Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-07-23

There is undoubtedly an increasing inter-
est being displayed in pedestrianism in and
about Pittsburg. For long time that very
old and entertaining sport has been under
a ban in this city; that is, professionally.
The amateurs have also been far away in
the back until very recently. The causes
of all this are we'll known and have been
pointed out in this paper frequently. How
ever it seems as if foot racing would once
more become popular sport here, as there are
no less than three or four prominent races on
the tapis, and also big sprint handicap.
Probably the most important race that is
likely to take place is that proposed between
Miller, of Philadelphia and E. c. McClelland,
of this city. Negotiations have been going on
for some time for 10-mile race between these
two men. McClelland has finally written Mil
ler to the effect that he, McClelIand, will run
Miller 10 miles for $500 a side. the race to take
place either here or at PHILADELPHIA, ,expenses,o of
course, to be paid for choice of track. 1t is
probable that a match will be made within
few days, as Miller has some good backing. He
is reputed a good runner for s, 8 or 10 miles,
but people in position to know think he will
collapse against a good man: McClelland's
party is in earnest about the race, as 1t is gen.
orally understood that 'Mac' is q genuine run
ner for any distance from 3 to Is or 20 miles.
At any rate he has a record unbroken by de-
feat, and that is a frst-class recommendation.
That he is a slayer no one can deny, and that
is the quality needed in a 10-mile race.
Negotiations are also going on for a sprint
race of 100 yards between Grant White. late of
Philadelphia, and the veteran Davy Sheehan.
A race between these two speedy men for $3.50
a side would without doubt be an interesting
affair.
A weil-known sporting man stated last even
ing that Fred Vokes is extremely anxious to
run George Smith, of this city, $50 yards for
$3.50 or $500 side. An offer Of this kind is sur
prising. and it will be more surprising still If
good stake is not forthcoming for George
safe to say that in his best day Vokes was yards
short of Smith at the distance named. 1t may
not be wide of the mark to saw that If Vokes
really means business he will be accommo-
dated
On Thursday Peter Priddy and McGarvey
will run i've miles at Exposition Park for 500
and the receipts Priddy is well-known ped
estrian. but he has done nothing as fve-mile
runner. His great races have been at a half
mile He once ran remarkable ten-mile race
at Philadelphia; but he apparently has not
ger here, but he is reported to be flyer" for
the distance. Both men have been well trained
for the race
The sprint handicap referred to may take
place on Labor Day, and will be on a large
scale, open to the world. There may also be
half-mile handicap.
When speaking of foot racing, it may be in
teresting to sporting people to know that an
approaching quarter mile race in England
is causing considerable international interest,
the race between Donovan" of America, and
Tattersall, the famous English ped. The bet
ting is heavy on the result. However, it is
stated on reliable authority that Donovan is
Steve Farrell, the Eastern runner who was to
be matched against Priddy for half-mile race
when the latter was in form. 1t will, therefore,
be no surprise to those who know Farrell il
Donovan defeats Tattersall.
There are still numerous American peds in
England, and a batch of them are entered for
the July Sheffield handicap j. Quirk, whom
all Pittsburg sporting people know, is a hot
favorite for the event. his price being as low as
4 to l. He has been first favorite for several
weeks.