THE FIFTH CONTEST FOR THE ASTLEY BELT.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1808, 6 December 1879, Page 3

THE FIFTH CONTEST FOR THE ASTLEY BELT.

The Race. Long before one o'clock on Monday morning, September 20th, Madison Square Garden was comfortably filled by the most select and orderly assemblage that it has ever been our pleasure to see at a contest of that character. At 8 p.m. when the box was counted, 6300 tickets were found to have been sold. Twenty-five per cent of the amount (1575 dollars) was taken out by the lessees, and the balance of 4725 dollars depc sited to the credit of the walkers. The thirteen starters were close scrutinised by everybody; Weston, Howell, Hazae), and Hart, the colored boy, coming in for the most attention. Each of the others were

warmly welcomed by their friends, particularly Ennis, Guyon, and Panchot. The former was the recipient of quite an ovation. Evidently by advice, Hart adopted the same line of tactics as did Bowell in his previous race at the same Garden. He jogged along at the h;els of Bowell, but tho manoeuvre, while pleasing to many of the spectators, had no apparent effect on the Englishman. Tall, staid, and peculiarly built, Krohne, with hi' immense stride, went around the course with no f iss or bluster, evidently only iDtent on getting within the prescribed "450," so as to get his rake. Federmeyer, the wheelbarrow man, jogged along at an easy gait, and, outside of a little dog trot once in a while, manifested no desire to hurry himself. Taylor, of pumpkin-pie notoriety, was evidently out of sorts, and later in tho day it was thought ho would drop by the wayside. Ifanael, the champion short-distance runner, disappointed his backers, who had looked forward to a large score in the twenty four hours. Panchot, in spito of his sore foot, plodded gamely along, with his feet encased in light chamois shoes. Guyon, ouo of the handsomest walkers of tho congress, was putting in splendid licks, with a determination that augured well for his getting a good place. Weston did not meet tho anticipations of his friends, and complained of tho cigar and cigarette smoking. It would seem that tobacco smoke has a peculiarly injurious effect on him—more so than on any of the others. Jackson was doing well, and somewhat surprised his fr'en ?s. The only circumstanccthat occurred to mar the first day's proceedings was the unfortunate withdrawal of Dutcber, of whom much had been expected. The poor fellow, after 23 miles, was, during tho time, twice carried off the track insensible. He cried and entreated to bo allowed to start a third time ; but the physician was iuexorable, and he was compelled to quit.

Second Day—Tuesday. The attendance was good, and the enthusiasm, if anything, still more marked than on the opening day. During the day the professional people of both sexes whose duties required their presence elsewhere in the evening, were we'l represented, and soon caught tho contagion. The playing of a lively air by the band infused new vigor into the contestants, and as they put on additional spurts or brushed with one another, an immense shout would rend the air that would be taken up around the entire track. The scenes were about a rep tition of those that oconrred at the last race in which Bowell took part, with this exception: there was but little chaffing, swearing or shouting slang at the pedestrians. The absence of drunken men was noticed, as was also the thick and suffocating smoko, the inhaling of which would make the stomach of a spectator rebel, independent of exerting and perspiring athletes, whose inhalations were short, quick, and deep. Weston noticed the change as regards smoking, and thanked the referee for the pains he had taken to have the same prevented. Of course the trainers and backers of the different men were interviewed incessantly as to the condition of their charges, and the replies, by being passed from one to another, became distorted and at variance with the original story. The pool-men were plied with questions, and at times did an active business. Everybody appeared to have a favorite, and the more enthusiastic admirers purchased flowers, which were carried arounel by men for one or two laps. This would be the signal for a fresh burst of applause. Taylor, the Vermont man, it was feared, wonld stop altogether, owing to a sprain, while Panch ;t complained of his foot getting worse. Mtrritt astonished everybody by his performance, and materially altered the betting. The wheelbarrow man plodded along leisurely, indulging frequently in claret wine, to the disgust of his trainers.

Panchot, whose tent was stationed nearly opposite the band, during the evening finding it impossible to obtain any sleep between the musicians and his painful foot, repaired to a hotel near by. It was then current that the plucky Buffalonian would have to withdraw, and the usual hedging by the spectators was indulged in. Hazael, about whom so many conflicting stories had been circulated, added to his laps as if he knew what he was doing and his probable place at the finish. A man of Hazael's experience must be pardoned if he overrides his trainers as to bis best mode of procedure, when his line of six days has not reached the second knot. Jackson has too much family, and, conseqnently, advice, "by a large majority." The little fellow is game enough, but was handicapped by an enthusiastic pere and mere, and his sisters and his cousins and his aunts, not forgetting the town physician who prescribed for the aohes and ills —on an orthodox basis. His tent was said to resemble an apotheoary shop. Third Day—Wednesday. Found twelve men on the track, and the excitement on the increase. Bulletins were displayed all over the city, from 4 x 9 in size, on the stand of the enterprising sodawater vendor to the mammoth ones that covered a main portion of the front of newspaper buildings. Everywhere a person went the main topic under discussion was the race Business for the time seemed to have stopped and given way to the all-prevailing furore. It forcibly brought to mind the day upon which the news of the memorable encounter between Sayers and Heenan was received in this country. There is no doubt but crowds of people would have been turned away from the garden had the admission been fifty cents, but the gate money would probably not have been so large. Taylor slept the longest of any of the contestants, having left the track at seven o'clock the night previons and did not appear until eight o'clock in the morning. Weston appeared to be out of fix. Upon leaving the track on Tuesday night he could not obtain any sleep. He laughed and cried alternately; at times he was attacked by spasms, during which he was unconscious. It was said the frequent jokes of which he was made the butt, together with the fact that many com menced to doubt the authenticity of his 550score, was the main cause of his trouble, heightened by his loss of 25 mile 3 on the first day of his illness. In the afternoon he brightened up somewhat, and did some excellent running. Rowell still plodded a f ter his usual custom, constantly varying from a walk to his peculiar dog trot. Hazael did some excellent running during the day, and forced himself well up among the leaders. He does not belie his appearance of dogged determination.

