The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-05-23
wEsTON,s FAILURE AFTER SUCCESS.

Edward Payson Weston finished his
walk at the Hall of the American Insti-
tute few minutes before 10 o'clock last
Saturday night, having walked 430 miles
within six days, with five minutes and 46
seconds to spare. His attempt has been
both failure and success. He failed to
walk 500 miles within six days, but he sue
ceeded in walking lis miles within "a
hours, feat unequaled 10y any other pedes-
trian. lie succeeded also in exhibiting
powers of endurance which were truly
wonderful, walking as he did at rate of
over five miles an hour during the last
portion of the sixth day of his effort. Mr..
Weston's friends are convinced that he
can walk 500 miles within six days. They
think that the tremendous effort on the
first day, with the injury done on the same
day by the wrinkling Of his stocking on
his left foot, making a very painful SORE
| broke him down. 1t is the opinion of
many that Weston would have accom-
plished more if he had systematized his
work, and not ''ispurted y so often to sat
isfy spectators.
After his stop on Friday night, at II Al :
"a P. NJ, Weston rested till 11:46:12 p. NJ.
Resuming his walk, he finished the 370th
mile at 12:59:47 A. NJ, and then retired to
his room. On Saturday morning, at $50 =
"a, he was again on the track. He com
planned of stiffness and lameness in his
limbs, and limped along at much slower
rate than usual, accomplishing only four
miles before breakfast, which he took at
1865 A. NJ, and ate heartily. At 9:22 40
he started again, appearing better and
quite fresh, though walking leisurely He
gradually increased his speed, however,
and walked at the rate of four miles an
hour till he reached the 3S6th mile, when
he quickened his gait and walked more
easily. During the forenoon the number
of visitors continued to increase, and Wes-
and, in the excitement of the crowd. to
lose sight of the sure defeat which by this
time, was apparent to all.
He rested few moments at II 80 A. NJ,
and took lunch; then starting again, he
stepped Oft at rapid rate, which he kept
up till 4:5:19 p. NJ, when he scored his
4Ooth mile, making it in 1924. He again
rested, reappearing on the track at 4:5S:23
P. NJ, dressed in the suit which he wore
when he started a week ago this morning,
and to all appearances was as strong and
fresh as at that time. He carried in his
hand boquet presented by Mrs. DR.. Dor
emus. Soon, however, he stripped down
to his working costume.
The crowd by this time nearly filled the
available space around the sides and in the
center of the hall, the boundaries of the
track being almost broken down by the
press of those who wished to catch a
glimpse of the pedestrian as he passed
rapidly by them. He stopped about Is
minutes at 6:5:l9 p. NJ. and had his feet
washed and rubbed, and again at S:35:19,
when he partOok of some refreshment.
a las star ID
greeted by cheers from the immense crowd.
Notwithstanding his labors during the
past six days, and the soreness of his foot
which gave him serious trouble on the last
three days, he set out at rate of over five
miles an hour, and kept it up to the end
making mile after mile inside of twelve
minutes. So great was the crowd at this
time, numbering at least 5000, that little
could be seen of Weston except as he
almost flew by the judges stand; but his
progress could be told at all times by the
cheers and waving'of handkerchiefs which
followed him around the hall in one con-
tinuous wave of applause. AS midnight
approached the excitement increased so
that the track was kept clear with the
greatest difficulty. 1t being impossible to
complete the 800 miles at midnight or
within few hours of it. Weston's physi-
clans decided that he should stop at the
end of the 430th mile which was finished
at II 1914 P. NJ, the last mile being made
in ION. 53s. Weston had been working at
his utmost strength since noon, and after
crossing the line for the 3,0l0th time he
sank into a chair exhausted and entirely
overcome. The result of his great exhibit
ton of physical endurance was announced
by the judges, after which, with great
difficulty, the police forced way through
the crowd and carried Weston to his pri-
vate room. He was put to bed and imme-
diately fell asleep.