Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-05
The National Tournament of Ath-
letes at Davos.
SCHWINGFESf OF THE MOUNTAINEERS
Members of the Turnverein and
the Herdsmen Compete.
1ODLING AND ALPINE HORN
From the Davos Courier.

From the DavOs Courier.
For the second time in succession the
weather has proved most accommodating
and cleared UP on the eve of another out
door festival. There was nothing there
fore. to mar the success of the ''Sch wing
fest" or wrestling competition OH Satur-
Gay and Sunday. This is the first occasion
on which a "Schwingfest" open to the
whole of Switzerland, has been held in
Davos, and never before, as we understand,
has festival of the kind taken place in
the Writer. The competition was accord
ingly unique on that account alone The
rink presented the same gay and festive
appearance as on the occasion of the re-
cent races. and the number of spectators
on Sunday afternoon seemed even greater.
though the fact that they were more con-
greSated in one particular portion may
have given this impression. A small oval
shaped arena had been made opposite the
pavilion and covered with tan and saw
dust so that not only could the competi-
tors obtain a good footing but fall with
out injury. The wrestling was of two
Kinds; Schwingen and Ringen. The latter
does Lot differ in any essential respect from
mat practiced In England. Each competi-
tor seizes the other in any way he pleases.
The point about Schwingen is that the COM
oatants wear loosely-fitting drawers of
canvas over their ordinary breeches with
powerful clasped leather belt. Grip is
got by each man srasping the girdle be-
mind his antagonists back with the left
hand. while the other takes firm hold of
the loose end of the canvas drawers above
the left knee This is called Schwingen,
because 1t often happens, with the grip
described. that one of the wrestlers lifts
the other in the air and whirls him round.
Rough Handling.
In the course of the struggle the grip
changes. and every conceivable form of
clasp or grasp may be observed. Among
the English spectators. the Schwingen at
nrst was not so appreciated as the ordi-
nary form of wrestling but as the compe-
tition proceeded the skill and nimbleness
called into play ELECTED their admiration.
The twenty-five pairs of competitors had
come from all parts of Switzerland, and
In most cases the Turnvereins were rep
resented by their best man; though Davos
sent four The contest was not limited
10 the Turnvereins, many herdsmen,
members of no particular club, were among
the contestants That they wrestle between
themselves to good account was shown by
herdsman throwing the hitherto cham
pion of Switzerland in the final round
The proceedings on Saturday Were mainly
devoted to eliminating the weaker of the
comhatants. The physique was generally
good. but victory did not always rest with
the stronger looking. and science frequent
ly conquered brute force. Every man has
his day, but after thirty or even twenty
five his powers. in the wrestling ring at
least. are on the wane and sooner or later
he must give way to a younger opponent
end though the defeat of Blaser. who is
over thirty, must have been bitter dis
appointment to himself and friends he
could hardly expect to retain the cham
pionship much longer Rough handling has
10 be- anticipated in the wrestling ring,
but nothing like bad blood or resentment
was noticed on the two days in question.
Goodwill.
Victor and vanquished shook hands and
then drank glass of wine together, be-
fore resuming their seats on the side of
the ring to watch another pair of con-
testants try conclusions. From an Eng
Hsh point of view the festival was most
Interesting. for it showed that love of
sport had brought these athletes together
and save an opportunity of noticing sin
guar varieties of strength, agility and
grace. As accessory to the meeting
the melodious yodling and tunefu blowing
of an Alpine horn Is deserving of mention.
There were five judges who. from their
appearance must, at one time, have been
fcrmida BILE opponents in the ring. The
me thGi of deciding was not very apparent
to the spectators, as even IL man were
fairly thrown he was awarded marks, II
his general form and style were good. FIRE.
quently TWO or three bouts took place be-
tween The same competitors, and it was
amusing sometimes, after heightened
struggle. to notice a couple, by mutual
consent defer further hostiities until they
had regained their wind. The general
arrangements seemed to give satisfaction.
though even Il program was an insufficient
guide TO the spectator on account of the
method referred to above. The prizes
Were valuable, thanks to the generosity
Of a few prominent inha bitants A most
QUIET at the Tobelmuhle and a festive dance
the BeiVeiere