Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-11-30

ably the most expensive pastime de-
vised for the entertainment OF modern
civilization. 1t Is the sport Of the null
timillionaires, for no others could as
sumo the financial burdens involved In
an entry for the great cup contest that
stirs two nations to pitch OF ex-
element equal to that of political
crisis.
Public interest in other diversions
may be turned to profit by sportsmen
possessing capital, or at least the people
may be allowed to share in the expense
OF providing amusement for them
selves. The horse shows, which have
for many years constituted the culmin-
ating event of New York's social sea-
son, have paid enormous dividends
to the association OF wealthy connols-
seurs OF horsehesh, who have been sue
cessful In bringing together the ultra
fashionable class and the general pub
lie for profit az well as pleasure. Grand
opera Is another OF soclety's never
falling diversions In which the public
is allowed to share the expense In ex-
change for places on the fringe OF the
exclusive circle OF seats reserved for
wealthy patrons of musical art who
bring together the finest voices OF
Europe and the most discriminating
ears In America.
International yacht racing affords
keen enjoyment to an Infinitely larger
circle of people than any Of the other
great popular amusements. Europe
and America walt for bulletins on the
results of the contests. Yet the cost OF
the cup races Is borne almost entirely
by half dozen wealthy enthusiasts
moved by patriotism and love OF sport.
For expenditures running well up
into seven figures there remain after
the decisive meeting n couple Of boats
valued at some thousands OF dollars
and the cup. with an intrinsic value Of
n few hundred. The remainder has
been distributed largely for labor and
In paying dividends to vessel owners,
builders and others In Independent
lines OF trade.
AS to the racing yachts themselves,
from strictly utilltnrlan point of view
they are more than worthless The
proverbial white elephant never bur-
dened his owners hands like one Of
these costly marine toys. An old
mariner looking at the Shamrock and
the Columbia at anchor the other day
remarked:
what would a poor man do with
boat like that? He couldn't use her.
He couldn't keep her TO turn her
around would cost money. He couldn't
even burn her. for there's little to burn
on her. and she wouldn't bring much at
a sale"
Constant deterioration Is In progress
In the costly metal used In the con
struction or racing yachts, No recent
extensive repairs to the Defender wilt
messed, and the earning capacity Of
such craft Is nothing
On the challenge for the Americas
cup has always fallen heavier burden
of expenditure than on the defender
by reason of the conditions involved
Year by year. with the Introduction of
more costly features OF construction
and lavishuess in entertainment con
nectcd with the races, the burden has
grown heavier on both Sides.
This year the clements seem to nave
conspired to aid in the process OF a
redistribution Of wealth to which
economists delight to point as the most
satisfactory result of such an expensive
contest. In every duke" or failure OF
m attempt to race Borens has literally
blown away money for the owners of
the Columbia and the Shamrock, for
the regatta committee Of the New York
Yacht club and for the spectators,
Over a space of three weeks the races
have been drawn out, while In favor
able weather one week might have
been sufficient.
Sir Thomas Upton, owner of the
Shamrock. has, without doubt, spent
more In his attempt to carry off the
Americas cup than has any previous
challenger While he will not discuss
the details of this, reliable estimates
are made by yacht men who hav,
spent much time In company with thu
British millionaire sportsman, One o
these SAYS that since his arrival here
on August is, Sir Thomas has eXpend
ed an average Of $4,000 day, and tina
his total expenses for the seasons
sport arc nearly II million. These fig
ures may he regarded as conservative
The incidental expenses attending
the Shamrucks part In the contest ar
Increased by the cost Of httlng and rig
ging the British sloop, especially fo
an ocean voyage, and of bringing he
across the Atlantic In addition, III
entertainments Of guests as we'll as a
other expenses connected with the Col
umhia, Is divided among Il number 9
persons, while Sir Thomas dcfrays til
challenGer's expenses unaldod.
Most of the $4,000 day which 81
Thomas has been spending Is goin
into American pockets, rs an examine
tion of his requirements shows
He Is supporting, in the first plac
not one boat, but a whole fleet Of yes
sells. most Of them having been In us
continuously since the Shamrock VIZ
Il. o.,