New-York tribune., 1901-05-19
MR.. LAwsoN's STATEMENT.
WANTS A RACE. But WILL NOT GIVE HIS
BOAT AWAY.

Boston, May ls-Thomas ". Lawson tonight
gave out a statement in which he says that under
no circumstances will he transfer his ownership of
the Independence TO any one else The statement
is in part follows:
Apparently the reason for the Independence no
longer ,g exists Apparently she cannot enter the the
the Americas Cup nor can she if she is the best
american vessel have the honor Of defending the
From start to finish the New-York. Yacht Club
mas expressed desire TO be fair and just but has
either the deed OF gift. the constitution and by
laws or the rules. regulations and customs of the
trial or Cup races unless gave up my ownership
agreed 70 bind myself to DO @ all those things m
6nV reques1ed that were possible I9r an owner @ 10
in my position that would under no circumstances
longs solely 70 me-
is not for me to criticise the position taken by
the New-York Yacht Club. nor have any desire
TO do so. can only regret that the deed OF gift
bylaws the rules, regulations or customs of
the New-York Yacht Club make it impossible for
boat either the Columbia or the Constitution. TO
# the GS oo Ii rs taI taken e by 10 e % n Yac cu
Is tena6le and an honorabie and fair way cannot
and Ike which may arise the existence Of the
nd5 "a Ses R Is ann nsro% % many nan G s ii
yachting contests by compelling those who wish to
Of the New-York Yacht Club, 10 do these things
which fair sportsmen should not be called upon
trust that sportsmen in passing judgment upon
10 the views which have influenced the New-York
Yacht Club in making its decision for il may be
thaI the members of the club. like myself, cir
cumscribed by conditions over which they have
AS the matter stands now. tho New-York Yacht
CIub cannot see its way clear to allow the Inde-
quently. the races for the cup defence unless
transfer my ownership Of the Independence to some
other individual which l will under no circum-
stances DO although will freely and absolutely
any committee or official the New-York Yacht Club
may decide upon in any way that the club may
desire.
If within the next few days definitely determine
that the Independence cannot have any Opportunity
in the Cup races. will ask the owner OF Shamrock
] and Shamrock II ard the owners of the Columbia
after the Americas Cup match has been decided
and VIII agree to any terms conditions. time or
place which any recognized American yacht club
VIII decide 10 be falr. and as such race will
be confined TO existing conditions | trust no in
surinountable obstacle will prevent its consumma-
tion.
be obliged. much ! will regret IL, cancel the
existing engagement OF the Independence to race
the Columbia and the Constitution at Newport on
July . and 6. because il would be manifestly un-
fair hang the fate of the Independence on this
one race. which occurs at such early date as TO
give her no reasonable opportunity get in trim
days that the Independence has something TO live
for, Will allow her merits TO remain untesed and
do all in my power TO Obliterate any evil effects
that may have come 20 the grand sport of yachting
through anything connected with this unfortunate
episode.
From Information obtained from a number OF
leading members Of the New-York Yacht Club last
night II is evident that the situation with regard
70 the Independence is by finally settled,
and there is indication that the correspondence
IN that connection is on the point Of being pub
lie