davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

, Is practically level, only a carefully
handled surveyors instrument being
aple 10 ma any variation. The remain
ing quarter of mile is for the finish.
About 100 yards before the starting
point is reached big splotch of paint
VIII be smeared on the track to warn
the rider and the timers that the place
is ABOUT 10 be reached. and second
| splotch of white will be placed about
the same distance from the end of the
mile to let them know the finish is at
hand. To preclude any possibility of
error ut either start or finish the cross
ing of the lines will be announced by
an electric bell sounded by q specially
designed striker
That no doubts may be cast upon the
record the timers and referees will be
men we'll known in the sporting world
Tor their efficiency in this line of work
MIR. James r. Sullivan, president of the
knickerbocker Athletic club and of the
metropolitan district of the a. \. w.,
has consented To act as referee. Before
the ride MIR. Sullivan will personally
survey the course. so that he may feel
warranted In certifying that It Is a fun
statute mile of $3.50 feet. For timers
the following men have been engaged:
Robert Stoll. y. y. 4. c.; William II.
C"Sparrow') Robertson of Brooklyn
and sam Sec, the we'll known starter Of
athletic events.
Charles Murphy used to be a promi-
nent ngure several years ago on the
national cycle circuit. He was born in
1870 and learned to ride at the age of O.
He won his first race in 1887 on an old
bone shaker" In 1855 he won the ia
nous Irvington- Millburn road race,
which was that year held under the
auspices of the Kings County Brook
lym Wheelmen. his home club. In
1871 he Won the second time prize in
the Millburn race, coming in fifth. and
In 1888 the first time prize, getting sixth
place.
In 1895 he did his best work on the
track. lie won the five mile national
| championship at San Jose, Cal At Los
Angeles, the same season. he beat Bald.
Cooper and other fliers in a mile lap
race of four laps, winning every lap. His
| time was Pm. us, which was very good
at that date. He then made q trim To
Europe. but did not ride very much
over there. His best race and most i'm
portant victory was at Bordeaux. where
lie Won the one kilometer Ca little more
than half Il mile) national champiun-
ship.
Murphy weighs about $50 pounds
stripped He is married ana has one
child, boy OF L. who is considered one
OF the fastest cyclists OF his age in the
world.
Special excursion trains and grand
stands along the course will enable
spectators to get good view of this
race against time.
LEO ETHERINGTON.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
now An ACTOR WAS nuyKoED.

Stuart Robson was bunkoed in Wash
ington not long ago. and 1t was done
20 cleveriy that the comedian isn't even
mad about it, He was sitting IN the
box office OF the theater in which he
was playing when a fairly we'll dressed
man entered. He was bit nervous as
he drew from his pocket d meerschaum
pipe and with a hand that shook. laid
it down on the table in front of Mr..
Robson, saying: will you give me 50
for that pipe? It's worth $40. but I'm
broke and have got to have drink this
very minute"
Robson picked UP the pipe, which was
handsomely carved and colored to &. a.
lovely blue black mahogany tint so
dear to the average smoker. The stran-
ger was all the while eXtolling its mer-
its and bemoaning the fact that ne had
to part with such an old friend. Rob-
son saw at a glance that there was q
bargain in sight. and he hastily took
two silver dollars from his pocket and
placed them in the shaking hand of the
man. who said as he started to take his
leave:
You've got a prize, mister. Test It
any way you like. Stick pin in 1t; it. q
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
PROMINENT GOLF AMATEURS

