The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-06-04

reshoff works are divided by public
road, which cannot be fenced off or
kept clear by means of watchmen. SO
Tar as secrecy is concerned, all is now
known which is worth knowing short
of the publication of the design itself,
which, of course, is not to be expected,
Thus far none of the designs of the
Herreshoff boats, Navahoe, Vigilant,
Colonia or Defender, have found their
way into print, but all have been kept
successfully concealed; and there is no
probability that the lines of Columbia
will be made public for some years,
This being the case, and the same APP
plies ito the British yachts as well. there
is a comparatively safe field for the un-
scruphlous fakir who palms off the
clumsy creation of his own Imagination
as the veritable similitude of the work
of the great masters Of designing, and
proceeds to prove why one yacht must
win from the other because of diff
ference of few tthousandths of foot
in some assumed element.
This sort of yellow journalism is but
the natural result and fitting accompa-
niment of the useless concealment and
deception practiced by both designers
and owners. 1t is not to be expected
for moment that the contesting par
ties in great international match will
at the outset reveal all of their plans to
each other and the public; but, on the
other hand, by their absurd efforts at
secrecy and deliberate attempts to mis-
lead, they foster competition in news
gathering which, as in the present case,
brings to light all that they really need
to conceal.
1t is still possible to launch Columbia
quietly and privately, as there would
be little difficulty in merely lowering
the cradle at midnight, with no special
preparation; but it is probable that the
announced programme will be followed
and all will be welcome at Bristol, pro
vided they pay their own way and stand
in the public street.
On the other side it is now announced
that that private view of Shamrock
is to be accorded to royalty about June
Z, but that the launching date will be
kept secret, and that when the time
comes but Is guests will be allowed to
witness the momentous event. Inc
yacht will have to be launched in the
usual manner on sliding ways instead
of a cradle on wheels, and with some
time devoted to the matter of wedgins
up, ETC., so that she cannot be slid off
without previous preparation, but the
Thorneycroft works are better pro-
tected from the public than those at
Bristol, so that the view will be limited
to chosen few. If the report be true,
eral method throughout that Shamrock
is to be launched in petticoats, the spec
tators will have little to be thankful for
after all, except the luncheon. 1t is
said that the yacht will be shrouded in
canvas so as to prevent any part of the
underwater body from being visible.
The interest in coursing and all things
pertaining thereto is just now at fever
heat in California. Meetings are heid
weekly in San Francisco, San Jose,
Stockton and Los Angeles. and the per-
formers competing a all four embrace
some of the best in the country. Many
of the smaller cities and towns also
hold meetings twice MONTH and from
| these there occasionally graduates
| hound that shows rather creditably IN
more aristocratic company. But it Is
| not often dog that has chased jack
| rabbits at will over the vast ranches OF
the interior is seldom seen at his pest
in a park and the coursing of Califor-
mia at present is practically confined to
| park cpursins.