The morning call., 1894-08-08
OVER THE CLEATS.
Great Rope = Pulling at
Central Park.
The Danes Defeated the Swedes in
the Most Exciting Contest
Yet Witnessed.

Another tremendous crowd OF the patrons OF
genuine athletic sport was under the covering
of the big circus lent at Central Park which
Mcneil purchased from the sports of Jackson
Vile, Fla. who had the tent in readiness in
case the Mitchell and Corbett fghl would not
be allowed by the authorities of Jacksonville 10
take place.
II is one OF the largest canvas coverings in
the world, and within it can be comfortably
placed 10000. II was $50 o'clock when the
American and Italian heavyweight teams
opened the evenings yanklng engagement on
the hempen hawser.
lie Americans allowed their opponents
plenty OF rope, so 10 speak and the Italians
made great effort TO gain some territory. but
the indicator did not bulge an inch. After en-
1Oylng smile at Italy's expense the Yanks
just got their backs up and in a iitfy the sons
OF brilliant Italy tumbled over the cleals and
fell in heap just as the referees pistol
cracked. Time of pull, min. 80 Sec The
betting was 10 ]. with America favorlle.
The second contest announced was between
the scotch and German teams. and the betting
was $50 to S4 with the Teutons on the short
end. When the hemp StretcDers got on the
platform the Scotch team Immediately protested
against the Germans having new anchoTman
GU the end, and the Germans in reply said that
their regular anch0Tman was SICK and they had
10 put some other man In his place. This the
Scotch would not tolerate, and Referee Sull-
van, according TO the articles OF agreement,
mad TO award the contest to the Scotch team.
All bets were declared of. When the Scotch
were leaving the platform they were loudly
hoo ed for having refused TO pull the Germans
under the circumstances.
1t was evident that the Scotch hadfvery good
reason for refusing 10 pull against the Ger
mans, but they said nothing while they were on
the platform, and if the public was only aware
OF the right state of affairs they woul0 not have
given the Scotch such a decidedly unpleasant
reception on their refusal 10 go on with the
match. When the teams had entered their
dressing.rooms it was learned that the Ger
mans had secured the services end man of
the famous anchorman Bob Smith, who had
dOnned false WhiSkers for this special contest.
He certainly looked decidedly shaggy looking
specimen OF humanity with his borrowed whis-
bers and hirsute pate covering.
Smith WAS barred out OF the tour nament on
account OF his strong reputation as takir. If
the Germans had secured any other person the
Scotch would not have objected TO pun against
them and it is only fair that the Scotch team
premises.
The next teams were the Russians and
Canadians. The betting was strongly in favor
Of the latter who sold for $40 against SO on
the Russians.
The gun sounded at 9:58 O'Clock and the
rope cTeaE ed under heavy strain. The bet
ing now was 50 10 81 with the Russians on the
short end. Neither side gained an inch until
four minutes after the start. when the
Canadians scored lead of one cleat.
The Russian leader looked savage and
scratched defiance on the cleaLS.
Again the Canadians made an effort to cap
ture IOur cheats. Some of the Russians shoes
slipped from The cleatS, and then Ii was that
the Canadians buckled down to hard pulling.
In minutes they captured the Russians and
won good victory.
The next and last event was meeting of the
Swedish and Danish teams. The betting was
$40 to "a, with The Swedes on the short end.
AT 1885 O'Clock the pistol cracked and the
most s Unborn contest of the evening COM
menced. Ii was hard pulling on both sides.
The Danes gained the first advantage, but the
hardy Swedes won IL back. Again the Danes
scor, d few cleats in their favor and again tie
advantage was won back by the Swedes.
There was intense excitement az the lndi-
Gator moved backward and forward on the
pole.
1t finally returned to Its original position, and
there was great cheering for the hardy Swedes
The perspiration rolled from the faces of the
Danes in big beads as they strained every
muscle to gain an Inch. IL was certainly a gal
labt struggle and we'll worth going miles to see.
The excitement beggaTed description when The
short-eDders yaDked the indicat or To their side
! but II did not remain there long, as The Danes
| by one mighty jerk, got IL back again over the
center marx. The Danes finally gained several
! cheats. aud with rush won the greatest victory
OF the tournament in 10 min. 80 sec. summary:
! Winner. Loser. Time
America. .......,.. Italy. ......... min SO Sec
/ Scotland. ............. II rmany.-...
| Canada. ...............R Russia. ....... min
Danes. Swedes. .....l9 min. 80 Sec
| The lightweight teams who VIII contest to-
night are: Canada VS.. Scotland, Slavonla vs.
Ireland, America VS.. England, Germany VS..
/