The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1896-09-30
MR. GOULD DISCUSI'ED.
The Yacht Niagara's Owner Die
likes British Methods.
WILL NOT RACE NEXT SEASON.

The Unwarranted Examination of His yes-
sci, without Apology Therefor, Decides
the American Yachtsman to Retire from
International Contests.
LONDON, Sept 3o.-Mr. Howard Gould
has sent to the Associated Press II copy of
Il long communication which he has sent
to the council of the Yacht Racing associa-
ton, regarding visit by committee of
three from that association made to Mr..
Gould's yacht Niagara last May while at
her moorings, without having sent Mr.,
Gould any notice Of the intended visit and
on which occasion the committee made an
examination of tho yacht so us to ascertain
whether there was any truth in the report
that she was fitted with water tanks on
each side of the cabin, which were con-
nected by pipes, SO us to obtain shifting
water ballast.
Mr.. Gould says in his communication
that the yachting season has now ended,
and before returning home to America he
feels it his duty to send this communica-
ton. He had hoped all summer. he says,
to receive letter from the Yacht Racing
association which would have made the
communication unnecessary.
After pointing out that the construction
of the water tanks on the Niagara were
visible to the eye and known to many
members of the Yacht Racing association,
and that Niagara had raced throughout
1895 unquestioned Mr.. Gould tells of the
visit of the committee to his yacht with
out notice during his absence, and his re-
ceipt of Il letter five days later from Dixon
Kemp, secretary of tho association, noti-
flying him Of the committees visit and de-
csiOn.
Mr.. Gould's answer to Secretary Acmp's
letter is in part as follows:
Amy reports that the Nagara's tanks
were used for shifting ballast are abso-
lutcy false, and fail to sec how they in
any way conflict with the association
rules. However, for the sake Of harmony,
l am willing to make any change that
will meet the approval Of the committee
providing the change does not increase
the yachts weight. AS it is she races
with every possible ounce Of ght out
of her, and do not wish to make an al
teration that will make her heavier"
Dixon Kcmp's reply to this suggests the
removal of the connection and II separate
pipe service for each tank, which would
not involve more than ten pounds addi-
tlonnl weight.
After citing this correspondence, Mr.
Gould communication to the association
continues:
Had l been communicated with prior
to this discourteous visit | would gladly
have established the facts that Niagara
was measured with the tanks empty; the
water in the tanks was never used for
shifting ballast, and it would be imprac-
ticnble to advantageously use the tanks
for such purposes.
MY objection is not to the fact of the
examination having been made, but to
the mode of proceeding. Despite this ac-
ton of your committee, and to prevent
further unjust suspicion, and in the inter-
est Of harmony, l made the alterations,
severing the pipes between the tank, much
to the discomfort of the crew by lessoning
their water supply.
Il am surprised that have never re-
ceived any explanation of the course pur-
sued in boarding my yacht without COM
municating with me, although l charac-
terized such action as discourtcous at the
time. In the absence of any such explana-
ton l cannot but consider that tho course
pursued is not only discOurteous, but Is
personally offensive and essentially de-
structve of the amicable relations which
lio at the foundation of the existence of
international contests of this character"
Mr. Howard Gould stated in an inter-
view with representative of the As
sociated Press that he would sail for home
in fortnight Il will remain till then,"
4 i
question which my letter may prompt |
do not wish it to bc said that made
statement and then ran away. l do not
intend to race Niagara in 1897, but will
not sell her, as am attached to her"