The San Francisco call., 1897-02-20
TUG-OF-WAR.
Public Interest in the Forthcoming
Event Is ST. cad ly Growing.

Public Interest in the Forthcoming
Event Is s, cad ly Growing.
AS the time for the Inauguration of the
big tug g-of-war tournament at the Me-
chanics' Pavilion draws near public inter-
est in the popular sport intensifies, and it
will assume startling proportions by the
opening day, next Saturday. The Pavil-
ion Is being put i'll shape for the big event;
large force OF mechanics are at work
erecting the cleated platform on which
the men of mighty muscle will struggle
Tor national nonor and the liberal cash
prizes. The seating accommodation will
be so arranged as to afford a clear and un-
obs ;ructed view oil the exciting sport from
ali parts OF the vast structure, so the dis
comhtIre OF stretching necks to see all
that transpres will pe obvlaied The
public Is now engaged in carefully can
wasting the merits Of the respective teams
and choosing favorites therefrom whose
efforts Will be watched with all the
earnestness and anxiety an international
struggle engenders. The following syn
opsls oil the teams Will show about how
they appear TO an i'm Partial observers:
Tne Irish team unIer the efficient cap
taincy of James HArdneIy Is apt TO be
come favorite in this tournament and
their large following will have no cause to
be disappointed at The appearance of tue
sons OF Erin when they step on ;he plat
form TO pull for the honor of the green
isle. Some OF its mem bers have had a
former experience in the sport which they
are putting 10 good account. There was
large contingent of brawEy Celts to PICK
from, but the candidates b ad 10 undergo a
severe trial test before acceptance. Cap
tain Hardnedy enjoys the confidence and
esteem of his fellow countrymen, VINO ap-
prove OF his great discipline as task
master.
Captain Alexander Campbell of the
Scotch team will line up string of giants
who out weigh and are taller than any
other team. He displays pardonable
pride in the exhibition of his brawny
Scots, who, each and all, share his en-
thus asm and determination TO pull to
the fore against all corners; his men were
subjected to severe test on his pulling
scaies before acceptance, and some of the
tests are said to have resulted in astonish-
ing figures, especially that OF Samuel
Pinkerton, the Hercules, who scored
1000 pounds with ease. This man is
destined to create q sensation when the
public catch q glimpse of his huge propor-
lions.
The German team is in fine fettle and
Captain Schilling may well feel proud and
confident OF the outcome, for in the selec-
ton OF his men he has exercised great
care-conSidering Drawn and muscle AS OF
greater importance in the makeup of his
team than a dead weight of lat men, de-
void OF wind and endurance. He claims
to have learned of peculiar diet which
tends to improve the wind and pulling
power OF his men.
Captain Merani's Italian team are assid-
ious in their efforts at training and show
up well in their photographs and at prac-
tlce. This team is actuated with firm
nafa aTFNa ion i
Latin race are to the front in manly
strength. as well as in the arts and sciences
for ages. The team does not weigh heavy,
being among the llghtest, but they possess
those IN uscles OF steel that are often equal
to the most tremendous strains when
backed by natural pride and perseverance,
The Swedish team, who were the cham
pions of the last tournament. are well
organized and exhibit the same quiet mien
as heretofore. They look sturdy enough
TO battle with the BEST and ali Captain
Panck would say was, Just wal; until
we tackle the rope. and he looked as if
he meant every word of it. He is very
popular with his men, who obey his every
behest with pleasure.
Captain Duplisseas Canadians are get
ting over their worry as TO the loss of the
great anchorman, Bob Smith, who was
transferred to the Irish team. They have
no ears and keep at their severe training.
using tremendous weight As lever for
exercise. One characteristic Of this team
is the perfect and unique code of signals
EN- ployed by Captain Duplissea, which
enables him to control HIS mems actions
with automatic precision, an advantage
which is OF paramount Importance when
a team is in action.
The Norwegians and the Danes are
housed IN the same training quarters but
are dividing the time so that there is no
conflict or interference one with the other.
They are as careful to guard each others
signals and other training secrets az if
separated by miles OF distance. Both
teams promise great results, for as hereto
fore they are composed largely OF men
who have followed the sea and their
familiarity with a rope and the best
method of hauling on it makes them dan
gerous rivals. The hardy Norsemen feel
greatly encouraged and are bound to put
fortn all the effort possible to win and
thus earn the appreciation of their fellow
country men and respective captains, John
son and Larsen.
Another team which may prove a sur
T.rise is the French, who display Loyalty
that Is wholesome to witness in their
eagerness for victory. Captain Barbe en-
JOYS the confidence and respect of his men,
although he is very exacting in his train
ng methods, which the men regard as q