Wichita eagle., 1889-06-16

THE UNCLE SAM
"I was in London last fall, says the enter
prising mariner, ''about the time of the inter
national yacht contests There was a group
of gentlemen in a club in that city, and there
ensued discussion, in which much fun was
made of the United States, her yachts and
shipping interests generally German
American as | am became incensed at the
talk, and resented the insult 70 America.
told the English nobility that could produce
sailors from this country who would accom-
plish feat that no Englishman w nld dare
attempt. The discussion grew loi der until
l said l would go around the world alone in q
boat in five years.
Zone of the English gentlemen said l did
not have the courage, and wagered 600 to
$4,000 that would not DO it l accepted
the wager, the conditions being to make the
trip around the world in any kind OF a boat
steam, sail, or otherwise-in five years, the
start to be made from any point between
Portland and Bangor"
According TO the stipulations in the written
agreement" said the mariner to Globe re
porter, Il am not allowed to divulge my
right name, and, Therefore, you may speak
OF me as Otto Fake. An agent is to follow
me along the coast in order to see that | carry
out my agreement and faithfully comply with
their stipulations. l arrived in Boston Thurs
day. and but for unforeseen difficulties should
be now on my voyage around the world. In
consequence of these Unforeseen difficulties
the agent has extended my starting time to
June l. Nevertheless, shall not wait until
June but shall start in a week"
What sort OF boat do you go in?' he
was asked.
lit is stipulated" replied Fake displaying
the written agreement, that the boat shall
not exceed thirty-six feet on the water line
by ten feet beam. l may use any propeling
power-oars sail or stean-and may also be
towed. 1 may have aboard my boat any con-
trivance for safety. l may pursue any river
or canal connecting sea to sea, and may cross
the Isthmus of Panama if so desire. How
ever, I do not think l shall cross the Isthmus.
l must go up as far as Victoria, B. c., and
there may put on board mail steamer for
China or Japan, and thence resume the voy-
age.n
How do you propose TO pay the expenses
of the tripl'
Although am gentleman of means,n
was the reply, Il intend so to arouse the pa
triotic sentiment of the American people that
tuey VIII, ny uiepAdy au'ei eisAlS vi my
boat, help to defray the expenses. A friend
will pay 81, 500 for the privilege Of accompa-
nying me. Already / have made arrange
ments with one large firm to advertise lis
wares around the world, but l still have
room for more advertising"
''What do you call the boatl'
81 call her Uncle.-Sam. have the right
to take with me one man and lad as assist
anti
Fakes boat is fourteen feet long, with two
thwarts and a locker.
a good strong mast and sail viii propel her
through the angry sea, and two pairs of stout
oars will aid him in time of trouble. Air
tight compartments to prevent her from sink
ing viii be put in and, with a stock of pro-
visions, will complete his outfit for the trip
to the city of New Orleans
Upon arriving at New Orleans, Mr.. Fake
will Immediately set about on the construc-
ton of larger vessel fer trip around the
world.