The New York herald., 1874-11-18
PEDEsTRIANIsM IN CHICAGO.
Daniel O'Leary's Walk Against Time
Time tho Winner by a Few Minutes.

Time the Winner by Few Minutes.
From the chicago Tribune, Nov. 15l
Daniel OLeary yesterday attempted TO walk q
distance OF fifty miles in eight hours and forty. i've
minutes, for wager made with A. II. Libby. local
sportsman. The conditions OF the match were
that II o'Leary accomplished the task he was to
receive 500 from Mr. Libby, and II he lost he for
ferted similar amount, the winner to deiray all
expenses. O'Leary Is about twenty.six years OF
age and built for an athlete. He stands five feet
nine and nalf inches and his carriage Is erect.
Early and late he tOiled at his Calling
book peddling-and his fare, meantime, was not,
as may be supposed, luxurious. Trying to exc our
an existence, he Dravely continued his rounds
Of the city every day, ana thus ne acquired that
strength OF muscle and long-wndedness which
are necessary qualities in pedestrian. His
style OF walking Is the purest; there Is deceit
1t, heel and toe. straight on He steps little
more than the military pace and with such regu-
larity and elasticity that his movements though
quick, seem smooth In that he differs IRON
uneven, sometimes degenerating TO the shunle
This match against time attracted u good deal OF
attention. o'Leary was SAID to have performed
astonishing leaS as an afnbulator but they not
Oi record, no regularly appointed referees TO
watch his gait and measure the course and no
recognized time keepers being present But on
tins occasion 1t was known that the most essential
OF these particulars would be seen to, and many
who DOUBTED his ability determined to be present
The trial took place ut the West Side Rink on
kanuolph street. One O'Clock was the hour set
Tor the start, but 1t was not effected until halt.
past two +. NJ Mr.. W. B. Curtis. whose connec.
Jlon with athletic games has ever been marked
with fairness, acted as time keeper. and also satis
fed himself that the course was properly meas
ured. The attendance was NOT large at the out
set, but toward evening admirers and conJecrur-
ers locked In, until at one time the spectators
numbered close on i've hundred. OLeary tailed
oi his task, but not to his dshouor, there
than he made. and he should be as the inventive
god VINO never iais his part" did he succeed, for
INSTANTANEOUS circums tances. In the rst place
the circuit vi the rink Is short, which obliged hum To
mile, 66o rounds finish; secondly. the fooring
was bad and out of joint at places; thirdly, the
hall was cold cheerless damp and altogether so
disheartenlng that one should possess "neart OF
Oakn TO successfully withstand its depressing
influences; iourthiy, the light-it Is nocKery to
name twas just sucn as an DAD penny candle,
sprou'lng from the neck OF pop bottle and placed
at wide intervals. afforded; and lastly, tue track
was not Kept Gear, and every scaiawaG who
thought he could .'do some walKin'' trotIed on
the course. 10 the annoyance OF o. Leary.
sh az NE aavna aae en
travelled iorty eight miles and ABOUT one-quarter
oil lie, or 63S circuits OF the rink. HIS best
mile was the eleventh, which he walked IN nine
minutes and twelve seconds On the thirty-nitn
mile he was ten minutes aud twenty seconds be-
hind IL was known then that iatgued as he was
he could not make mp Tor the lost time, yet he
kept on boldly and oravey. On the lorty-second
cheers rom The spectators, 1or lour circuits. Ar
terward he seemed much distressed. When he
ended the iorty fifth mile he had only thirtyseven
minutes and Orty -One seconds to finish. He knew
1t was hopeless yet pluckily he continued until
Mr.. Curtis called time at the expiration OF the
eight hours and forty five minutes. OLeary then
approached the time. keeper, surrounded by a
great many friends. lie expressed dissemination
TO finish the distance, and said, Gentlemen,
have done all l coud.'' That statement. wnicn
appearances would warrant one to believe dSsl.
pates the lnslnuatlon that he did not want to
win. Mr.. Libby then called for three cheers for
OLeary, and his call was responded to with vlgor.
he then said:-"Gentemen, Mr. O'Ieary has ac-
compshed feat which mas never heretofore
been approached nearer than an hour. In con-
slderatlon OF his performance VIII hand over TO
HIM The entrance moneys, which amount to about
$780," Tnis little speech received its merlted ap.
plausc and all then separated.
The opinion OF men who nave long been patrons
OF the sport IS, that OLeary, alter some framing
he has never, 1t Is SAID, properly traiued-can
walk the distance within the specified time.
rhe following Is o synopsis OF the walklng:-