Ennis, who was such a strong favorite on the start, by reason of his stomach difficulties, fell back toward the rear. Guyon, although keeping well to the fore, showed signs of distress and weariness, which caused no little anxiety among his friends. Hart, as usual, wis a great favorite, and the recipient of flowers, moulded in the form of the horse sire, which is supposed to be the forerunner of good luck. His appearance proved plainly tha 1 ; nothing was left undone that would heighten his chances of making a good score. His long white shirt set off to advantage his chocolate-colored face that was almost continually wreathed in smiles. Jackson's leg had a very shaky look and had not improved much apparently under the untiring care of the " Family." _ The latter had set their hearts on obtaining a portion of the gate-money, and all sorts of devices will be resorted to to make Hiram get there. Krohne meandered along as usual, attracting no attention. Why Fadermeyer was walking or running, nobody seem to know or care. Among the betting fraternity the greatest interest centered on Merritt, the long legged man from the nutmeg State. Merritt had been gradually forging ahead, and was looking so fresh that he was booked fir second place with Hazael. A funny incident occurred during the evening, when somebody, probably for a joke, bought Federmeyer for first choice to win the belt. The planking down of his dollar caused much merriment among the bystanders. Panehot exerted himself to the utmost, spurting splendidly at times. Upon his retiring at 205 miles, a mmour became current that the plucky Buffalo postman would not again appear on the track. It was evident the chances of his reaching the 150 notch were out of the question. The prophecy of O'Lcary during the day that five men would divide the gate money, looked as if it would be fulfilled when tho starting hour was reached. Tub Conclusion or the Match.

ROWELL FOR THE SECOND TIME CHAMPION. The recent six day contest for the longdistance championship at least proved one thing—if any feeling otherwise than friendly now exists in international contests wherein Britannia is pitted against her runaway offspring, that feeling dare not show itself. At

the finish on Saturday night, when Charles Rowell again became champion, it would be difficult tj imagine a much greater enthusiasm than was displayed in honor of the event. It is a question, that had the case been altered and Rowell deprived Weston of his honors on British soil, if the victor would have met with such a royal public hug from his staid old brother Britishers. In fact, throughout the entire straggle, Itowell has divided the applause with the congress of "mixers." Even Hazael, with his ungainly action and thrown-together sort of an appearance and still more uninviting frontispiece, vied with the favorite, George Guyon, for fust place in public approval. The spectators, scorers and other attaches got up all the steam they could to drive the human motors, independent of nationality for color. Tfu-y found, however, that their steam condensed and had no effect on Krohnc or Federmeyer. Thoso two machines trudged along in the even tenor of their way. Krohue was like a six-day clock that had been wound up to run 142 hours and not lvgistor over -150 miles during the time. What Federmeyer's object was in perambulating i 3 a conundrum. Eddy Dew, his backer, could have made as good a showing. Taylor acted as if he was taking practice spin?, in order to get himself in condition for the contest, and probably had more sleep than any person connected with the Garden. It is said he stayed on the track the six days in order to win a wag< r. Some one had bet he would withdraw before the termination of the week. Hart, the colored boy, was a particular favorite throughout, and, at the conclusion his tent looked like a florist's establishment. His splendid carriage and modest demeanor won for him a host of friends, while his "make-up" was scrupulously neat and tasty. In this latter res.cct he overtopped all the contestants Weston was evidently overstrung, aud the many little harmless antics he was guilty of wore more annoying and a source of deeper regret to his friends than to outsiders. Still, with all his handicaps, he managed to crowd himself over the prescribed mile post, "450.'' Ennis must now feel as if his chance 3 in a go-as-you please contest are very slim, and we understand it is his intention not to cuter an ;ther. His old enemy still pursues him. Even should he bo able to shake off his stomach troubles, it would be extremely doubtful if he had any chance with] these runners. Panchot, Dutcher and Jacks >n lost. They staked their chances with the rest and saw their gold del aw dwindle to brass. But what shall be said of Merritt, the dark horse from the wooden nutmeg State, who finished second, with the good score of 515 miles? Great performances will now be looked for from him.

