The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-29
SWIMMING, TOURNAMENT.

A Close Matchyof Two ON the East River
Prize OF @x5O-Swimming to Black
wells Island Alone In Eleven Minutes
Boys' Swimming Match-A Steam Tug
Sunk Ina tho Race-A Man Saved from
the Craft--splendid Day ON tho East
River.
The pleasantest and most entertaining of the
East River swimming matches which have come
OF this season took place yesterday near Aliens
NaSatorlum, ut the foot OF Nftyfourth street. East
River. From early in the forenoon until late
hour at night q large number Of the respectable
citizens or the vicinity fingered tn and around the
locality to witness the sports.
THE FIRST PRINCIPAL FEATURE
OF the DAY was o single trial Of George Keller for
$3.50 across the East River to Blackwells Island
and back again: The money was staked = BY Mr.
sor i full Of spirits. The tide was slack He
reached Blackwcli's Island in five minutes, and re-
turned against pretty strong current In six
At hairpast three O'Clock match Of i've boys
was organized for prize Of $so, 70 swim to the
ing are the names OF the parties who engaged In
the contest, viz. :-Gustavus Fitzsmmons, John
kGa oTdy % co Aen ahS mt
Maurice Allen knew the current best, and reached
the winning point about one minute ahead.
THE EXCITING MATCH
OF last Saturday was then about to be decided on,
Mr.. William Wolf and George Keller were on hand
to swim against each other for 5000. About five
hundred dollars were staked at the siCe The rocks
around the Natatorium were thronged with visitors.
The storm was over and the waters OF the river
were smooth and placid Keller and Wolf plunged
in as soon as Mr.. Phillips, the umpire, gave the
word. Never was witnessed two more eager or
more ambitious swimmers They kept side BY side
| to the centre Of the river. large steam ferry
boat dashed through. Wolf went ahead and out
stripped Keller by about one hundred yards. Close
~ the island Keller reached Wolf and rounded the
stake boat ahead, but Wolf struck out and beat
Keller almost Immediately about nifty feet. The
| contest became still closer. Both evidently did
their best. The crowd cheered from the balcony OF
| the Natatorium. The struggle was pursued and
both came in almost together, Keller winning by
| five strokes. Keller made the time in 10 min. 40
| sec, and Wolf IN II minutes.
Aztec THE CONTEST
Wolf challenged Keller tor another trial, which is
to come on on the Fourth OF July with series or
other matches. The prize will be 500 medal, for
which all the good swimmers of New YORK may
compete. The medal will be furnished by Mr..
Richard Allen, and the other prizes will be con-
tributed by interested visitors.
swimming club was organized after the
matches were concluded Mr., D. Phillips was ap-
pointed President; Mr.. w. M. Wolff Secretary !;
Mr.. Hussar Vice President and Mr.. Hurley Um-
pire Extraordinary. The club will meet on every
Monday evening during Summer and organize
swimming festivals every second week ensuing.
During the swimming contest
COLLISION
took place between the Peck slip and Harlem boat
and the Commodore Duryea. The attached freight
to the latter was sunk. One man remained alive
on the craft, and was rescued by William Allen,
after some brave struggling, in the middle OF the