New-York tribune., 1900-10-19
EOR THE CTP.

Sir Thomas Upton renews his effort to lift
the Americas Cup in precisely the same spirit
in which he began that interesting and arduous
enterprise Every lover of true sport must
be exhilarated by the knowledge that another
competition for the most cherished and coveted
of all aquatic trophies is to be held next year
under conditions which promise a brilliant and
generous contest. No challenge could have
been more welcome, and we venture to say
that if they knew the Cup must be surrendered
most Americans would prefer to see it borne
away in triumph by Sir Thomas than by any
body else From the first intimation of his
wish TO race for it last year his conduct and
demeanor have warmly commended him to the
admiration and goodwill of people, and it
is a pleasure to believe that the explicable
though irrational prejudice with which his am
bition was originally regarded in some English
circles has nearly or quite disappeared
The causes of Sir Thomas Lipton's popu-
larity in this country are not at all obscure
He not only never questioned the good faith
OF American yachtsmen. but took particular
care at the earliest opportunity to make the
fact evident. Nor, in view of an exasperating
experience still fresh in the public recollection,
was there any want of taste in an avowal
which otherwise might have been considered
more than superfuous. Furthermore. having
frankly declared before the races of last year
that. so far as he could judge. the conditions
existing English yachting courses were no
better than those prevailing here, and that
complaints on that score were unjust and gen
orally absurd, he declared with equal candor
and emphasis after his defeat that his original
opinion had been completely confirmed and that
no competition could possibly have been fairer
than that which had brought him so keen
disappointment That his cordial words
pressed his real feelings he has since shown
repeatedly in various ways and now proves
in the most agreeable manner by the terms Of
his second challenge.
The only modification of the arrangements
which Sir Thomas proposes is that the races
take place in the latter part of August instead
of a month later, and that change is perfectly
acceptable on every account If convenience
has heretofore seemed TO suggest September
or October, no serious obstacle TO the date men
toned in his challenge presents itself. and we
believe it is now generally acknowledged on
sufficient authority that the chances of salts
factory weather are better at that time of the
year than in midautumn. Assuredly neither
contestants nor spectators nor the watchful
public on either side of the Atlantic, can wish
to incur any needless risk of repeating the mel
ancholy experience which Sir Thomas, at least,
endured with exemplary patience last year.
The New-York Yacht Club has, of course ac
cepted the challenge with full appreciation of
the courteous and sportsmanlike terms in
which il was submitted, and until the Cup has
been lost no painful doubt of the ability of
American designers and yachtsmen to keep 1t
here will be entertained in this country The
fact is well recognized that Sir Thomas Upton
will take infinite pains to achieve his hearts
desire, and may confidently be expected to inn
prove upon his first skilful and resolute en-
deavor. This assurance will greatly enhance
public interest in all the preparations for the
contest and prevent undue confidence to
the result; but n reasonable belief prevails that
American resources for organizing victory have
not yet been exhausted.