The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1883-07-31
CAPTAIN WEBB,
THE GREAT SWIMMER DROWNED
IN NIAGARA WHIRLPOOL.
to Cross the Vortex He
Is Sucked Under.

BUFFALO JuIv 25.-Captain Matthew "
Webb, the famous English swimmer
made the greatest attempt Of his life al
Niagara to-day and failed. His plan
was to swim through the terrific whirl-
pool about two miles hetow The Falls,
something tha, hsi never been done and
generally regarded as impossible.
DETERMINED TO MAKE THE TRIAL
He arrived in BlffAlo from New York
with bi, manager last evening and re-
msined till this morning, when he took
the last train tor the Falls, determined
to carry out his plan, and went to the
Clifton House. on the Cana Ia sile His
manager tli.d t, persuade him not 10
attempt the fearful undertaking, but
Webb bad made up his mind and said
he would take the en'ire responsibility.
He seemed TO realiz, the danger, and
before starting made his will, leaving
all hiI property to his wife, who, with
his two children, is IN England SO lit
tie faith was placed in his promise to
make the attempt that scarcely any
credit was given the announcement and
less than two hundred people assembled
on the hanks Many people at the falls
knew nothing about it. He took din
ner at the bo'el and then spent some
time trying to get boat.
ON THE wHIRLINa RIVER ~
hnIf N
cool and confident. attlred in blue
shirt and light clothes, be went down
TO the ferry en- the Canada side alone.
At the ferry he embarked in. skiff
rowed by John McCloy. who was The
only one who cared to take The risk OF
rowing him down to the point where be
wished to Jump He started down
stream, and on the way McCloy asked
him how much lie had made by giving
swimming exhibitions. He replied
about s2s 900.
"How much have you got left ?"
asked the oarsman.
"About SIS e00," was the reply.
"Then you had better let me pull You
ashor- aud 90 on SIS 900 spree rath.
er than try to 60 through that. You
cannot do II. 1t is sure death v
But Webb was determined and laughed
in reckless way He took off his
clothes and McCloy said he wonld ney-
er need them again. He told the boat
man to meet him with the clothes and
blankets at the Swiss Glen, below the
whirlpool, as he wished 10 60 to Boston
tomorrow.
"GooDBr!
Having made all preparations, be said
"Goodby," and plunged into the river
at point little above where they are
building the new Canada Southern
Bridge. As soon as Webb went, McCloy.
who dared go no further. turned and
pulled to the Maid of the Mist landing.
W Webb plunged into the water at thirty
two minutes past four, New York time
He came up instantly and swan with a
bold, vigorous stroke, apparently with
ease. till he struck the first rapids. go ng
uuder the old railway suspension bridge.
Then he was carried along by the cur
rent with tremendous velocity, but still
seemed to hold his own
IN Tue REsrsTLEss CURRENT.
The spectacle at this time was very
He shot alopg like an arrow
with the whirlpool straight before him.
As he went through the rapids he dove
each time and reappeared as strong as
ever. His intention was to 60 through
ON the Canada side, but the current was
too strong for him In thirteen mi utes
be peached what is known as the Chan
mel, or place where the waters shoot
right and left. To those on The bridge
be was mere speck.
LOST.
Suddenly he threw up his right arm
and disappeared, and that was the las
seen OF the great Eaglsh swimmer. He
was undoubtedly sucked down into the
frightful vort < AMI met an instant death
1t was thought that be was injured in
some manner while diving, as he seemed
exhausted aud unable to make much
progress. His manager and the report
ers were hopeful that he would get
through. and drove down the Canada
side to the Whirlpool Park, but could
ind no trace of hin. He never ap-
peared, and hi body is probably still in
the wbirlpool. If not torn to pi ces. Tue
search was kept up till dark ir vain and
extended to Queenstown.