The New York herald., 1879-03-03
THE ASHLEY BELT CONTEST

PRESENT CONDITION OF AFFAIRs-No SERIOUS
HITCH ANTIcIpATED--TH ARRANGEMENTS AT
GILMoREs GARDEN.
There is in reality no foundation for the rumor
that serious hitch exists in the matter of signing
articles of agreement to govern the coming contest
for the Ashley belt. Rowell. the English candidate,
some time ago forwarded to OLeary, the holder of
the trophy, memorandum OF agreement to which
he desired the latter TO afix his name. There
were so many peculiar provisions in the document
OLeary took but little notice of it. The agreement
merely expressed Rowell's wishes. and just far
were courteously recognized Many directions
given in the agreement regarding the laying out of
the tracks and dividing the gate money if only two
men competed. As it was known at the time that
four competitors certain to take part in the
struggle that portion of Rowells articles appeared
somewhat foolish. John Ennis of Chicago, was the
first to challenge OLeary for the belt and therefore
has the prior claim make all necessary arrangements
with the latter governing the event. Ennis to-day has
in his pocket letter dated London. November 7,
1878. from George W. Atkinson, of tho Sporting Les
the stakeholder assuring him that he has "the first
claim to make match with Mr.. OLeary." Herri-
man was the next challenger, which made the affair
sweepstakes. the belt is open to the world.
Rowc'l the last to join the number his challenge
being published in the Sporting Life December g. 1878.
under date Of Cambridge, December /. In this card
Rowell says in substance that Ennis Hartman and
Blower Brown. since retired. were ahead of him,
and his right merely that of taking part in the
affair in company with the previous chalengers.
Rowell's next essay, however, was his memorandum
of agreement. which has caused argument; but,
as 1t is devoid of authority it is not supposed it will
cause trouble. The articles in question lack another
essential point They contain no definite provision
regarding the gate money other than the share
which the winner will receive, and, therefore, are
practically useless in the matter settling the ques-
ton. In the first meeting the four candidates
had the other day in this city it WAS pro-
posed and accepted that a competitor who did not
cover $50 miles during the six days should not
ceiye any portion of the receipts. All We're unanim-
ous upon this point and have not since changed their
minds. The competitors also agreed that before
they decided upon the exact mode of dividing the
gate money they would wait for Mr. Atkinson the
representative of the Sporting LIFE, who is expected
in New York within a day or two. Though the four
men will hold meeting to-day to dis
the whole matter it is not probable
that the required agreements will be signed until
Atkinson's arrival. The men are themselves willing
to agree to fair division, ana there will be no
trouble in the matter unless outside interference
causes it.
THE COMPETITORS
O'Leary visited friends yesterday taking consider
able exercise in this way. He Is putting himself in
fine physical form, and though making boasts, it
pretty certain that he feels able take care his
reputation as long distance walker Rowell took
little exercise i'll the morning. and during the
afternoon, in company with Ennis. stretched his
limbs in Central Park, and did not until dusk.
Hartman also exercised under the direction of his
trainer, John Fraser. taking that amount OF work
which is simply required to keep in good trim.
Rowell is the smallest man of the four candidates,
and now weighs about 140 pounds in costume. His
along with so much ease that there is 10
apparent exertion in the efforts. He has been
going around the track at Gilmore's in about
SS seconds to the lap, and as eight circuits
make mile his exercising reaches eight miles
thereabouts all hour. Very solidly built, Rowell
seems capable OF bearing much fatigue, and judging
from his conversation he is hopeful Of winning.
Should no accident happen him, and his health
tinue good which is almost to be the case.
he will step on the track the night of starting in
magnificent form. The may be said of the
other competitors. All four very earnest and the
result must be fine record.
ARRANGEMENTS AT GILMoRE's GARDEN
The arrangements at Giimores will be excellent.
main in place during the walk. SO the competitors
and spectators will not be annoyed with clouds OF
sitting dust, as was the case during inc OLeary.
the accommodation OF ladies' and their escort during
the competition. portion Of the building
to prevent the intrusion of other spectators.
Smoking will be prohibited in this part of the gar
den. The track will be laid out to suit the compct-
tors. and city surveyor will measure it in their
presence and furnish tho managers with certificate
regarding its length.
Mr.. William B Curtis has been requested to take
charge OF the scoring. This important duty will be
letic clubs in this vicinity, each days work
being performed by separate Cub. so far
known tho following arrangement is likely to be
made Monday, New York Athletic Club: Tuesday,
Brooklyn Athletic Club: Wednesday, Harlem Ati,-
letc Club; Thursday, Scottish-American Athletic
Club; Friday, Manhattan Athletic Club; Saturday,
American Athletic Club. In Rowelis memoranda of
agreement it is proposed that five judges be selected
from the sporting to take charge of the conpe
tition. It has been argued with much force
that the presidents of tho several athletic
clubs who will attend to the business of scoring
will be the proper persons TO act judges, ii such
officials necessary. The chief officer of the
club On duty ut the scoring sheets will be present
during their time OF service but ii Ia not quite
certain that judges selected as proposed could
yeniently remain On duty through the small hours
of the night. As the is, ''go you please
there will be little to judge. Fouls might occur. but
these unlikely.
There is much speculation among the sporting
fraternity regarding the result of the coming contest.
Many bets have already been made, among them
$4,000 to $1,000 the field against Hartman The
competitors willing to speculate themselves and
it is said that they have waeered considerable money
the distances they will cover Messrs. Kelly *
Bliss haze opened book on the event, aud offer the
following:-15 against 100 OLeary, 100 to 80
against Rowell, 5 to against Hartman, and 40 to
against Ennis.
The rcfreshment privileges of the garden for the
week were let saturday evening. The bids
opened in presence OF the competitors the award
being to the bidder who offered s2525 ~. The next
highest bidder was ~, 500. and the lowest $3.50.