The evening times., 1899-10-04
INTEREST IN TIE YACHTS
Local Speculation on the Columbia
Shamrock Prospects.
Lively scenes About the Bulletin
Boards and I'm Hotel Lobbies-Ad-
vices on the Contest of Yesterday
Received at the British Embassy.
Lipton's Challenger Much Admired.

Notwithstanding the excitement in this
city yesterday owing TO the national DEM
onstration in honor of Admiral Dewey, a
great interest was manifested in the inter-
national yacht race in progress of the San
dy Hook lightship between the two greatest
competitors that perhaps, have ever been
built. At about the time the Dewey ceremo-
nies were over and the streets fairly we'll
emptied of the thousands of persons who
had observed them, bulletins were posted
at The Times Building. the more promi-
nent hotels, the leading clubs, and other
places announcing the progress of the race.
Crowds collected at all the places where
these bulletins were posted and an absorb
ing interest was displayed by each individ-
ual but the hopes expressed were wholly
one-sided, the beautiful Shamrock having
but few friends owing to the international
character of the contest
Interest was also manifested in the race
at the White House and bulletins were
sent there every half hour. Special adyices
of the race were also sent TO the British
Embassy. where an animated interest in the
contest was displayed by the attaches, they
naturally sympathizing with the challenger.
When Ii was announced that the race had
been declared mo race" because of the fail
ure of either of the yachts to cover the re-
quired distance within the time limit ow-
ing to the light wind, these attaches breath
ed a sigh of relief that nearly amounted
10 congratulation for they believe that If
the Shamrock can make such an excellent
showing in a zephyr she can give the Co.
iumbia greater trouble in a good wind.
Englishmen here expressed genuine sur
prise and pleasure at the Shamrock's light
breeze sailing qualities.
In the corridors of the Arlington poll
ticians cast aside for the moment their
schemes and watched eagerly each bulle-
tin announcing the progress of the race,
and while many of them doubtless did not
know a mainsan from a balloon jib. yet
their interest in American success was
very apparent
Two prominent clergymen. Governor
Pingree of Michigan; Governor Wolcott,
of Massachusetts; Senator-elect Depew.
and former Secretary Bliss were grouped
together when, shortly after O'Clock, the
bulletin was received declaring no race hal
been sailed. A stranger TO these six men
Of national reputation, watching the effect
of this bulletin on them, would probably
have believed them thorough going spo. Is.
LdNA tA1I tSS6d du OplHlOl Ol NnC idNt anu
the yachts. and with the exception of one
Of the divines. each said that he believed
that a fair breeze in the next race would
give the Columbia the first victory. The
silent clergyman was from Great Britain.
The same interest was displayed al the
Riggs Willard's. and Raleigh, and al the
National several small wagers were made
between friends, the odds being placed On
the Columbia. At the Ebbitt House. rear
admirals captains, lieutenants. and other
officers eagerly and scientifically discussed
the merits Of the racers, and while all
hoped for the success ultimately of the
Columbia. many pointed out the sailing
qualities of the Shamrock. and expressed
the opinion that if she did not win she
would make the American yacht work for
every inch of the distance by which she
was defeated. II was plainly apparent that
these naval men fear the Shamrock will
prove the bSiter boat in a heavy wind and
sea, and 10 a unit they marveled at her
speed in the light wind yesterday.
Treasury official said last night that
the department was delighted with the
order that had been mainta ned during the
race, and that the Government would con-
tinue TO employ the same method in all
the races to keep the course clear of all
excursion craft.