The San Francisco call., 1903-09-05
Sir Thomas Speaks at
Banquet of the
Pilgrims.
Declares He Still Hopes to
See Trophy on the Other
Side.
Many Noted Men Are Present at the
Dinner rendered the Yachts
man at the Waldorf
Astoria.

NEW YORK, Sept. 4.-Sir Thomas Lin
ton was the guest of honor of The Phi.
| grims Of the United States at a Dime,
gwen IN his honor tonight at the Wal,
oorf-Astoria. Nearly one hundred and
nifty men prominent in many walks of life
were present Sir Thomas arrived at 7:4
and for half an hour received his friends
Then Sir Thomas, escorted by George T
Wilson, led the way from the reception.
room to the tables At either end of the
hall was hung Sir Thomas private en-
! Diem, the shamrock, on a field Of yellow
surrounded by green border while above
the guests table were draped the flags
OF Great Britain and the United States
Bunches of red roses on each tablA and
green on the walls completed the decora-
tions.
5urmounting the menus, which bore the
nags OF Sir Thomas and the Royal Ulster
facht Club, was cardboard yacht which
bore no name
In order to enliven matters somewhat
AT the outset the guests sang a little
song to the refrain of ''Mr. Dooley. -
Whlch told of the virtues Of Sir Thomas
and his enduring efforts to lift the cup.
There had been arranged no formal
speeches, but the following were called
upon:
George T. Wilson, Sir Thomas I.ipton,
General Joseph Wheeler, Ex-Governor c.
S. Thomas of Colorado, General H. c.
Corbin. Colonel Henry Watterson and
Senator A. E. Bate.
FAMOUS MEN AT TABLE.
With Sir Thomas at the guests table
sat the Earl of Shaftesbury, commodore
Of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club; Colonel
Sherman-Crawford, vice commodore of
the Royal Ulster Yacht Club; Commodore
F. G. Bourne. William Fife, Rear Ad-
miraI Rodgers, Henry Watterson General
Joseph Wheeler, George T. Wilson and
Ex-Governor Thomas
Wilson presided at the dinner in the alb
sence of Bishop Potter, the president of
the society.
When the ices were served a procession
Of walters marched in to a popular air
bearing trays crowned with gilded harps,
full rigged models of Reliance and Sham
rock, and easels with figures of yachts
Later women began to appear in the
boxes. among them being the Countess
of Shaftesbury and many ladies who have
been Sir Thomas guests on board the
Erin.
Wilson, addressing Sir Thomas, said
that his attitude had struck a responsive
chord in every heart.
LAS a loser" said he "you are a corker
You will ever have the admiration, love
and regard of all Americans"
Sir Thomas was given many hearty
rounds Of cheers when he arose. He said:
We all more or less pilgrims here to-
night. and 1 would like to feel that I am
American friends are Pilgrims. and I regard
it as a great honor to be your guest.
AS regards the cup races, we have been
fairly and squarely beaten and l congratulate
America on having the better boat I wish
to take occasion here to express my thanks
for the courteousness and kindness shown me
has been done that could be done to make
my visit here pleasant one. I am especially
grateful for the admirable way in which tbe
course was kept clear.
have heard much comment for and against
the Sandy Hook course. 1t is as good course
as any otherMnay. there is no other course
ALMOST WITHIN GRASP.
am beginning to think that there is some
magic spell about the bloomin old cup. Two
years ago ] had it almost within my grasn.
but 1t escaped me then as it has escaped me
now. and it seems as far off as ever 1t re-
minds me Of the story of the Irishman who
was was esled II he could play the fiddle Il
have tried it and tried 1t again without suc-
cess but my motto has been Try. try again. {"
Although 1 have been without success each
time 1 nave tried, l do not despair that some
day shall succeed in capturing that fa
nous trophy. although 1 must confess that
astern. ~"
Herreshoff is the greatest designer of the
age, but / am still very hopeful that 1 will
see that cup on the other side yet
America is a very hard country to beat and
l know it, am very disappointed man. but
still 1 have the consolation that both con-
queror ard conquered belong to the same good
old race. The cup is still in the family only
II is held by younger and more go-ahead
generation.
Gentlemen, while 1 lost the cup, or rather
did not succeed IN winning it, have not lost
the esteem and good will OF my American
friends, which esteem and good will / recfp- !
rocate in the very highest degree possible A
great consolation to me in my unsuccessful |
erort TO lift the cup is the great kindness |
shown me by all classes. My feeling of graft |
tude for this spirit is great beyond expression |
shall bear in mind the remembraice of vour
kindly acts for all time. 1 am sure that as |
the days and years roll by these contests will |
not have been held in vain If they make us |