The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1877-12-27
Gales Great Walk.

The number of persons who passed
through the wickets of the several en-
frances to the hall as the end of Gales
One-thoUsand-mile walk drew near ex-
ceeded 10000. Whatever doubts had
previously existed among these and 9TH
er people as to the Cardiff mans power
of accomplishing this feat-and if there
had been no doubts there would have
been no wagers-the universal feeling
on the last day was one of certainty
1t was almost a foregone conclusion that
Gale would not only finish his perform
ance, but would do so in perfect health
and with positive ease. His only drow-
siness has been at night, when, in fact,
most other people are inclined to sleep,
and so remarkable a control has he ac-
quired over his habits of body that he
can and does sleep as he walks. From
10 p. m. till IL 80 has been the usual
period of his first sleep. Then he would
become wakeful for an hour or two :;
then sleep pretty soundly for half an
hour, and finally take doze, or half
slumber, between 4 and in the morn
ing. After that he was wide awake for
the day, and could always talk briskly
about himself and his undertaking.
At o'clock on Saturday morning Gele
ate mutton chop for breakfast; ne had
a good dinner of roast chicken at 2, and
at he discussed sole. But though
his appetite was nearly as good as
on Friday, when he was not only well
in health, but calm and self-pos-
| sessed, the excitement of the fin
ishing day, with its crowds, noise
and preparations for a public demon
stration affected him naturally enough,
He felt sick, his pulse was somewhat
weaker than on any previous day, and
for the second time only since he began
his walk. small dose OF brandy was
given him. This had complete resto-
ratlve effect, and shortly after it he had
tea, toast and an egg. The only alco-
hollc stlmulant he has taken since the
beginning of his task has been brandy,
the quantity in all amounting to four
table-spoonfuls. He had increased his
pace notably in all his last Quarter
miles; and with this excessive energy
came a feverish heightening OF the
pulse, easily to be accounted for by the
shouts, the loud music, and the general
tumult of the incoming crowds. His last
| quarter-mlle but one was actually raced
In minutes ~ seconds; and the little
crowd that followed had to break into a
scrambhng sort of trot. Then his pulse
was as high as 120, but it subsidized in
| about a minute to 112. Then, at 1850.
| the bell rang for the last time, and Gale
came out of his tent amid great noise of
cheering and triumphal music. Every
one expected he would make an attempt
to beat his hitherto best time-2 minutes
and % seconds-but few thought him
equal to the wonderful pace he actually
showed. A little crowd again went
round with him, but not one Of them
could maintain the walking step, and the
extraordinary spectacle was beheld of
the fresh men trotting to keep up with
one who had all but walked a thousand
miles. Cheer upon cheer rose from all
parts OF the crowded hall, drowning the
most strenuous efforts of the band and
sending he excitement up to fever heat
as the last few yards were rapidly COW
cred and the great task was finished.
Then, without waiting minute. Gale
was escorted through the crowd to the
Judges stand, where Sir John Ashley
glrded his waist with a belt of crimson
velvet and massive silver. But the belt
was too large, so, amid much applause
and some little merriment, it was slung
across one of his shoulders.-LondoIa
Telegraph.