New-York tribune., 1900-12-23
FOR THE CUP DEFENCE.

The preparation of four yachts for the defence
Of the Americas Cup shows that yachtsmen
here do not intend TO be misled by an idea
which became widely dffused after the defeat
OF the Shamrock. IT was then thought that
England could never hope to win the trophy.
Sir Thomas having exhausted, or having seemed
TO exhaust all the facilities that money could
buy. That idea may have been strictly cor
rect and II is not here limited that ii was
wrong; but it Is certain that American amateurs
do not intend 10 be caught in a state of undue
confidence. They do not mistake Fife for Wat
son, and the best informed are far from think
Ing that Flies failure exhausted England's re-
sources. Watson had a good boat here in
Nalkyrie III. an almost wholly unknown craft,
which apparently no match for a racer of
the Defenders construction, even if the models
could he considered equally good; and he really
came nearer 10 victory with Yalkyrie ii, which
in some respects was better boat than the
Nigilant. though never so well sailed
His record. therefore, shows that he is not a
designer 10 be tTiled with. and it is a fine COM
pliment TO him that the battle array on this
side is so magnificent 1t shows him to be con
sidered a foeman worthy of our best Tobin
bronze. To those who were pleasantly lulled
by the opiates of victory the Columbia seemed
q sufficiently safe craft TO defend the Cup a
second time, but 1t may be shown next year
that TO the never ending vigilance which is the
price Of good silverware is due the New FORK
YACHT Clubs ability TO keep the great trophy.
AS II is now, the Columbia is already regarded
as practically back number. With Herreshoff's
warranty that his new craft will beat the Co
aumbia comes the confidence that he will do so.
BIS boat has always been as good as his bond
But for the yachtsmen the great charm of the
coming year lies In the fact that Herreshoff is
not going 10 have il all his own way. Greatly
as Bristol virtues are reyered, it must be ad-
mitted that this populace likes a good fighter
better than the combination in one man of all
the virtues of the Christian calendar. A clever
designer of Boston is promised as the Ben
Hur Of the occasion. He represents the
younger element which does not fear TO put
new idea 10 the touch, TO win or lose il all
and 1t is general hope that in coming into
that fierce light which beats upon cup he viii
not be melted. His task is one from which q
fairly bold man, careful OF his name. might
shrink. He has 10 compete with the continued
experience and engineering knowledge whicl
cannot be learned out of books but only through
practical tests; and in such work as the precis,
hanging OF huge weights upon his sensitivel,
poised structure he has 10 think out at once
and Tor the first time in large boat III.
different truths which Herreshoff has been dis
covering during many years of unremitting toll
The chances Of his doing this successfully an,
OF his being able to beat the victor of tb.
Columbia, are az first sight so slim that IN,
Caring OF the venture carries with a the gym
pathy Of the crowd.
Yesterdays announcement Of fourth Graf
10 be built nj Quincy Point for the defence tria
Meet tells OF the extraordinary interest taken |,
next years yachting. AS this boat will be