RIYAL STRONG MEN.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 5 October 1901, Page 4

RIYAL STRONG MEN.

Some light was thrown on the methods of strong men at Birmingham Assizes recently, when Eugene Sanclow and Arthur Saxon appeared in an action for libel.

Mr Lyttelton, K.C., in opening the case, said the plaintiff, Sandow, was a celebrated strong man, and Saxon was a rival. Sandow had enjoyed the reputation of being the champion in lifting weights and other physical efforts. In the libel compained of Saxon claimed to have beaten Sandow in a feat of strength in Februarv, 1898.

Bo'h strong men were exhibiting at Sheffield, and Saxton threw out a challenge for a large stake to anybody who would successfully compete with bim in lifting a heavy bar-bell.

Sando.w wont to Saxon’s hall in his ordinary attire, not in athletic costume. Saxon lifted the bar-bell at the second attempt, whereas Sandow succeeded with the fifth.

Sandow had since purchased this particular bar-bell and found that he, or any one else who was not acquainted with it, was met with a difficulty owing to the peculiar construction There was a quantity of sand in the bell, and when Sandow raised it, the sand—of which he was unaware—ran to the other end, shifted the centre of gravity, and wrenccd tho bell from his hand

Sandow stated that before going to the grand, in Sheffield, he disguised himself by putting on an old coat and blue glasses. *' I have not been beaten in my life.” said he, in answer to a question. Mr Lawerence : Did you say you had beaten Saxon ?

Sandow : There was a dispute about it. Tho jury said so. Were you unwell on this occasion ?—I have never been unwell in my life. Did you drop tho bell and put the electric light out ?—I held the bell longer than Saxon.

The jury found for Sandow with £25 damages against Saxon, and £2 against tho Tivoli Company.