lowing as his selections and added his
reasons for so placing them:
l. Findlay S. Douglas. Fairfield Golf
club.
.. w. ]. Travis, Oakland.
3. ii. Al. Hartman, Garden City.
4. ]. y. Tying. Norris county.
3. w. b. Smith, Onwentsia.
G. c. B. Macdonald, Chicago.
Z. John Reid. Jr.. St. Andrews.
S. Courtney Jenkins, Baltimore Coun-
try club.
Douglas he places first because of his
record, great experience and ability to
keep cool and do his best at all times.
Douglas, however. has been beaten sew
cral times this year and is somewhat
of in his putting.
w. j. Travis is at all times n good
player and is just now playing in good
style.
| II. NJ. Hartman has comparatively
recently forged to the front among
golfers. He has nevertheless proved
that he knows the game thoroughly,
and he has q great many admirers.
Tying of Morris county has been do
ing some excellent work this season
ana VIII certainly put up good fight.
+ He is an enthusiastic golfer, and.
though he has only played since 1895.
he knows the game thoroughly
Smith will be playing on his own
links. and Macdonald. being Chicago
man and ex-amateur champion. has
had good deal of practice there. They
both should show up well.
Reid the intercollegiate champion.
has proved himself a splendid man with
the clubs and. having had lots of prac-
tice this season. has Il fine chance.
Courtney jenkins Is 4 youth of II
who is unknown to the majority Of
golfers outside of Baltimore. His club
mates. however. think wei! of his
chances. He has q good style and is a
very consistent player In the recent
tournament on the Country club links
at Baltimore he was the only player be-
sides Douglas who Kept his score down
in the eighties in every round. In the
final match he beat the amateur cham
pion for the handicap cup by So to 81.
| OF course should III. j. Whigham take
part he will he sure to be we'll to the
fore, but he has been lately located in
Paris. and ii is not likely that he will
return in time TO compete.
| CHARLES r.. EDWARDES.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
TIE eyes and. whore possible. the

TIE eyes and. where possible. the
steps of American golfers are all
turned Cnicagoward these days in
anticipation of the amateur champion
snip contest which VIII take place there
during the week beginning July 3.
Last fall the Onwentsia course at
Lake Forest. on which the champion
ship is to be decided. was pronounced
by such well known professionals as
Herd. Smith, Turpic. jamie Anderson,
who has charge of it, and the Fouls
brothers the best in America. Great
pans were taken ana Il lot of money
spent TO put the links in good condi-
ton. The recent lack Of rain has done
some damage 10 the tees, which, 1t is
hoped, Will be reInedied before the
championship games take place.
The Onwcntsia Country club grounds
comprise 100 acres. on which the links
nnd a polo field as well as tennis courts
have been laid out. The golf course is
Approximately G.oJO yards long The
first hole, known as the Devils Ditch"
is aSS yards from the FIRST tee. y high
buniScr /. situated ainul 1870 yards from
the tee. ana 1t takes u good drive 10
carry on 60 fair ground. Bogie is 5. The
Second hule. or oaks is n premium on
long driving. Being Pa yards distant.
1t is 500 rar for the majority Of play
ciS. iHr aiTru3cn, too. Is guarded hv
three bun',cts. The hole on thi" green
is on Il slope ana is hard to negotiate.
logic Is /.
The "Hosfrvolr," or No. 3. is the sec.
oni icunes at thc course being lSs
Nards Instant, W hill the whole way.
ine "..Ne lulst DC long .TIIt II IN, Int It,
cindr :. diicii ana clump OF trees ana
aNpid " hlnnec aad swamp. Eogic is &
no. l holc Is ~, yards. while No. ) Is
80 yards. T.-y no,h lie uloii; the west
o.h boundary ot the grounds ana re-
'ii. cUoiti n-asing owing 10 bunkers
a1d ons r.osa. losir for each is L.
Az" s.Htii hole ought TO ha made In Il
ariN" and an iron Shot. although IL is
~ yards. sand buukers guard tho
Gre ~. and tha boundary fence is too
cosr Tor comfort to the unwnry Colo
nrl Eleie's igure Is /. "Slio<io Mead
o'V.' tne seventh hole, presents n dry
MATER n.tf1td, Tie green being close To
one ia SIDE ot the ditch. Tho length il,
'S yards. and hogi, s t. 'fhe nest hole
is ;iir 'Eioorctai.-" so called because
u 'ies around - ccrnov behind a. cliunp
81 Gees. /, is 2s5 sai,!s. ANA logic is i.
Ile hdit Way polui is reached at the
nest huie. which is $50 yards. 1t is up
grade ail the way. and brgie mnnjnu-
lates il IN .. This Gnishes the going out
part of the course. with total bogie Jig
uias uC -
Starting Oh tho homo Journey. III,
player once more faces the west ana
the next hole is Il hard one for short
drivers. II has a length Of 4l5 yards.
which ho-ic can overcome IA 4 STROKES
The eleventh hole IS rightly termed the
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

