Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-09-05
GUEST OF HONOR.
Upton Banquetted by Pilgrims
of United States.
Honor and Praise Freely Accorded the
Distinguished Cup Hunter. .
Sir Thomas Has Not Decided Not to
Challenge Again.


for half an hour the gallant owner of
Shamrock III received his friends.
Then Sir Thomas, escorted by George
T. Wilson, who was to preside, led the
way from the reception room to the
tables. At either end Of the hall was
hung Sir Thomas private emblem.
Surmounting the menus, which bore
the flags of Sir Thomas and the Royal
Ulster Yacht Club, was a cardboard
yacht, which bore no name.
In order to enliven affairs somewhat
at the outset a little song was sung
to the refrain of "Mr. Dooley," which
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 r. Wilson, Sir Thomas Lip
ton. General Joseph Wheeler, General
II. C. Corbin, Colonel Henry Watterson.
Ex-Governor c. S. Thomas of Colorado.
and Senator A. f. Bates
With Sir Thomas at the guests table
at the Arch Earl of Shaftesbury, COM
modore of the Royal Ulster Yacht
Club: Commodore F. G. Bourne, Gem
eral H. c. Ccrbin, William Fife, Rear
terson, General Joseph Wheeler, George
r. Wilson and Ex-Governor Thomas.
Mr.. Wilson presided at the dinner in
the absence of Bishop Potter, the PRES
ident of the society.
When the ices We're served a process
sion of walters marched in to popu-
lar air, bearing trays crowned with
gilded harps, full rugged models OF
Reliance and Shamrock HI, and easels
with figures of yachts.
Mr.. Wilson, addressing Sir Thomas,
said that his attitude had struck re-
sponsive chord in every heart.
LAS a loser" said he, You are a
corker. You will ever have the admir-
alton. love and regard of all Ameri-
cans.
Sir Thomas was given many hearty
rounds of cheers when he arose. He
said:
I'VE are all more or less pilgrims
here. tonight. and I'd like to feel that
am not a stranger among you.
"As regards the cup races. we have
been beaten fairly and squarely, and l
congratulate America on having the
better boat wish to take occasion
here to express my thanks for the
courteousness and kindness shown me
by the New York Yacht Club Every
thing has been done that could be done
to make my visit here a pleasant one.
am especially grateful for the admir-
able way in which the course was kept
clear.
II have heard much comment for and
against the Sandy Hook course. 1t is
as good course as any other, nay,
there is no other course in the world
like it.
Il am beginning to think that there
is some magic spell about that bloom
ing old cup. Two years ago | had it
almost within my grasp, but it es-
capped me then as it has escaped me
now, and it seems as far off as ever.
My motto has always been Try. try
again Although l have been without
success each time l have tried, do not
despair that some day we shall succeed
in capturing that famous trophy, al
though | must confess that we appear
now to be more than little astern
"Herreshon is the greatest designer
of the age. but | am still very hopeful
that l will see the cup on the other
side yet.
America is a very hard country to
beat, and know it. l am very dis
appointed man. but still have the con-
ISOLATION that both conquerors and con-
quered belong to the same good old
race. The cup is still in the family
only it is held by younger and more
go-ahead generation.
Gentlemen. while | lost the cup, or
rather did not succeed in winning it,
I have not lost the esteem and good
will of my American friends, which
esteem and good will | reciprocate in
the very highest degree possible. My
feelings of gratitude for this spirit is
great beyond expression. l shall bear
in my heart the remembrance of your
kindly acts for all time. l am sure that
as the days and years roll by these con-
tests will not have been held In vain
If they make us realize that wherever
we are, all the world over, we shall
'Brithers be for a that
After speeches had been made by the
Earl of Shaftesbury, General Corbln
and Colonel Watterson, General wheel
er then spoke as follows:
1.-The Pilgrims Club appreciates the
honor conferred upon it's members and
its guests by the presence with us, to-
night, of Sir Thomas Upton.
1.-The events of the last two weeks
are an illustration of the old and tried
saying that We sometimes build higher
than we know 1t is fortunate not on
ly for himself. but for the world, that
Sir Thomas did not succeed in the spec
ial purpose for which he crossed the
ocean. What seemed to be loss. mis-
fortune and disaster has become in re-
ality fortune, triumph and victory.
"Sir Thomas came to America to win
silver cup. He has won what is even
!. better than a golden crown-the admi-
ration and love of the world. Any one
can be grand in success and victory,
but the world produces few who can
rise to the height of grandeur when
their most herculean efforts have failed
in the cherished purpose of their am
bition. Reverses are necessary TO
show the true greatness of character
in both nations and individuals.
For months Sir Thomas has been
the most prominent and conspicuous
individual upon the face of the globe.
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