Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1895-10-11

to work the people up to a feverish ex-
element in anticipation of one of the
widest scenes experienced by cowboys
on the frontier. And tending to inten-
sify the interest, were the ~reasonings of
the booksellers ~endeavoring to get takers
for the field against the favorite. Such
remarks as-"Come now, boys, here's
your chance. Who wants SIS or $40 on
the field against Birchield? Great odds,
boys. just think of the whole field
against one! Accidents are liable to
happen; the horse may be gored by the
Infatuated beast; the rider may be thrown
and Injured. Just think of all the risks
and here's even money on one man
against the fieldw That these and sim
liar expostulations were calculated to
arouse the most intense interest and
anxiety, will b. admitted by all who wit
messed the stirring event.
The first steer let out was a proud
beast nimble of limb, and with head and
tail up he started for the brush skirting
the river at the lower end of the grounds.
Being headed off he entered the arena
on the jump and the gunshot from Mas
ter of Ceremonies Green, was the signal
for Joe New, tie first contestant to make
chase and to the judges to start time.
When half across the arena the lariat
was thrown and a shout went up she's
got him." True, he had caught the
beast over the horns, but both horse and
steer were on the jump and the most
exciting part of the event was yet to
come. Whirling his horse around for
the purpose OF bringing the steer to a
sudden stop the horse was taken at a
disadvantage on a little embankment
leading to the r]acecourse and both steer
and horse we're thrown, the rider be-
meath the struggling horse. Other cow
boys rushed to his assistance, secured
the steer and took their comrade from
the field, he having sustained a few
bruises and a broken foot.
On ~occount of the accident New was
obliged to withdraw from the contest.
The next steer brought out was also
a determined beast and much the same
experience as in the first chase was had
by Don Stevenson, Jr. He threw the
beast several times and in turn was him.
| self thrown but he failed to secure the
animal in the prescribed time and the
arena YVES cleared for the next contes-
tant, the famous Birchfield. Like his
predecessors he roped his animal on the
first throw but the beast was cunning.
The rider could not trip him. In this
contest one of the most remarkable feats
known in cowboydom was accomplished.
First the lariat snapped in two, then
taking the other end, a piece not exceed.
ing twenty feet long, the rider made
chase and again caught the beast around
the neck. But the other end, not being
fast to the saddle slipped from the con-
testsnt and the beast was off again. In a
distance of 500 yards the daring rider
caught up with the Infatuated beast and
succeeded in catching hold of one of the
dangling ends. In half a minute more
the beast was securely tied but not un'
til time had been sounded, much to the
regret of the adience who felt that THU
remarkable and daring feat merited re
ward.
The judges announced the result, anc
stated that at the conclusion of the mex
contest Birchfield, who had experienced
such hard luck, would give an exhibi
ton, it was hoped, under more favorable
circumstances.
Ben Sipgletary was the last contestan
and, failing to land his steer i'll the tim,
which, on account of the condition O
the grounds, was altogether too short
the contest was declared no contest.
Then came the exhibition contest, il
which Birchfeld landed his steer, tie(
him and slgnaled the judges in just ~
seconds-only 81 seconds above tn
champion record of the plains. He rod
up before the judges stand, quite TIL
hero of the hour, and received a specia
purse of $40 and the plaudits of til,
people.
And thus ended the steer-roping ant
tying contest, the most exciting of rang
sport, with the added novelty in this in
stance of having the governor of tn
state as one Of the judges, and bein.
witnessed by a majority of the state Off
Gals.
NOTES.
The receipts of the fair will leave
little surplus over the expenses, a yer.
gratifying and unusual experience.
Governor Allin, Secretary Cochran ane
Auditor Briggs we're given a genuine
frontiersmar banquet by Mr.. and Mrs
Don Stevenson at their camp in tn,
timber on the grounds. Those who hav,
received the hospitality of these gooe
people in years gone by know what tina
means. The cooking was by camptir,
and such broiled chicken, steak and ever