The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-06-23
MERCADIERS GREAT SWIM
From the Brooklyn Navy Yard TO the Hat.
terry with Arms and I.eKs hound.

Gone " Mercadler. tho young Missourian.
succeeded in swimming tho East River yoster-
day afternoon bound arms and legs and carry
ing in each hand u two pound iron dumb bell.
The swimmer displayed rare pluck. n logged
gRmeness, for added to tho difficulty OF the
task wore adverse circumstances, and the per-
Torrance is fairly entitled to class among the
remarkable feats OF tho world. Twice 1t looked
as IL outraged nature would have her way, but
each time Mercadier threw of the exhausting
falntness and disreEardlnG his friends appeals
pluckily resumed his journey. His sufIerings
were Intense. Ho was bound with 1875 feet OF
rope and two broad straps. Owing TO the
bunGlnG OF the handlers the rope was not wet
before boing used for its purpose and the con-
se,luent contraction in the water cut deep
ridges Into Mercadier S arms and legs aud tine
Old slip.
AZ on his. former swim. stoyo Brodie &C
companied him In his Paul Bovnton suit. Inc
champion bridge jumper Is man OF unque9-
toned courage; fear Is n word not in his lexi-
con. but no displayed nervous uneasiness
tended his own reckless feats. He know per-
haps better than any, one ACCOMMODATING the
rqF M6d send tSe
bound body TO the bottom of the river, and no
never left Mercadiers side during the trip. his
soicttude at times interfering with the latter 8
progress. Twice no went to the swimmers
aid when heavy swells threatened catas,
as II his support was rendered at an opportuno
moment, as Mcrcadier called feebly for help
and appeared sinking.
MismanaRemcnt marked the undertaking.
There wore too many advisers, and Mercadier
moro than necessary, II his peculiar progress
sion through the water can be termed swim
ming. He was bound on shore and dumped
overheard outside the navy yard. A fleet OF
rowboats took part in the proceedings. the oc
cupants uniting in giving contrary advice.
The consequence was that after u quarter OF
an hours hard work Mercadicr was nearer tho
Brooklyn shore than when he started The
water was very rough and the swells Of pass
ing steamers made things uncomfortable and
dangerous for the swimmer. Brodie was all
right He aoated on top OF the waves as buoy
antly as an egg When Mercader got into the
current he came along RAPIDLY, and three
quarters OF an hour after the start q landing
was effected at Old slip.
He was taken from tho water and nre-
sented rather wretched appearance: the rope
had cut the skin In several places. and his legs
were bleeding freely his skin was OF pur-
plish- blue hue, and swallowing the salt water
had made him lightly i'll. His mode OF getting
through tho water Is n combination Of snake
like wri q q ling and striking the water with his
shins, the latter accounting for his cut legs.
The South street piers were filled with cheer
ing spectators. and hundreds curiously
watched the performance from the bridge.
Erode was 50 charmed with the feat. which he
pronounced the greatest ever accomplished,
that he is out with a challenge on Mercadier's
part to swim any man In the world for $1,000,
bound either arms or legs. or both.