The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-21
SWEDES PRAISE
 THEIR YACHTMEN American Restrictions Cause Laughter In England TYPICAL CR0KER ANSWER "Faker" Burns To Fight Moir in Eng Iand-British sportsmen Back
 ing John BulI-Distance
 Riding Planned.
TYPICAL CROKER ANSWER
BY RICHARD DAHLGREN.

London, October 20.-American yacht men here are somewhat amused at the strictures on the action of the New York Yacht club in the matter of Sir Tn Lipton's recent challenge, and the insistance that the action of the American yachtmen, that the fast est boat should hold the cup, is un- dignified. As a matter of fact" said one American yacht owner to me re- gently, i've have the English to thank for the so-called freak boats, uselss except for racing. The old American type of yacht, the centerboard skim ming dish,' was not only racer but a comfortable cruising yacht. and it was with these the yacht was held for many years. Some of the defenders are still in commission. It was when the Brit ish cutter came over, of the Ginesta and Galatea sype that tho racing ma chine developed. Now that the English have failed with the racing machine, they desire to take a try at the cup with something else"
 Sweden appears to be in earnest in her determination to have a try for the America cup. The Swedes will try to have the length of the contestants re- duced to 70 instead of 90 feet; but, if this does not meet with the approTal of the Americans, they intend to clial- lenge with a 90-footer. All the papers are full of the subject of the chal- lenge. Various men who have taken a prominent part in brining about the challenge and are connected with the coming srace are heroes of the moment. Foremost, naturally, comes the presi- dent of the Royal Yacht club, Admiral J. Hagg. As q prominent yachtsman fin the past he makes a fitting and dig nified representative as the yacht clubs commodore today. But around John Carlsson, the amateur captain, who sailed the San Toy and other yachts to q hundred victories and Mellgren the Herreshoff of Sweden as the de- signer, and Plym, the best known race boat builder of this country, there stands out q broad halo of popular ad- oration.
 All of Europe will now sail yacht races under the same rules. This ewas settled at the International Yachting conference, Whitlt met this week at Paris. Racing rules were adopted by the delegates representing Great Brit ain, France, Austria Hungary, Germany. Denmark, Finland Holland, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Norway and Spain.
 A funny story reaches me from Ire land where many Americans make pill grimage to Richard Croker's stables at Glencairn near Dublin to see the Derby winner. Orby. couple of young men Wh ose Knowledge Of racing was hay were looking at the great horse when one of them addressed q stable boy:
 Say. boy, what sort of race did he win trotting or hurdles"
 Unaware that Boss Croker during the conversation, had entered the stable yard and had been a quiet listener to the foregoing conversation, they were somewhat surprised to receive the fol- lowing answer to their questions
 No; it was yacht race"
 England is greatly interested in the approaching fight between Gunner Moir, the English champion, and Tommy Burns of America. Followers of the ring here are inclined to believe the Gunner will surprise Burns when they meet, and a good bit of English money will be wagered on the hard hitting Britisher.
 Here's chance for some of the Rough Riders. Capt. II. Fl. Hopkins who signs himself champion' long dis tance rider of the world, says he will ride against any man In the world from fifty miles to six day race, no horse to be ridden more than mile at a time He will allow ten pounds in any distance up to two hundred and fifty miles, and catch weights at any distance over the weights, sixty nine kilos.