The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-03-31
Chess.

What is chess? A game of mind. A
contest between individual intellects of no
mean power. 1t is evidently pastime of
study and Of thought, that renders leisure a
fertile source of mental strength and cultiva-
tion. Before moralizing on the subject,
however, it may be as well to say something
about the origin and antiquity of game,
which has been in vain traced back for some
knowledge ofits first invention, into the mist
and darkness of unrecorded ages. Accord
ing to several authors, some of whom evil
dently drew upon imagination for their facts,
Chess was invented about $50 B. c., while
others contend that it was unknown until
the fifth century of the Christian era. The
learned Hyde and Sir William Jones were
of opinion that it originated in India, and
that II is Of immense antiquity. One tradi-
ton states that it was devised by the Minis
ter of a certain great king, for the purpose of
teaching him, in the most delicate and agree
able manner possible, that monarch was
powerless, unless protected by his subjects.
And this, in fact, is one of the great lessons
taught by the game, which is played with
sixteen pieces on each side, videlcit-one
king, one queen, two castles OF rocks two
bishops, (called by other names in the East
two knights, and eight common soldiers,
termed pawns. When ..the king is check
mated that is, placed in such situation
that he can neither be protected by his sub
jects, nor move without the liability of cap
ture, thergame is won by his opponents. OF
himself he possesses very little power-but
oriental gallantry has made the queen the
most potential and formidable piece on the
board. Throughout all time, chess has been
a favorite pastime with men of mind And
why? Because..it so far absorbs the facul-
ties and directs them into one channel, that
with proficients, the outer world and it's cares
are for the time forgotten, and each champi-
on thinks, reasons and even dreams of little
else than defeating his antagonist at the
chequered board. Then it is seldom, if ever
PLAYED for money, so that gambling at chess
is altogether out of the question. Generals
and other great commanders have ever pat
patronized the amusement, as the moyments
and combinations required for success, bear
a strong affinity to the strategic of war, and
indeed, may in some measure be said to
suggest plans ofm'litarv enterprise, both for
attack and defencc. Philosophers have re-
sorted to chess, because it had a tendency to
strengthen the reasoning powers, while d.
vines, statesmen, and eminent lawyers have
adopted it as an amusement for the same
reason. Thus we have chess Anecdotes of
Napoleon !, Of Wellington, of DR.. Franklin,
with many other notabiities of the present
and last generations, while Of the times pre-
ceeaing their day, the personal Illustrations
are innumerable. OF the absorbin, power
of the game, a striking incident is related in
the annals o. the sixteenth century. Two
mobiles, a Baron AMI a Duke, were imprison-
cd in Germany in the same fortress, for re-
bellion against their liege lord, the Emperor.
The Duke was condemned to die, and the
Governor Of the fortress was despatched to
him with the death warrant on certain eve-
ming. He found the Duke engaged in a
game of chess with his friend the Baron, and
no sooner did the victim perceive his jalor
with sealed parchment in his hand, than
he said, stop, Mr.. Governor. I know you
have my sentence. But don't interrupt me
now, for am sure to vanqhsh the Baron in
three moves moren And so he did, and
then coolly said, Now tell me ON which day
l am to die The Governor read the fatal
document, and reported the scene and dia-
logue to the Emperor, who was SO affected at
the presence of mind displayed, that he par
doned both Duke and Baron, who thereafter
ranked among the most royal of Imperial sup
porters. China and India produce extraor-
dinary players; Oriental Morphys,' even to
this day; but then they apply their mental
discipline to nothing beyond their profession.
They are chess players only. Instances of
serious illness have often been produced by
defeats at chess, and it is more than proba-
bic that the indisposition of distinguished
opponent of Mr.. Morphy, the great American
hero Of the recent tournament in Europe
has been caused by his being vanquished.-
In conclusion, we may add that Chess stead
les the mind, soothes the passions, restrains
the impulse Of unbecoming haste, improves
the reasoning faculties by positive action,
promotes inductive philosophy in its relation
between cause effect, teaches foresight, cir
cumspection, caution and self.reliance, occu-
pies the hours of recreation better than
employment In frivolous amusements or dis
sipation, and in some measure indoctrinates
its disciples with those truths and that intel
lectual practice of combined logic and the
m athematics, taught in the highest classes Of
education. Therefore it is, that we hail the
revival Of chess as favorable feature In our
country, and as good omen for society at
large. ..
BAD Orr FOR MoNEY.-An the govern
ments of Europe are wanting to borrow mon
Aoa r,no onr~ /,