hole the green Is adjacent to the tee
Tor the next hole and in this case Is
only 30 yards through the woods, In
but one instance does q tree encroach
on the line of play. The course is laid
out in such n manner that slicing costs
the player strokes without giving ad-
vantage to pulled balls.
or course almost all the we'll known
amateurs, besides host Of unknowns,
will be on hand to take part in the
forthcoming contest. A good many are
already on the grounds. practicing as
siduously and familiarizing themselves
with the course. AS was the case for
the first time last year. 80 players will!
qualify for the final round. Naturally
there is great deal of discussion
among the experts as to the probable
winner of the coveted championship
trophy. Some think Douglas will again
carry off the prize, whereas others are
of the opinion that Chicago man will
this time be the winner, while others.
again. have preferences for home tai.
ent, which has done well this season.
Mr.. Josiah Newman. the well known
editor of Golf. kindly gave me the fol-
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
THEATRICAL supEnsrlrIoNs.

There are two young women in "In
Gay Paree." Miss Bessie Clayton and
Miss Anna Young. who wear thumb
rings-wear them for luck, wear them
as mascots. Actors. as n rule. are SUI
perstiious and many of them believe
as thoroughly in the thumb ring as n
bringer of good luck as in the harmless
notion of the moon over the left Shout
der idea or the dreams that piece of
wedding cake put under the pillow are
bound to bring. Henry DlXey wears IL
thumb ring. So does Ida Mule, and so
does Richard Mansfield. Pretty little
Maude Haslam, who died recently, also
chung to the thumb ring superstition.
So did the English actress. Florence st.
John and our own clever Lolita.
The custom of wearing thumb rings
was in vogue in Rome. the Romans bor-
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

as porous as sponge. Throw 1t In wa
ter; it will float like chip"
Robson was delighted. He called his
valet and sent for n roll OF cotton bat
ting and ordered the stage carpenter
to make small box to pack away his
treasure and put 1t in the bottom of his
theater trunk. IN have IL boiled out
when get to New Orleans" he said to
his manager. and nice case made for
it,"
Two weeks later found Robson I'm the
Crescent City. One morning he was sit
ting in the box office of the new Tulane
when again the door opened as il had
done on previous occasion, and the
selfsame individual who had sold him
the pipe In Washington ambled In in
his nervous manner with an exact du-
plicate Of the pipe in question in his
hand. The moment the stranger heard
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

ditch. Sand bunkers also present
perils on both sides. Boge makes it
in g.
Hole No. 10 occupies $40 yards of the
marrow course between long grass and
uneven ground. Bogic is 3. The four
teenth hole is near the third. 1t Is up
nj! and between long grass. a formi-
liable bunker is placed near the green.
The distance is S23 yards, and bogie's
figulcs are i.
'lionnic Hush" is the name of the
next hole To be encountered. The green
Hes about two feet above the rest of the
course on u terrace surrounded by bum
kers. Hosie is 1. though Open Cham
pi"h Herd once did il on u fluke in 3
Nhc next hole is the Baby" ana meas
ures only lao yards. IioSie is s.
The seventeenth hole is the most un-
Interesting on the whole course. Boyle
is J. The home hole is 210 yards. IN
hill. a sand bunker some 90 yards from
the green catches many fairly struck
ball which wauders from the straight
line. Bogie is 4.
In every instance except the eighth
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