But while the public grow so enthusiastic over these records, they should remember that Daniel O'Leary has covered 520 miles twice within six days, and that the last two contests in this country for the Astley belt, won both times by Rowell, 500 miles was covered in the first and 530 in the second. With the exception of the throwing of a brick on the track by some person while Hazael and Merritt were in close proximity, nothing of a serious nature occurred the entire week. The scorers and lapkeepcrs attended to t'"eir duties faithfully, and deserve the thanks of tho contestants. Captain Williams, of the Twenty ninth Precint, is to be complimented for hi 3 watchfulness and the thorough manner in which he guarded the peace, a matter of no easy task among an excited populace, The judges and management fulfilled their arduous task creditably, and in a satisfactory manner. Weston left the track on Saturday at G hrs. 17min. 15sec. ; Hazael, Bhrs. -train. oOacc, ; Rowell, Shrs. 25min. ; Merritt, 9hrs. 32min. 40aec. ; Hart, Ohrs. 24min. 40sec. ; Guyon, Ohrs. ISmin. ; Ennis, Ohrs. 51min 32sec. ; Taylor, Ohrs. 25min. ISsec. Krohne, at Ohrs. 48min. 25sec, touched his 450, to which he added another lap, tieing Ennis The latter, hearing of this, came out again and added another lap to his score, in ordsr tc be ahead of the tall Prussian. The contestants were all taken to their respective hotels, and at midnight the garden, with the exception of a few attaches, was deserted.

The following shows the total scores of the thirteen starters, together with the number of miles and laps they covered each day. The track was eight laps to the mile, or 220 yards to the lap : First Day. Eowell—l27 miles. Merritt—llo miles. Hazael—loo miles 6 laps. Hart—llo miles 1 lap. Guyon—lls miles. Weston—9s miles. Ennis—lo2 miles 6 laps. Krohne S 5 miles 4 laps. Taylor 80 miles. Federmeyer—loo miles. Jackson—9B miles 7 laps. Panchot—loo miles. Dutcher—23 miles 5 laps. Second Day. Eowell —SS miles. Merritt —S 7 miles 3 laps. Hazael—Bs miles 2 laps. Hart—B3 miles 4 laps. Guyon—Bs miles. Weston—7S miles 1 lap. Ennis —77 miles 6 laps. Krohne—64 miies 4 laps. Taylor—2o miles 2 laps. Federmeyer —54 miles 6 miles. Jackson —62 miles. Panchot —54 miles 6 laps. Third Day. Eowell—9s miles. Merritt—B9 miles 5 laps.. Hazael—9o miles. Hart- 79 miles 2 laps. Guyon—7o miles. Weston—7B miles. Ennis— 39 miles 4 laps. Krohne —7O miles. Taylor—49 miles 7 laps. Federmeyer—so miles 3 laps. Jackson—69 miles 3 laps. Panchot—so miles 3 laps. Fourth Diy. Eowell—92 miles 1 lap. Merritt —S2 miles. Hazael—92 miles 3 lap 3. Hart—s 6 miles 1 lap. Guyon—7s miles. Weston—7l miles 5 laps. Ennis—9o miles. Krohne—73 miles 2 laps. Taylor - 30 miles 2 laps. Federmeyer 68 miles 6 laps. Jackson—2 miles. Fifth Day. Eowell—so miles 4 laps. Merritt—74 miles 7 laps, Haziel—67 miles 7 laps. Hart-76 miles 2 laps. Guyon—7o miles. Weston—B2 miles 2 laps. Ennis —65 miles 4 laps. Krohne—7l miies 3 laps. Taylor—32 miles 5 laps. Federmeyer—s9 miles 2 laps. Sixth Day. Eowell—77 miles 3 laps. Merritt—72 miles 7 laps. Hazael—63 miles 7 laps. Hart —67 miles 4 laps. Guyon—s6 miles. Weston —50 miles. Ennis—74 miies 6 hours. Krohne- 67 miles 7 laps. Taylor—37 miles 1 lap. Total. Eowell 530 Merritt 515 Hazael 500.1 Hart 482.4 Guyon ... ... ... 471 Weston 455 Ennis 450.2 Krohne 450 4 Taylor 250 Federsneyer ... ... 343 Jackson 232 Panchot 205.3 I Dutcher 25

Hazael stopped 71 times, Merritt 52, and Rowell 29. When the Tatter won the belt in March last, ho had 55 resting consuming 3Shrs. 32min. SOsec. HIE GATE MONEY DIVISION. The submitted the annexed statement, which met with the full approval of all the interested parties : Gross receipts 73.923,00 dols. Kuntz Bros, 25 per cent ... 15,450,75 „ Managers'7sper cent... 55,442,25 ~ Less expenses 15,047,00 „ Leaving 40,395,00 ~ The eight men who covered over 450 miles had 39,000 dollars divided among them. Per cent. Amount. Rowell... ... 50 19,500.00 dols. (The entrance money, 6,500 dollars he will get upon hia arrival in London.)