The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1873-08-22
A Heroic and Happy KentuckIan.

AT the gala regatta of the South Ger
man Boating Association at Mannheim,
In Baden, on the 18th of June, there took
place an event which shed considerable
luster on American gallantry, and which
ended In most romantic manner. On
the aforementioned day the banks of the
Rhine were lined with spectators, among
which the South German aristocracy was
fully represented. Just as the crews Of
four boating societies were speeding past
the last pillar of the new bridge, thrill
Ing spectacle attracted all eyes. A hand
some young lady, most elegantly dressed,
who had been leaning over the low railing
OF the bridge, suddenly lost her balance
and fell into the water, which was at
least seventy-five feet underneath. Two
or three heart-rending shrieks burst from
the lips OF those standing near. and then
the Thousands Of spectators, losing all In
terest In the race, looked with breathless
suspense for the result of this terrible &C
cident. The poor young lady struck the
water heavily, and disappeared at once.
The Rhine at that place Is deep and rapid,
and when the aged father of the young
lady. in voice of agonizing grief offered
a princely reward to whatsoever would
save his daughter, there was no response.
All at once tall young man, in the cos
tune OF German student and wearing
the gold-embroidered cap Of the Vandal
Society. OF Heidelberg, rushed to the left
bank Of the river and plunged boldly
into the water "a leap of thirty feet.
There was loud shout of applause, and
then again pause of breathless silence.
All eyes were Tiveted on the gallant
swimmer. as he struggled against
the rapid current at the very spot
where the young lady had disap-
peared. He dived down. What minute
of suspense! But all at once a heavy
burden fell from all those oppressed
hearts. The swimmer emerged from the
depth, and on his arm held the senseless
body of the young lady. Another shout
of applause rang the welkin. Now two
boats rowed rapidly toward the pair, and
they did not come any too soon, for the
young swimmer was becoming visibly
faint, and when he, with his fair burden,
was drawn into one Of the boats. he sank
down with utter exhaustion. When the
boat reached the left bank, the young
hero was at once the object of fervent
ovation, while the young woman's father
took the latter in his arms and carried
her, still In an unconscious state, into a
carriage.
The young hero was a Kentuckian,
named Clarence Goodwin. a law student
at the University of Heidelberg. The
Oldest and most experienced fisherman on
the Rhine pronounced his exploit truly
heroic deed, and already on the following
morning the Grand Duke of Baden con-
ferred on young Goodwin, who Is only
years old, the large gold medal
for deeds Of courage and devotion. But
still greater reward awaited him. The
young lady, whose life he had saved. and
who, Notwithstanding the terrible shock
she had suffered. had soon revived, was
the only daughter of the Count Of Reige.
ra, one OF the wealthiest South German
noblemen. Her father went himself to
the savior OF his daughter. and after thank
ing him in the most touching manner,
brought him to the young Countess. The
latter thanked young Goodwin with tears
In her eyes. and said that her lifelong
gratitude belonged to him., During the
next few days the two were seen fire.
quently together on the public prone
made, and everybody in Mannheim be-
lieves that they are engaged to be mar
ried