The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-08-24
SWIMMING MATCH.


AN EXCITING MATCH OFF LoSo BRANCH BE-
TWEEN WADE AND cUsSIsoHAM-wADx WINS
BY FIYTYRs YARDS
The great swimming match for purse OF $3.50 be-
tween e. H. Wade and James Cunni ngham decided
yesterday on Long Branch. Wade winning by fifteen
yards For the past week ever since this match was
t arranged there has been considerable talk on the
subject, as both men well known swimmers, aud
Cunningham has large number OF friends among
tho fisherman and ooAlmep that frequent the
beach Wade has the record OF being or
the best swimmers In tho country, although
he rather disappointed his friends last year when he
was beaten by frauu There appeared be a genes~.
impression that this would be very closely con.
tested and although Wade iavonte IN the
betting ali offers Two to taken freely by
Cunningh ham s hackers
Tho weather charming, and although the morn.
ing was rather warm, a southsrly breeze came up
shortly after which gradually ireshened quite
u pleasant capiul of wind Tho swimming match
the general topic of conversation during the morn.
Ing aud after the guests OF tho different
hotels had taken their bath aud INDUCED IN
light lunch there Was general move In
the direction OF ths Surf House, where the swim.
10 be taken out III surf boat to tho point
from which they wore to start Il understood
shortly after two r. NJ. the bluffs between the United
states Hotel aad tho East End began present quite
an animated appearance Through some false report
there appeared be idea best view OF the
race could be obtained tho East End and Tor
an hour there was regular stream Of car
rinecs aud hotel coaches driving down IN
that direction. The houses OF the
Unitcd states Mansion and Ocean houses were
all packed with spectators before three T. NJ, and
several people were scattered along the ouns
aud beach, In front ol the Surf House about nve hun
bred people mad assembled AZ IT was known that tha
swimmers surf boat from that point,
ana everybody appeared anxious to obtain good look
AT them before they commenced tncir arduous task
shortly after three T. ~ the men made their appear
the beach anu the centre OF an adj
miring throng. g. ii. Wade, the iavorite, - young
IN height anu scaling about 10 pounds. He 10 . we'll
built man, possessing quite hue physique His
antagonist, James Cunningham, is twenty-iour years
OF age i've feet elevon inches IN height and weighs
about l5 pounds Cunningham Is magnihccnt looking
man, with fine broad shoulders and grand looking
chest Both were atlired IN lght jerseys and
drawers, aud Cunningham wore red skull cap 10 DIS
tnguish him from Wade who had a white one on his
beach aud ABOUT hali.past three II was drawn down
near the ana the judges referee and men
Van Pelt aud Charles Dousherty, and Mr.
William Dougherty ofciated as referee. Ia
the meantime pool seller had taken up
position in one OF tho Ocean Hotel summer houses
and appe red to be trausscng atoleraoiy good bust
ness Wade was very decided iavorite, ietching SO
sla .A' '''''' "'''' y "
There several hundred spectators on the beach
Watching the Efforts OF tho hardy Jersey fishermen to
launch the In the surf. Finally they started,
rising on breaker aud sinking again In the hollow
OF the wave but they out OF tho SURF pulling
along in south southeastery direction. They pulled
along for about half hour, bobbing up and
down tho waves, aud unaiy came TO
| stop when about midway between Howland's and
Iauch's. but good mile from shore. The men then
Jumped OF tho boat and started Tor "a SWIM Of about
two and quarter miles, rough computation OF tho
distance they had TO complete rhey were soon
breasting the waves handsome STYLE and, with the
| wind AZ their back. made quite fast tno The boat
followed along close behind so as TO be ready In case
any accident AFFORD Instant relief Al the nrst
| Cunningham TOOK the lead ana WAS al one time about
twenty yards ahead but then adc would close with
nm until they were again on oven terms They were
both swimming the English stroke, lying on their
sides and throws ny one hand out OF the water with
padding motion. Gun nins ham was swimming with
great power and although he appeared to be ablo 70
leave adc whenever he pleased tho latter also had
the power close up tho when he was so disposed
when they on the United States both men wcro
clearly visible to the naked eye aud sppesred 10 DO
cioso together Cunningham mad, II anything slight
| advantage, but they came up opposite
| the Mpnsion Rouse Wade appeared TO Jorge
ahead, and No slowly opened slight gap
between him his gallant antagonist.
AS they ncared the winning nag which was noaiing
top Of OF the bathing posts IN front oil tho
Surf House, the spectators became quite excited ana
! called the names OF Their Respective champions
Two three gentlemen also swan OUT 10 meet them,
but when they turned 10 accompany them home
showed themselves quite unequal 70 The task. Wade
the race by about fifteen yards, having swum inc
two and qaurtor miles Ia forty minutes Both men were
apparently not mucn exhausted by their effort and
Wade, tho winner was carried AROUND In triumph 6y
| his friends and hackers.