New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-02-05
walking of with his head up is man called
THE CHICAGO MEET

Chicago has decided to celebrate Washington's
birthday by following the hounds in an imita-
ton fox hunt Chicago is rapidly becoming de-
cidedy English. Six months ago the leaders
in her best society ceased stamping the little
tin pals of lard turned out at their rcfnerics with
the familiar porker's profile, but instead EN-
blazoned thereon lion rampant 1t was clear
from that moment that American ideas and in
stitutions were doomed in Observation-Disclosures.
We are assured that the most extensive pre- para
tions are being made for the meet Chicago,
however. keeps in view the fact that discre-
ton has long been recommended as being the
most desirable part of valor, and is determined
70 take no risks. To this end, we are told, those
having the matter in charge, after an earnest
consultation have determined to have no Jumps
or obstacles Of any kind on the course even if
il somewhat mars the effect, the committee being
fearful of the consequences" All dangerous
American barbed-wire fences, sign-boards, trees,
bushes. stones and other objects are being care
fully removed from the course. which will be
twelve mills straightaway. and the farmers along
the route will be requested to keep in their
cows hogs and poultry on the day of the meet.
The committee hates TO take these precautions,
but the consequences hang over it by single
hair and render it fearful
Various other precautionary measures are under
consideration by the committee. and may be
adopted. plan for strewing tho course thckly
with feather beds spring mattresses, and so-forth.
to ward of. in a measure, the conseque nces.'
has been suggested, but it is thought that the
cost viii be too great 1t is believed that by strap
ping pillows TO various parts of the persons of the
riders, practically tn, same result may be reached
at only a fraction of the expense. The idea Of
strapping each rider firmly to his horse met with
no approval, except among some Of the more
timid; but n novel plan has been proposed in
its place and will probably be carried out. Each
rider viii wear n jacket. which will be short
enough so that he sits on his horse the lower
edge of it will be some six inches from the cantle
Of the saddle The jacket edge will then be
fastened to the saddle by a half dozen stout six
inch spiral springs. This, it is thought, will
insure great safety and leave the intrepid fol-
lower Of the hounds ample freedom of motion
In case the horse falls. takes an imaginary hedge
or otherwise becomes highly unpleasant for a
Chicago man, the rider will simply fly up into
the air foot two and be drawn back quickly
and surely to the padded saddle On Washing
TONS Birthday Chicago will be in the saddle and
retained there most of the time by strong steel
springs.
The hounds will be procured from Detroit A
man from Oshkosh attempted TO foist some Of
his hounds on the committee. but the manifest
superiority of Detroit hounds, coming, they do,
from so near British territory being pointed
out the gentleman from Wisconsin did not get
bid. The committee politely but firmly ad-
vised him TO take his sample dog back to Osh-
kosh. Whether or not semi-English horses will
also be used is not stated. but it seems prob
able that they will.
The twenty second of February promises 20 be
a most remarkable day for Chicago. Laying
aside any little animosties which may have been
engendered among her society leaders by sur
reptitous cutting in the price of leaf-lard and
side-p pork they will mount their spirited bob
tailed horses and dash away along the pictur-
esdue lake front twelve miles straight toward
Milwaukee With the gamey anise-seed bag
disappearing on the horizon, the Detroit hounds
in full cry, the resolute Chicago riders cling
ing TO the pommels Of their saddles with the
strength of desperation, and physician stationed
every half mile TO render assistance if needed, the
scene will be worth long journey TO witness
We wish the meet every success possible, and
no consequences"