New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-18
TOO BADi

IT IL safe to say that Americans regret almost
as keenly as Sir Thomas Upton can that the
Shamrock was disabled yesterday and COM
rclled 10 return to her moorings. leaving the
Columbia TO sail over the course alone and win
the second race. The fine performance OF the
Gun defender, gratifying as 1t Is and ought 70
be- TO those whose hopes she carries. does not
begin 10 compensate them for the misfortune
which they share with the owner of the Sham
rock His conduct and demeanor from the first
intmatIon of his intention to race for the famous
trophy to the present moment have been so
mani and so engaging as to command the
hearty liking and respect of all Americans and
to win for him degree Of personal popularity
which few foreigners have enjoyed in this coun'
try His full assurance OF fair play. olten ue-
clarcd and everywhere manifested; his frank as
sertion that crowding was as familiar IN Eng
lsh waters as in our own and that the ciih'-
lengers had always lost because they were not
good enough TO win: his courteous attentions 10
all with whom he has been brought IN contact
since his arrival; his eager acceptance OF an OPP
portunity to join in the tribute to Admlrai
Dewey: his patience and chcerfulness under
tho affection of long series Of disappointments;
his generous comments on Mondays victory or
the Columbia-all these things and many more
have inspired feelings Of admiration ana aHec
ton for Sir Thomas Upton throughout the
United States.
On the day appointed for the second race Tor
the Americas Cup in 1885 the Puritan ana the
Genesta foued while manGuvring before the
start Technically 1t was the fault OF the furl-
TAM and as the preparatory slgnal hau oeen
given she was disqualified under the rules anu
the Gcncsta was fully entitled TO sail over Tue
course and claim the race. But Sir hlcharu
Sutton absolutely refused to take advantage OF
the situation. Il want race, not walKo'er'
he said and thereby set precedent "hcn
many will regret our inability TO follow uhder
different circumstances. though the personal
agreement between Sir Thomas and Mr.. lseh"
prior to the present series was undoubtedly Wise
and in the true interest Of yachting. Recoghlz-
ING that races for the Americas Cup should ne
test Of the strength of construction as well as
Of sailing qualities, they agreed on September -
that each Yacht shall stand by the conse
"ouences Of any accident happening TO her. ana
..+ho, rho uniniured vessel shall sail out the
"roce" II seems irrational now to regret con-
d;t,on which was desired and imposed by the
contestants for good reasons. but nevertheless
that Yesterdays walkover were not to count as
q race and victory.
Perhaps the best proof that such Is the pre-
vsilinr sentiment is found in the frequent eN-
preston of n hope yesterday afternoon aiPr
tho Shamrock's misfortune had been announcer
lint ,he wind would die out so that the Coiuin-
hin could not finish the course within the 'iine
limit. It was furthermore said by many prop
ah,y In Ignorance Of the agreement between Sii
Thomas and Mr.. Iselin. that the race on!h' 10
no sailed over 1t cannot be doubted that eX-
cent for this mutual undertaking the ia''el
would have FASTENED to initiate Sir Richarn
Sutton's gaantry and the former have accepted
tho honorable waiver of technical right III the
some shirt. But as the case stands II would
have been indicate for Mr.. lselin to make an
offer which it was explicitly agreed should not
be made and which Sir Thomas would hecessa-
r,,. have declined The incident must be recK-
onod among the unwelcome fortunes OF the spor'
in which through their accredited representatives
the English speaking nations are generously en-
Gagged.