National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-07-23
CAPITOL HILL SPORTS.
AN EXCITING FooT-RACE ON B STREE
SOIJTH

SOUTH.
Sports of all kinds, whether boating, shoot
ing, horse or foot racing, or other classes un-
necessary to mention, if conducted fl an hon.
orable manner, are sure to be encouraged and
call forth liberal patronage from persons
fond Of such amusements. Where impair
TALLY reigns commentator is sure to follow,
and those holding the position of judges on
trial of speed or skill will receive the good
opinion Of the audience in proportion to the
justice displayed in the rendering of decisions.
Sometimes, as is to be expected, dissenters viii
be discovered, but If the ruling is correct the
referees and umpires will find themselves sus-
tanned by large majority Of the lookers-on.
From these dissentions there often springs
other contests, which, owing to the spirit dis
played by the hackers of the contestants, make
them both interesting and exciting. some
men, satisfied that they possess last animal,
are willing to wager large sums OF money on
it's merits and superiority over others, which
disputed question can only be settled in test
race, which generally ensues. Then again,
many men think they can run faster, throw
further and Jump longer distance than those
protesting the same power. These personal
claims Of strength bring about contests, and so
they follow one upon tho other.
In the midst of this heated term any recre-
at by most men as sfiOrding temporary relief.
The residents Of Capitol Hill, and more espe-
cially those in the vicinity Of the "Congres-
sional, =" kept by the popular Sanderson, are
constantly cogitating how to create iun ana
make the warm weather enduraole. After
enjoying much sport at the expense OF diner
ent persons q genuine foot-race was made up,
the prize TO be a diamond ring for the winner
and q wash down and dry rub for the second
best man. The race was finally perfected, the
contestants being Julius Lyons, Of the Con
gressional (nOt DistTict) bar, and Afeck
Meehan. The distance was one hundred yards,
and the race was the best three in five heats.
As considerable time had been INDUCED in
relative to the athletic qualities of the two
men, all their best points conned over, muscles
felt and strength Of limb studied, It was finally
concluded that Lyons, being the youngest and
displaying the most suppleness Of the two,
stood the best chance for victory. But Nee
han had his strong and tried friends who would
not desert him, and they proved their friend
ship by their healthy and financial backing.
The time for the Irace was at night at 40
O'Clock, very appropriate hour, when the
streets would be quiet and the men disrObed to
their gauze flannel, could have an uninter-
rupted run over the course, and without the
fear of shocking the modesty of the females
in the neghborhood at the scanty appearance
of their wearing apparel. 1t was necessary to
unload all the superfuous wearing apparel
possible in order that each man would not be
burdcned with extra weight, and therefore
could give better show of speed.
A few minutes before starting the judges
were selected, they being that young athlete
of the Hill, DR.. c. NJ. Ford, and the we'll
known Edward Gray, brass founder, Mr.. P.
Ennis being selected as starter. The ground
was measured off on street south, and at the
appointed hour the men, duly prepared, we're
placed in position. At the word go Lyons shot
out with a fearful burst of speed, Meehan fol-
lowing close behind, but more steady, and his
regular gait seemed the surest; but Lyons got
sufficiently ahead to stop and take in his
second wind before his opponent came up.
When he did, another plunge was made, and
he came out the winner Of the heat, leading
Meehan by the neck It was noticed By tie
latter's Judge that towards the close of the
heat, and while running up the home-stretch,
he went lame. An examination was made by
his trainer, and it was found that he had over
reached himself, and if the race continued it
would be impossible for him to do justice to
himself or hackers without an allowance of
time.
That the fun should not be spoiled, eight
minutes was granted. This generosity on the
part Of Lyons friends lost him the race, as In
the balance of the heats Meehan was half way
home before he started. Still he battled
against the odds bravely, and it is thought
that had the distance been longer Lyons would
have won, for on the last heat Meehan could
not get by the Congressional without making
a halt, where he was inYigorated with glass
of-wateT.
As was to be supposed, somebody would be
dissatisfied with the result, and consequently q
good-natured dispute arose between DR.. Ford,
1he was never known quarrel,) one of the
| Judges, and Mr.. Ennis, the starter, as to the
! HI ff0En dor a mar
! leying one bantered the other to foot-race
over the same course, the loser to treat to sup
per. The gauntlet was picked up by Ennis, and
| the race Immediately made. Everybody that
knows DR.. Ford knows that he is swift run
ner, easy and graceful in his carriage, (drawn
BY a horse, and can handle himself with con
running ability of Mr.. Ennis, but being long in
limb, slim in body, and showing good knee ac-
ton. it was thought that his chances Of success
| were the best,
| At any rate the contestants got started, run
| ming over the same course as the previous par
ties, and the race was brim full of excitement
DR.. Ford soon wrested the lead from Ennis,
| and went up the back track at fine rate oil
| speed, coming down the home-stretch without
| break, winning easily. 1t was noticed that
| Ennis did not move with that ease 1t was sup
posed he would. His knee action was slow,
and he gathered badly, losing considerable
time in sending out and bring back his pedal
extremities. Some, probably his heaviest
hackers, asserted that he was bought of and
threw the race, but that was not the case, fol
on examination DR.. Ford was found to be al
| supple as four-year old, and probably would
have beat his time if another heat had beer
demanded. However, Ennis invited the party
into the Congressional, and shortly after they
! partOok of an impromptu supper, gotten up il
excellent style by Sanderson. It Is probabl,
that this last race will be repeated, if so, tn
REPUBLICAN reporter will be there to sec.