The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-02
A LONG SWIM.
An Exciting Performance Of . Connecticut
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New HAVEN, Conn.,, June 1.-The tough
est two-mile swim that any horse in New
Haven ever undertook fell to the lot of big
bay Thursday, as result Of his own indis-
erection. 1t is two miles straight away
across the harbor from the end of Long
Wharf to the East Haven shore. That is q
long swim for anything Of the horse family,
unless, perhaps, the hippopotamus, and
the remarkable performance was watched
by hundreds of people, who cheered loudly
at its successful conclusion. The animal
and was one of handsome pair, worth
over $500; They They were ha1nssssa to heavy
taking them down to the end Of the Long
Wharf to get load Of merchandise. Near
the shore end of the wharf the bit of the
horse was broken. He took fright imme-
diately and dragged his mate along the
wharf at mad gallop. Dozens of loaded
wagons were standing in the way of
citement among the teamsters, who expect
ed their own horses to join in the race or
suffer by collision, was intense. This,
combined with the apprehension for
Woods safety, tended to make the scene
exceedingly lively. Driver Woods hung to
the reins and either by nice Judgment or
good luck, steered his team clear of every
thing. He hoped that they would stop at
the end of the wharf, but they gave no sign
of such an intention, and just at the last
moment he jumped. He struck on his feet
and was not hurt, but the team, without
checking their speed for an instant, dashed
clear of the wharf and disappeared in fif-
teen feet OF water.
Everybody rushed to the end of the pier.
There were no signs of the truck or them
horse but in about minute the animal
that had caused the trouble came to the
surface entirely clear of the truck, and
struck out for the other shore, two miles
away. Longshoreman Taylor and two deck
hands from the steamer Elm CITY jumped
into rowboat and pursued the swimmer.
They overlook him after row of about 800
yards, but dared not go near him for fear
he would upset the boat. There was moth
ing to do but follow along and render as
sistance if it became possible. Mean
while, John Angus, with fast
horse if he ever reached the other shore.
Angus carried blankets and stimulating
drinks to revive the horse, which would ma
turally be much exhausted after his swim.
The horse, watched by a great crowd,
showed little signs of weariness. But about
a quarter of mile from the shore 4 he
struck shoal water and muddy bottom.
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drown. Taylor and his companions in the
boat came to the rescue, however, and
after hard struggle, in which the little
craft was more than once in danger of be-
ing swamped, the unruly bay, doubtless by
this time repentant, was helped out of the
shoal.
A few rods farther ahead he stuck in the
mud again, and foundered about until at
last he turned over on his back. It was q
delicate operation to right him, for his
hoofs beat the water into foam; but Taylor
and his companions were equal to the task,
and the bay was once more set "on an even
keel" Near the shore there lis ledge,
with slippery, sloping sides, and here the
bay got into trouble again. He tried to get
footing, but slid off and sunk in the
deeper water. Again he was rescued and
started toward the shore. Fortunately but q
narrow strip of water now lay before the
animal, and in few minutes he struck
hard bottom and walked ashore, while a
great cheer went up from the crowd. Angus
was ready to meet him with the warm
blankets and the drinks. The former was
accepted with dumb thanks; the drinks
were respectfully, though firmly declined
The horse was not bruised except over the
the eyes, and his injuries were not serious
Mr.. Smedley insured his horses for $3.50 a
few days ago. and will get half that sum nc
doubt for the one that was lost. The truck
was worth $500. Two years ago pair OF
horses owned by Mr.. Smedley backed of
the Long Wharf and were drowned.