The herald., 1897-05-08
Sling Shot and Sing Some
Songs
NO BAD ACCIDENTS OCCUR
BUT BUMPED HEADS ARE VERY
NUMEROUS
Uhe Weather Il Fine and the Great
Crowd Gathered Finds the Ex-
I ercises Enjoyable
Associated Press Special Wire.

ASSOCIATED Press Special Wire.
ST. LOUIS. Mo. May 1.-THE disciples
OF Jahn turned out in full force today
at the fair grounds where the 9th an
nual turnfest Is being held. The weather
was perfect. A crowd of not less than
35, 900 persons turned out to see the con-
tests.
The forenoon was taken UP with class
contests of the "activea" who made a
fine appearance in their gray uniforms.
During the contests there were fully
1000 turner's on the field at one time.
Their work in handling the steel wands
and putting the sixteen-pound shot was
q revelation to novices.
In marking the classes in wand work,
the judges give 50 many points for ac-
curacy and form. These marks, as well
as those made in all the other contests.
are averaged up and the class making
the highest average wins. For this rea-
son, added to the reticence of the judges
and the great number of turner's con-
testing, It will be impossible to an
uounce the winners before Sunday.
Several good records were made to-
day. In putting the shot with the right
hand, T.. Sauers OF the Dayton. O., Turn
gemeinde covered 81 feet, and Steve
Reprecht of the South Side Turnge-
meinde of Chicago threw the shot 81
feet Z inches with his left. These were
the best records made.
The beN record for the high wide
Jump made today was by julius Stern
itz Of the Chicago Turngemeinde. who
covered IL feet in distance and four feet
two inches in height.
Hundred-yard races were part Of the
morning program, each member Of every
turner society being obliged to run. The
usual turner costumes were worn by the
contestants, who were further handicap
ped by having to wear smooth soled
shoes. 1t took several hours to run these
races, four or five men running in each
heat The time was taken by an cleo
,trical device and picture Of each heat
was taken at the same time.
In the afternoon "Mendel" exercises
by the seniors took up an hours time
and then followed that part of the pro-
gram which seemed to most interest
the public. These were the mass exer-
cises of the st. Louis with dumb-bells
and on parallel bars. The former were
executed in tune with the music of a
band and We're well dore. Mass exer-
cises by ladies' classes, including sing
ing, concluded this part of the program.
In addition to the literary and singing
competitions, shooting contests are be-
ing held on the grounds of the Central
SharpshooterS' association at Bahrn-
git. These will continue tomorrow.
Fencing, wrestling and bicycle races
completed the days program. There
are a large number of gymnastic in
structors from most of the principal
colleges present in different capacities.
A prominent feature of the turnfest
was the fine hospital that has been estab-
lshed on the grounds by the sanitary
committee. A small building in quiet
portion Of the grounds has been set
apart for this work. The city provides
surgeons and the ambulance has been
kept busy answering emergency calle
from different points on the field. AS yet
there have been no serious accidents, the
casualties consisting of dislocations
sprains and bruises, which were nume-
rous A Denver Turner whose name
could not be ascertained was struck on
the head with sixteen-pound shot, but
not seriously hurt. He was out again
watching the contests after a short de-
tention in the hospital. To avoid the
necessity of sending patients to the city
hospital provision has been made at a
number of private hospitals for their
care. So far but one man has had to
take advantage of this service.
In textile hall on the fair grounds is
fine display of drawings, needlework,
etc, executed by the pupils of schools
under the jurisdiction of the North Ame-
rican Gymnastic union. The Kansas
City Socialer Turnverein has an excel
lent exhibition of kindergarten work
done by children under six years of
age.
In the evening exercises consisting of
speeches and musical numbers were
held at Exposition hall
The first heat Of the mile bicycle race
Tor amateurs was run. The leaders in
the several heats were:
First heat Alfred Schmidt, Harlem
Turnverein, Chicago. time 2:S3.
Second heats. G. Gerger, of South
et. Louis Turnverein, time 2:34.
Third heat-E. Erpelding, Chicago
Turngemeinde, time 2:36.
The final Of this race will be rim ofr
tomorrow.
Five mile amateur bicycle race: First
heat-Felix Cast, North st. Louis Turn-
verein, time 14:44.
second heat-O Eichen, Chicago
Turngemeinde. Time 1910.
This heat was finished in the dark
The hnal Will be run tomorrow.
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