Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-08-25
PRIZES CONTESTED FOR BY HALF SCORE O
BEAUTIFUL MAIDENs


BEAUTIFUL MAIDENs.
A ladies' swimming match took place az Fort
hamilton, New YORK, on Sunday afternoon last.
AT the point where the match was contested
Miss Katie Bennett, teacher OF swimming AZ
the 18th street bath, has erected comfortable
and comnodious bathing houses. Ii was three
O'Clock when Miss Bennett appeared. At this
time ten Of her pupils, all New York girls, had
arrived, and were anxiously awaiting her COM
ing. The beach was lined with spectators Miss
Bennett had told her pupils that IL the day was
threatening they need not come. She had ex-
pected twenty-four swimmers, but acting upon
her warning, many failed % respond. The ten
who old appear were remarkable no less for
beauty than for the grace which characterize
their movements. Pointing them out 70 the re-
porter, Miss Bennett said, ssYou can see the
value OF knowledge of swimming 70 ladies.
The grace which they acquire In the water
clings TO them on the land. Depend upon n.
the best swimmers always prove the best walk
ers and best dancers" By this time the ten
water witches had arrayed themselves in proper
costume, and were gamboling an the waves.
They hOated and they swan; they dived and
they moved rapidly upon their backs. Their
iong hair streamed back, floating on the water
ike the plumes OF an albatrOss. They laughed
Ioyously and duCked each other with screams
OF merriment The water was cold, but this
did not seem TO interfere with their fun. They
swam with easy, graceful motion. Occasion
ally one would indulge in a few strokes
OF the cog paddle; but only for a moment
Of rest. The exercises of the ladies were
most rapturOusly applauded by the spectators
Miss Bennett then appeared upOn the beach
and gave hsT instructions. About 500 yards dis
tsnt TIE stake boat vas anchored, and the first
match was fer that distance. The prize was a
gold locket IL was contested for by seven OF
The last sW SINNERS, Misses Annie and Adeline
Mason, Bella and Julia Kahn. Katie and Annie
Barclay, aud Leng Helwig. The start was or
ier6d, and the girls pushed rapidly forward.
TWO stalwau men and I've swimmers passed
over The course with them; and TO secure still
iurther protection, men were scattered about at
dinerent points OF the course. For about twenty
wards the ladies kept nearly in q straight line
Then Annie Mason gained slightly over her
companions, and this gain was soon made good
by her sister Adeliue. The two swan together
foI some distance, but Annie who Is the Young
esi and the smallest at length forged ahead
ana won the victory by about Elk yards, In two
minutes and twenty seconds. She came swim
ming back with 8 small American lag fastened
in her hair, the badge Of victory.
a match OF 600 yards was then swan by
Katie Barclay and AdeIne Macon. This was
ior pair OF gold earrings, and was won by Miss
Mason in one minute and twelve seconds. This
was the last contest, aud the dripping maidens
led from the water 70 resume their silks and
satins.
The last match Of the season il 20 be con-
tested by Mise Benefits pupils next Sunday
afternoon for gold watch and chain. It is ex-
pected that 81 least tventy-four ladies' will par
ticipate in this contest.