New-York tribune., 1901-10-05
COLUMBI4 HOLDS THE CUP.
enforced.

The Yacht races are ended and the Americas s
Cup remains where it has been for just fifty
wears The victory of the Columbia over
Shamrock III Yesterday effected by one OF
the narrowest of margins ever recorded in a
Cup race Nevertheless, "a miss is as good
as mile" 1t a victory for the Amerl-
can yacht honestly won and indisputapie
and il was the third consecutive victory
that yacht has won over her British rival
Thus the series is ended, and the most priced
of all yachting trophies is secure for at least
another year. From more than one point or
view il has been the most interesting series or
races ever sailed for the Cup. That Is partly
because of the expected and realized closeness
of the contest, partly because of the fact that
the Cup was defended by the same yacht that
successfully defended it in the preceding match
and partlv because of the genuine and high
minded spOrtsmanshp of the challenger III Is
gratifying to record in conclusion that so inter-
esting a series has been finished without a
single untoward incident and without cause
for single unpleasant memory.
The contest has been one in which the victory
has unhesitatingly and indisputably gone to
one side, and in which the honOrs are as lndls-
putably divided equally between both sides.
The patriotic and sport loving American public
owes a large debt of gratitude TO the gentle-
men who at so large an expenditure OF time
and labor and money, have provided 1t with so
superb and thrilling spectacle and nave won
for the American flag so great an honor
Equally does it owe, and most gladly and
heartily does it pay, an equal tribute OF es-
TEEN to the courteous and steadfast challenger
Two years ago and again this year, Sir Thomas
Linton came hther and entered the sea-lists
in Neptune's tournament i'll circumstances or
some delicacy, if not Of embarrassment. 1t Is
only a hackneyed truism to say again what has
so often and always truly been said, that he
has borne himself absolutely without fear and
without reproach. Nobody could have been
more resolute and resourceful in his quest of
the coveted trophy. and none could have been
more scrupulously considerate of the suscepti-
bilities of his antagonists more absolutely
void of suspicion of offence. If We're TO
lose the Cup, for season or forever there is no
man on earth to whom we would lose ii with
less reluctance than TO this true sportsman
And if there be any trace of regret in American
rejoicing over the Columbias victory, ii pro
needs from the fact that the victory is won at
the cost OF defeating a man who so well de-
served-had his yacht made it possbe-to win
We are glad to believe, for this occasion, that
our British brethren have a slightly different
conception of sport from Americans, that they
play for the fun of the game more and for the
simple winning of the stakes less, and that
therefore the regret of defeat lies lighter upon
them May that and all other possible CON
! sOIations be sweet to Sir Thomas.
What next? He would be rash who should
venture to predict. On the generous and de-
iiant impulse of the moment there is prompt
talk of another challenge for next year. I'm
questionably if such a challenge should come
from Sir Thomas Lipton or from any of the
worthy sources which are plentiful among his
sport loving countrymen, it would be heartily
welcomed But it would be premature just now
TO assume that such challenge will be forth
coming, for the simple reason that the cham
pion of 1899 and of 1901 appears to be so near
to perfection to cause men TO despair of ever
| surprising her. 1t may be dangerous to as
sumo perfection for any work of mans hands.
! Yet the fact remains. concrete and convincing,
! that neither her own builder nor his most ac-
| complished rival has been able to improve upon
! the wondrous model of the Columbia. In that
! peerless vessel we may well deem the present
type of racing yacht to have reached its highest
efficiency. What other type may one day be
! developed, and in what respects it may be found
! superior 10 this one, shall not venture even
! 10 speculate Sufficient for the day is the
! triumph thereof. The Columbia has proved
| herself the swiftest racing craft ever designed.
| If any one thinks he can improve upon her
model he is welcome to make the trial. though
il would be difficult to offer him encouragement
or hope of success. Other times, other men
and other boats may see the witchery of these
autumnal race days made fiat and stale To
day the half centurys cycle closes with an
achievement supreme and Incompatible, and