Omaha daily bee., 1899-10-29
IN The WORLD OF SPORT
Criticism that Designer Fife Was RESPONSE
bic for shamrooks Defeat
WAS A VICTIM OF oyERANBITloUsNEss
Opening of Foot Ball season WITT
ncsscs Numerous Surprises, Not
nbly Ynle's Victory over
MISUNDERSTANDING News.

As an aftermath Of the celebrated contest
FOR the Americas cup comes the criticism
that Mr. William Fife, the designer OF the
Shamrock, was largely responsible for the
poor showing made by the English yacht.
In England Fife has several competitors for
the position Of premier yacht designer Of
the United Kingdom, which in reality means
all Europe. Watson Is his chief competitor
there for the honor, but he, having built
cup hunters and having failed with them.
would have no advantage over Fife II the
latter also failed. On the other hand IL
Fife won with his boat, he would at once
jump into the enviable position Of premier
builder not only OF Europe, but OF the world
He would eclipse Watson and depose Here
shof from the position which he has held
for years. Thus, with everything to gain
and nothing 10 lose, ii is but human nature
that he should take all sorts Of chances
And he did
While Sir Thomas Upton is beyond ques-
tion a yachtsman in the true sense OF the
word, he is unquestionably an amateur and
has much TO learn especially when he goes
cup hunting. 1t is all very we'll to give a
designer full charge and carte blanche 80
far as cost and construction are concerned,
but that rs not the kind of principles which
Will ever wrest the cup from America. The
t'illplulluH lOT lDe designer 10 go danger
ously near the point of breakage is too
great when he is given unlimited power.
Upton pays the fiddler He is the only
loser. Fife, Ratsy and every one else con-
nected with the enterprise are gamers. He
alone Is the loser. 1t Is too bad that a
sportsman so eminent as he should be made
the victim OF designers ambition There
Is no question in the minds of people who
Know Mr. Fife that his heart was in his
work, but 1t is doubtful If he would have
built the same kind of a yacht If he had to
pay as well as take the onus
AS token of the general public appre-
ciation of his thorough sportsmanlike quail
tiles and tho good fellowship which has
marked his visit to the United States a plan
ls on foot to present Sir Thomas Upton with
a handsome cup. 1t is believed that euch a
gift coming as an expression of apprecia-
uco from the people OF the United States
would somewhat assuage the disappointment
which the doughty 1rishman feels in his
futile attempt to raise the Americas Gun
1t haa been decided that subscriptions shall
be received in sums OF not less than 10 cents
and not more than $40, the maximum
amount being limited to this figure through
a desire that the movement should be a
popular cne and the general public be given
an opportunity to show its appreciation OF
Sir Thomas sportsmanlike qualities 1t has
been suggested that $4,000 be obtained for
the purpose named. With this amount a
cup can be obtained which will in a man
ner express the feeling Of admiration enter
tanned toward the gallant yachtsman by the
American public.
That the fund will soon be completed is,
or course, not to be doubted. Sir Thomas
VIII not return to England until about two
weeks hence. This Will allow a sufficient
time for siversmiths to submit designs to
fhe subcommittee, OF which Uzal H. Nc
Carthy, president Of the Fidelity Trust COM
pany CT Newark, N. j., is chairman, and to
complete the cup. The presentation will
take place in Madison Square Garden and
will be a public affair. The presentation
speech will probably be made by Senator
Chauncey NJ. Depew.