictory evidence, leaving no possi'
bility Of doubt.
The commission has also found that the facts
upon which Lord Dunraven acted according
20 his own statement, furnished no justitca-
tion for making such a charge
We deem IL to be among the unquestioned
rules which regulate the course of gentlemen
that when one finds that he has been led by
mistake to cast unjust imputations upon the
character OF another. he should promptly
make such reparation remains in his power
by acknowledging his error, Withdrawing the
tmputations and expressing his regrets. Such
reparation to Mr.. Iselin and his associates, the
Earl OF Dunraven, after full opportunity, has
failed to make
IL further appears from the evidence, I'm,
cluding Lord Duprayens own admissions. that
ht the time of the cup races he Intentionally
refrained from making the charge formally,
or making any protest as required by the
rules, because II was impossible for him to
verify the charge and he was unwilling to
take the responsibility of entertaining IL.
II Is open 70 discussion that when gentlemen
are engsged in any sport, and one suspects an
other Of foul play, he is bound TO make the
charge then and in such form and manner as
20 assume full responsibility therefor, or there
after to remain silent.
1t further appears that in print and in public
speech Lord Dunraven has sought to Justify
the making Of the charge by numerous mis-
representations OF fact He has been forced
himself to admit the untruth of most OF these,
yet he stubbornly refuses To retract the i'm
furious differences drawn from them.
The representatives of this club engaged in
the international yacht races with Lord Dun
raven, as the representative of English yachts.
and honor. He has requited their courtesy
and confidence by distrust suspicion, un.
founded imputations of fraud and refusal of
preparation
Lord Dunraven, by his course has forfeited
the high esteem which led 10 his election as an
honorary member OF this CLUB; therefore,
Resolved, That the privileges of honorary
membersh.p heretofore extended to the Earl
of Dunravcn are hereby withdrawn, and that
his nsifne be- removed from the list OF honorary
members OF the club.
Ledyard's Sentiments.
In introducing the above resolution.
Rear Commodore Hetiyard said: "At the
last meeting OF the club / introduced a
resolution which called upon the Earl of
Duurnyen 10 resign his honorary mem
bership in the club IL seemed then more
consistent with fhe courtescs and diRni-
fed and careful way in which MI this sub.
ject has been treated by the New York
Yacht club. do not think that there has
ever been in tho mind OF any member of
the club an idea that we should accent
any resignation by lard Dunravcn. unless
II was accompanied by full, ample ana
complete apology and a retraction of his
charges.
"Whcn suggested, by the introduction
Of my resolution, that Lord Dunraven's
resignation should b. requested, had i'm
mind resignation 20 be given by him in
answer to a demand by the club, not q
resignation such rs any member i'm good
standing could tender and expect 10 have
accepted. The communications which we
have received since the last meeting show
that Lord Duurayen has not accepted the
result Of this inquiry. He Is still carpmg
still hedging, still evading and still insist.
ing that he saw with his eyes what we
know he never dld see, as has been con.
clusively proved.
II think that his course has been such
that 1t Is due 10 the dignity and self.re.
spect Of this club that action should 30
taken which will leave no room for doubt
as 20 the attitutc OF the club And with
that view ! ask the unanimous consent
of the members OF the club 20 withdraw
the resolution which offered at the last
meeting Tor the purpose NJ submitting in
It, place another and different one"
When Mr. lodyard had done speaking.
be was greeted with wild cheers. As
soon as quiet was restored, Commodore
Brown put tle resolution 90 ~ yacht own.
ers meant all ~ vbnu, i,,t o,,, ~,