The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1872-10-24
For the Journal,
ABOUT THE GAME OF CHESS

For the JouRNAL. .....
About THE GAME OF CHESS
No game has occupied so important a
position in Literature as chess. II all
the books that have been written to elu,
cidate the principles of this noble and
purely scientific game could be collected
the number would be a matter OF sur.
prise to all,
Time was, when agame OF chess served
rs foundation for romance and thous,
ands of curious tales have been written
the most important events of which owe
their origin to some sanguinary combat
on the checkered field. ............
The early literature of Spain, the land
of the renowned Ruy Lopez whose mon
key, even, is said TO have defeated d
French cheyalier at chess--teems with
books upon this, the favorlte game of the
Spanish chiyalry. The different theories
which authors entertain with reference
TO the origin of chess, are very conflicting,
one holds that the game originated in
Syria, another in Arabia, another in
China, and still another that it had It's
origin in India about 5000 years ago,
The latter opinion seems to be the most
prevalent and most worthy of belief.
Its the most ancient game Of pure skill
in existence, and should be called sci.
ence. Through many centuries, during
which time it has been greatly improved,
1t has at last become favorite study with
scholars In all lands, and this because OF
its infinite combinations and the fascina-
ton which 1t has for its devotees.
In SO short an article as this, II would
be vain to attempt all explanation Of so
intricate and complicated science, so we
must content ourselves with giving a
few anecdotes, noted from historical
reading, which may be Of interest to the
general reader; and blief biographical
sketch of the mcst distinguished player
the world has ever had, and whom we
have the honor 10 claim as one OF our
own countrymeu
Charles l., was at choss when news was
brought him Of the final intention Of the
Scotch to give him up to the English; but
so little was he disturbed by this alarm
ing intelligence that he continued his
game with the utmost c0mposure, 50 that
no person could have known that the
letter he received had given him inform
alton OF anything remarkable. King
John was at chess when the deputies from
Rouen came to aequaint him that their
CITY was besieged by Philip Augustus;
but be would not hear them until he had
finished the game.
The following remarkable aneedote we
have from DR.. Robertson in his history Of
Charles V, John Frederick, Eleelor Of
Saxony, having been taken prisoner by
Charles, was condemned to death. The
decree was indmated to him while be was
playing at chess with Ernest of Bruns-
wick, his fellow prisoner. After a short
pause, aud making some reflections on
the ine2ularity aud injustice Of the I'm
peror's proceedings, he turned to bis att
tagonist and challenged him 10 flush the
game. Frederick played with his usual
ingenuity and attention, and having won
the game, expressed all the satisfaction
that Ia commonly felt on gaining such
victories. lie was not, however pat 20
death, but at liberty after lye wears CON
dnement. ....
Chess seems 10 have been lu vogue At
the court Of Elizabeth. Sir Walter Raj
eigh was wont 70 Say that be did not gieb
to live longer than be could play at chess.
Sir Charlie, Blouut. afterwards Earl Of
DevoBsbire, having distinguished him
self tilt, received from Elizabetb a
present Of a chess queen of gold enamel
led which he tied round bis arm with a
ribbon This favor from The queen was
Tie cause Of "a duel between him aud the
Earl Of Essex. ... ...
Charles XII, 0t Sweden was foud Of
the game but be was not q successful
player, ID consequence Of making the
king take too active share ia the con
test To this day chess king who ad-
yaaees too boldly iul1 the fght f. called
Chm ies Twelfth.
10 lhe ehr9Hicie q tte Moorish kiugs
" Granala We QHd 4 related that IN 1880
M0hammed Ha,ba siezed ap9u lie erown
in prejudice d his elder brother, And
passed his lie il one continual round of