The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1884-06-22
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"when Mr.. Willie Beckwith and his slstor,
tho English experts and representative Of this
art remarked when taking their departure
from this country after sojourn OF some four
months here last summer that they were much
surprised to ind so few good swimmers In this
country. the saying was true one." said an old
teacher OF the art 10 o prominent athlete Of this
city. Swimming 10 an old and ono Of the most
hsalthful Of exercises. Few know that BenJa-
min FRANKLIN was considered expert at this in
his day. In the cultivation OF swimming as an
art society has taken but very little interest.
indeed. As compared with the attention be-
slowed on other athletic pursuits. Swimming
Is the most useful VI all accomplishments that
60 to make up the complete education OF q gen.
tleman. Other athletic sports have their
advocates and their enthusiastic vota.
rios. but In all that tends to muscular devel-
opment. the strengthening Of the nervous sys-
tem and the renovation OF the several functions
OF life. swimming must be admitted to bear
away the palm. Among the list Of good SWIM
mers who have exceled In great ieats In their
line first comos probably Capt. Webb who
swan the previously often attempted distance
from Dover. England. to Calais. France. In 1875.
crossing two full and two half tides. estimated
to be equal to SO miles. actual distance 23 miles,
In 81 hours and As minutes. With the we'll
known reputation and many other subsequent
foats achieved BY this sw III N r. ii hus
81 ay Sy h c wn8 S.
not fully comprehend the treacherous charac-
ter OF the Niagara whirlpool from want OF sum-
ciont investigation. which brought him to 30 UNI
timely death The Captains orig nal Intention
was TO- follow closely to the Canadian shore aud
BY so doing he would have been able to keep. rs
he believed. into a current which travelled with
less velocity. thinking 1t possible that he could
pass around tho border Of the whirlpool and
Tar vnt
dog or place any other animal into u swift cur
rent. you will observe at once that tho animal.
stinetively points its nose against the stream.
at tho same time swimming In direction
MEASURE. esssns he speed with Witch he would
knowiedgs y ail these facts which Cant: Webb
much surprise. In THIS his last fatal attempt.
that he did not adont some such expedient.
bly, comes Capt. Boyton. who by the use OF arti.
fetal aid In advocating his particular method
has traversed over moro territory. than any
burGh In 1879 down tho Ohio River to the Mis-
sissippi besides giving exhibitions in the hnr-
Among other good swimmers now living in
England and THIS country may be mentioned
FSns Frsa Sna asGrxs
William Finney. Willie Beckwth and his sister
Agnes and OF tho American Ernest Won shos-
William Viii il. Daily: fhomas Riley. New England
champion: Edward y. Even. amateur; Henry
Tr2utz. 4ueckbernsr. Pagan and Robert Don
Capt Webb. at the Scarborough. Eng. aqua.
rum. aoa,ed for 60 consecutive hours. or
other feats and long distance contests. the fol-
lowing may be mentioned az probably being
the best which has ever occurred in this coun-
handicap race Of 1919 miles at sea by 800 yards
At Atlantic City. In August. 1880; Charles
fish. and who has been seen going through his
various antics under water. such as smoking
eating. &e.: II his glass aquarium. IN 1873
teachsr Of the art at tho Victoria PARK Lon !"
@ for OF this ina nsss
Ernest Won snoening who defeated George
YORK.. to the pier at Norton Point. coney Island
pstns ths tasE IN soms * soSss Alter his
competitor gave up the race In little over
George Ferns challenged Won Shoening after
this; but for some reason or other terms could
not be agreed upon. and . match between the
Won Shoening. however. defeated Capt. Webb
at Locust Grove Long Island In the following
teacher and swinmnr 's master and Where he
now lives. Queckberner. who possesses GER
!ainly the finest physique Of tho many athletes
the shot in the latter Of which he claims to bs
any fine day last summer. guarding the shore
OF Long Beach. ever ready to assist those who
required him in u time OF need.
Thomas Riley, the Newport champion. GER
tainly deserves credit for the many contests
by Willie Berkwith at Hull. Mass. last year.
Riley having met with an accident.
Among tho best amateur contests probably
which have occurred FOR. many years. was the
six-mile test OF endurance which l witnessed
on the Delaware. betwesn Birch Brown of
Philadelphia and Edward S. Even, amateur,
Brown WAS much Ewen's superior in size and
weight. but evidently not in skill aud en-
duranca. as the Long Islander kept pace be-
hind the Phiiadelphan to within on" mile OF
Smith Island. the. terminus, Even winning by
about quarter OF a miles length he lives at
Bath l.. l., where | saw him some two years
ago, indu ging in his old pastime. OF tho few
who have oxcred in the perilous performance
Of diving from great heiGhts doubt If there
outdone some Of The fents performed by
| Robert Donaldson. he having in the wear
| 1880 jumped from the centre OF High
| Bridge to the river below. a distance of
| diver; Sam Scott md Thomas Worthngton.
known as the star diver. all Of whom met their
deaths by means Of these tremendous leaps.
| were good ones in their day. Sea bathing Ia
tho best. owing to tn. greater speciflc gravity
sal, water haa fressb the body being bnoy
little that can be said. however about this use
| full pastime which will go far toward teaching
one the art Of becoming expert. or to swim
with ease. grace. and confidence as an ounce
mans but for me to add. finally that few sens:i.
| tions are more delightful. and the strength
| which one acquires. ind which he WAS pre-
viOusly a stranger to. after frequent and dis
Greet indulgence. II a sufficient proof OF its
many virtues"