Wichita eagle., 1886-11-06
WORLDS CHAMPION.
NJ. K. Kettleman Defeats ChaS. Gibson
Yesterday Afternoon
In a Good Race at the Fair Grounds-Lar2e
Crowd, Heavy Betting--At Least 500, 600
Change Hands.

Sht<teO AitAhA"S'
The all absorbing theme Of conversation
on the streets yesterday was the foot race
between Eettleman and Gibson Nor was
the interest confined to the persons who had
money at stake, but the fine display of this
, great and favorite spirit, promised by two
; such champions lead everyone to wonder who
, might be the successful contestant
Although tho day was bright, yet it was
cold and windy.
At 3 o'clock the fair grounds presented q
, busy and animated scene. Around the grand
stand and the fence along the track were
crowded carriages and hacks, some empty
and others filed with ladies who had come to
witness the sport. On the track were groups
of men earnestly declaring the good qualities
of their favorltes and backing their asser-
tons with money. Bets were freely offered
and as freely accepted. Neither appeared to
be greatly the favorite, although one man
was seen making bets five to one in favor Of
Gibson Many small bets, Of course, were
made, but most very large
Dick Walker carried a hand satchel con-
tanning about So, 900. Several other persons
had in their possession other large amounts
awaiting the races decision as to who would
be tho owner The usual chivalrous conduct
which here distinguished the better class of
sporting men in their wagering prevailed,
there being no fights, pickering, nor insulting
language bantered between the friends of the
rivals.
The track was cleared, and at $3.50 the two
champions appeared.
The race was to lie run from east to
west. Gibson, with his brother Frank was
upon the right, and kettleuan toed the mark
upon the left, with his sixteen year old
brother Frank, a rising young runner, by his
side. They cast off their overcoatS and ap-
peared in blue tights, disclosing magnificent
specimens OF athletic training. Both men
appeared in perfect trim and eager for the
contest.
enc unsuccessful attempt at starting was
made The second time they toed the mark
started and like shots from cannon sped
for the goal, the spectators held their breath,
not 4 word was spoken but anxious expect
amy opt'CHA So ut'Oii O'Ni ietNC. LII IL x
seconds kettleman struck the ribbon four
feet in advance of Gibson. Hats flew into
the air and cheer after cheer greeted the vic
tor. Thus, in quarter of q minute the
| championship of America was decided ard
almost 100000 found an owner.
Kettleman apparently won the race easily:
At 100 yards he was ten feet, at least
his competitor.
Gibson run well, but found in kettleman
too strong man. His hackers, Messrs
George English and Frank Burt, suppol ted
him 10 the last and paid their lost y7agers
| without Il murmur or complaint at any TN
fairness Or injustice, fanced or real.
In the evening at the Manhattan the re-
porter met Mr. Swaine, the trainer, to whom
no listle of kettiemans success is due, and
was taken up to SEQ the victor.
He was watching anxiously by the
sick bed OF his sister in-iaw, who
was lying, it was feared, at the point of
death from heart disease. He was relieved
in his watch and came down into the parlor
After congratulations, Mr.. kettlenian ex-
pressed deep concern for the life OF his sick
relative and said that his wife had died from
the same disease not long ago. OF the con-
test he remarked, YES, it was g close cne
bu5 [ won it easier than | expected, | am, Of
course, glad not oniy on my own account
but also my parents aud friends; my
father came up with me and I have te!e-
graphed to my mother OF my success. l still
hold the championship OF America and don't
! think there is e man in the world who can
out run me-
do you think YOU can beat Gibson on a
long rum"
Yes, sir, l can. will wager 500 now
l can beat him 800 yards. I was very much
surprised, as was all my friends, to see so
much money up. If may judge from the
amounts I saw wagered, there must have
been between fifty and one hundred thousand
dollars.
/ am very much in 1--we with this city and
think l shall make my headquarters here in
| future. | am happy to number amoug my
friends many of the leading men OF the city. =
He repaired again to his watch and the
reporter came down stairs.
It is rumored now that a seventy-five yard
race win be arranged for en- early date
between kettleman and Archie McCombs,
| the young man who is with Gibson.
II such arrangements should be completed
the contest will lie very close aud exciting.
At the door of the hotel was met a friend
OF Mr.. Gibson. He said that Gibson felt
his defeat, and that it was due no doubt TO
the fact that Eetticnlan was the better man
and 10 no hippodrome business. Kettle
man," be added, ''iS quite q different man
now TO what he was IN l5,S1 F."
THE BETTERS.