The Indianapolis journal., 1903-09-14
titude of Being DiscOurteOus to
Sir Thomas Upton.
BLUNDER OF A CLUB MEMBER
RESPONSIBLE FOR SOMEWHAT
DELICATE SOCIAL SITUATION.
Explanation of the Various Phases of
the Afair-The President Passes
Quiet Sunday.

OYSTER BAY, N. Y, Sept. 13.-An un-
pleasant episode with a phase of interna-
tional interest has been the outgrowth of a
dinner to be given next Friday night. the
18th inst, by the Seawanhaka Corinthian
Yacht Club. Through a series of misappre
tensions on the part. seemingly, of some
members of the club an apparent slight has
been put on Sir Thomas Upton, and Presi-
dent Roosevelt has been placed in the atti-
tude of being discourteous to the British
yachtsman.
The Seawanhaka COrinthian Yacht Club
has spacious and beautiful home on Cen
ter island. in oyster bay. 1t is one of the
most prominent yacht clubs of the country,
being scarcely second in Importance To the
New York Yacht Club. President Roose-
welt is an active member. of the organiza
ton as are many of the best known yachts
men of the East, and Sir Thomas Upton
holds an honorary membership in the club.
The day President Roosevelt returned from
his trip to Syracuse Colgate Hoyt, of New
York, chairman of the board of trustees or
the Seawanhaka Club, called on him at Sag
amore Hill. On behalf of the club he ten
dered the President an invitation TO attend
the annual dinner of the organization next
Friday night, and at the same time he eX-
tended to him invitation TO be a guest
of the Ohio Society of New York at a dim
ner to be given by the society some time
during the approaching winter.
With expressions of appreciation of the
courtesy shown him by the invitations the
President informed Mr.. Hoyt that he felt
obliged to decline them. He had declined
many other similar invitations and felt,
therefore, that it would not be fair to al
low his friends to accept those rendered
by Mr.. IIoyt Mr.. Hoyt was insistent,
however that he should attend the yacht
club dinner and the President after being
assured that it TO be purely neigh
borly affair."" consented to be present for
short time. He expressly stipulated that 1t
was not to be formal function TO be at
tended by guests outside of the club, that
il was to be simply dinner OF the club
members. Mr. Hoyt readily acquiesced In
the Presidents suggestion.
Subsequently Secretary Loeb, having
learned that Sir Thomas Upton and men,
bers of his party now soJourning in the
United States probably would be guests at
the dinner, inquired of Mr.. Hoyt If they
were to be in attendance. He told MI:
Hoyt that, under the agreement made, IL
there were to be other guests the President
would feel obliged to decline the invitation
extended TO him. He Informed Mr.. Hoyt
that the President was obliged TO insist
that the dinner be what he was assured 1t
would be, purely neighborly affair.
Last Friday Secretary Loeb received a
letter from Mr.. Hoyt assuring him that the
dinner would be conducted in accordance
with the Presidents desires.
To-day at the clubhouse of the Seawan-
haka organization, on Center island, Sec
retary Francis G.. Stewart of New York,
felt inclined to assume part of the blame
for the unpleasantness which has developed.
He said that at the New York Yacht Club.
a few nights ago, he had asked Sir Thomas
Upton If he had an engagement Tor the
18th inst. Being assured that he had not,
Secretary Stewart then requested Sir
Thomas to hold that date open in order that
he might attend the Seawanhaka dinner.
He pointed out that a rule of the club per-
mitted a member of the organization to
invite one guest to attend the club dinners.
His invitation TO Sir Thomas was extended
a member, and not on behalf of the
club.
Mr. Hoyt who was at his residence on
the island, discussed the episode frankly.
He said that President Roosevelt was to
be the only guest of honor at the dinner
and that there had been no thought of
having any other.
I'VE would not for minute consider
having another guest of honor he said.
1.-The President and L had thorough un-
derstanding of the matter. He did not
care to attend an elaborate function, for
very substantial reasons. Any sensation
made out of this matter can but be cut
from the whole CLOTH.
Mr.. Hoyt was asked if Secretary Loeb
has presented as one or the condltlonS OF
the Presidents acceptance OF the cluD s
invitation that Sir Thomas Upton should
not be present.
"Oh no." he replied; mot at all; not at
ALL"
Welt had indicated quite clearly his opinion
of and regard for Sir Thomas Upton by
inviting him to the White House and sub
SeQuently by entertaining him on board the
cruiser Mayflower.
President Roosevelt, accompanied by
Mrs. Roosevelt and three of the children,
attended services this morning at Christ
Episcopal Church. The remainder of the
day was passed quietly at Sycamore Hill.