Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-09-13
MR.. MORPHY,s DoiNGs IN ENGLAND.

i
Since the arrival of Mr.. Morphy, the young
American Philidor, in Engl and, he has played
constantly with all who have dared to present
themselves, and his career SO far has been one
of unmixed triumph. The skeptics who turned
up their noses at the very idea of a boy of %
being frst-rate, are now muttering in hated
tones about exceptions" TO the usual rule, -
&c We candidly own, We consider Mr. Nor
ply phenomenon, and are delighted 10 hail
In him certainly the finest player since Nc
Donnell and La BOurdonnais. Results in chess
speak Tor themselves; and great talent is not
TO be written down, nor inferior talent written
up, save for season. Mr.. MOrphy has favored
Us with the exact score Of all the games be has
played since he came to the old country, not
thinking it worth while to include q number of
games played giving the large odds of rook or
knight, all of which he has won. Beginning
with Herr LOwanthal-while we write the
match is not over, but Morphy has but one
more party to win. They have played twelve
games, of which Morphy scores eight, draws
one, and loses three.
With Mr.. Barnes, Of the st. Georges Club,
MOrphy has played 26 games, winning nineteen
and losing seven. With Mr.. Boiden be played
nine games, winning five, losing one and draw
ing three. Of twelve games connected with Mr.
Bird, MOrpby gained ten, drawing one and
losing one. With Mr.. Hampton the American
has played and won two games; and of six
o.
ican won six. With the Rev. Mr.. Owen, Nor
ply played Eve games, winning four and losing
one, and then, giving pawn and move for q
match Of five games, won all FIVE, drew two, and
lost one 1t was agreed that if Morphy beat
Mn Owen at pawn and move, he was TO play a
secopd match at pawn and two moves, which
match We shall doubtless, therefore, hear of in
due course, Morphy being remark ably given to
carry out all his undertakings. He has hardly
yet found time to play with the leading MEM
bers of the London Club, but we anticipate
some good battling yet with their most promis-
ing player, Mr.. George Medley, destined, we
believe, to go very far on the chess road to
fame.
We are glad to say Mr. Morphy is in excel
lent health and spirits, certainly stouter in
form than when he landed on our shores and
much pleased with the kind reception he has
met with generally. A few words, now, on the
prospect of a match between Morphy and Mr.
Staunton, respecting which note that we strictly
aim at fact, not comment. Mr.. Morphy has
thrice challenged Mr.. Staunton, and the re-
eeipt of his cartel has been thrice courteously
acknowledged. The first challenge was in
print, in an American chess monthly, from the
New Orleans Chess Club, inviting Mr. Staun-
ton to come out and play on his own terms, for
any stake up to $1,000 side. Mr.. Staunton' s
reply indicated great desire to play Morphy,
but refusal to come so far; and for this he
could not be blamed. MOrphy crossed the sea,
and repeated his challenge, for the second
time, rIrG TOoe, receiving for answer q polite
renewal Of Mr.. Staunton's wish to play, but q
desire to have few weeks preliminary
practice, study of openings, &c. Mr. Morphy
bowed assent, rs he does to almost everything;
but the few weeks, aud a few more passing
without the day being fixed. the initiative here
being clearly -thrOEn upon Mr.. Staunton, Nor
ply sent his third challenge, in writing, and
received written reply this week. But, un-
fortunately, this written reply is merely an
echo of the old delighted to play and the
rest OF 1t; no day, or even month, fixed for
the encounter. .re
Morphy, perhaps, hardly feels it delicate to
send fourth cartel, but we think his straight
way course would be to do So simply saving
Will you kindly name the day, or do you de-
cline accepting my challenge? Mr.. Morpby
leaves all conditions to Mr. Staunton, and will
play for any stake, from flOO to $500 on each
side" rr
gathering Of chess players takes place at
birmingham on Tuesday next, at which Messrs
MOrphy and Staunton will be present Unless
the day and hour for beginning the match are
then fixed, the whole is smoke, and the chess
circle must draw their own conclusions Nor
ply stands, in relation meanwhile to Staunton,
something like our gallant Broke did in the
Shannon Of Boston, when he sent his well
known cartel to the American Captain of the
Chesapeake " Your flag requires a victory
such as you would gain in taking my ship to
give 1t the position in the eyes Of nations you
pretend to take up. can remain here but
eight and-forty hours longer, wanting as do,
provisions and water. So do me the honor to
come out at once and fight if you mean it," 1t
must always be remembered that Morphy is
here merely as q traveller and therefore cannot
afford to wait for an adversary till the days of
grace 1850. III Mr.. Staunton declines his cbal-
leDge, Mr.. Morphy will probably run over to
Paris to play Harwitz, and from thence on TO-
Germany to play Anderson. 80