I trolley cars when they were let out to
their utmost speed OF 80 miles an hour
The place ut which Murphy will make
his attempt is admirably suited for
such an affair 1t Is spur on the Long
Island railroad between the towns Of
Farmingdale and Babylon A straight
stretch or road two miles long on this
spur has been chosen and the space he
tween the rails boarded over with
smooth planks even with the rails. One
q. the fastest locomotives on the line
will be used for the attempt. Behind
the engine will be pitched one car. to
the rear platform OF which will be at
tached a specially constructed wind
shield. Down the center OF this shield
II broad white line will be drawn. and
another white streak will run along the
middle Of the whole length of the
planked surface on which Murphy Will
ride. Three-auarters OF n mile will be
used for the start to enable the locomo-
tive to attain the requisite speed.
Then comes the measured mile. which
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
c. M. MURPHY PACED BY LOCOMOTIVE.

rowing the idea from the Greeks. 1t
was then considered an affectation-the
rings were usually given by fair young
women to sturdy young men-and was a
rad OF the rich young bloods about the
time OF Tiberius. And. just TO prove the
wise old saw about history repeating
itself. don't you reco,ect the young sea :
shore gallants of last summer who were
wont to parade up and down the beach
with bracelets loaned them by unwise
Shame. si;.a:
But, then. that only proves that there
were no greater Number of idiots in
Rome than there are every summer at
the seashore resorts
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
ANCIENT SET OF CuEss,,Ey.

Probably the oldest chessmen Known
10 exist are an almost complete Sc,
which is preserved in the East Indian
museum. London. whcy we're ex. cYated
some 30 years ago on the site of the city
of Brahmuna bad. in Sind. which was
destroyed by an earthquake in the
eighth century. They are black and
white. made or ivory and ebony, turned
and plain IN character without orna-
ment. The kings and queens are about
three inches high. the pawns one inch
and tho other pieces OF intermediates
heights. Fragments OF chesshoard OF
the same materials were found with
them.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
IIOW last is it possible for a man 10

ride on Il bicycle? Tha, is q queS-
1 4 ton that has been asked many
times. Bicyclists have often demon
strated that they can beat anything
that travels on the ground except To-
connective. and very shortly c. NJ. Muir
ply. the we'll known old time profession
al rider, is going to see how near to the
speed of an engine he can attain. on
June so, paced by one of these iron
monsters of the rails he Will try to COW
er Il mile inside of 20 seconds.
For eight years Murphy has desired
to try his speed in such manner, but
until recently something has always
prevented, generally the item of eX-
penses. Now. however that difficulty
is solved. and everything is in readi-
ness for him to make his supreme eff
| fort
Probably no man is better fitted than
| is Murphy for the carrying out of his
scheme. for ii is admitted on all sides
that only man with the most wonder
full amount of nerve and ability To keep
cool under all circumstances could pos
sibly fulfill such contract while he
must also be able to pedal with great
rapidity. Murphy is man who hard
| ~ knows the meaning of the word
tear in such connection. He has on
| many occasions demonstrated that he
has the necessary control of bicycle
| Tor such dangerous Undertakings and
when a champion of the track ne had
the reputation of having the fastest leg
movement of any man in the country.
| 1t has been commended that 1t Is i'm
possible for II man to move his feet fast
enough to keep them on the pedals
| while travelling at the rate of q mile
minute even If the wheel were at
tached to IL locomotive and dragged
along, 10 say nothing of the r.stt ra-
! ton and strength required when the BIZ
cycle has to be propelled by the rider
at that terrific speed.
Charlie Murphy is confident that he
possesses the necessary leg action. He
will use wheel geared to 40, which
means that the pedals must revolve l76
times, or nearly three revolutions ev-
cry second.
Murphy has done most OF his prepa-
ration for the event on II home trainer.
This is device consisting of three big
| polished wooden rollers set in n plat
form so that the roller surfaces project
slightly The bicycle is fixed In posi-
ton. with the front wheel resting on
one roller and the back one on two. 1t
requires considerable skill to hold the
wheel on the frame and even after
the knack is acquired II is necessary to
ride very fast to stay on. The rollers
which work on ball bearings, slip around
with remarkable ease, and as the train
er Is indoors, where there is no wind
resistance. 1t requires little effort to
| make fast time 1t is severe test.
! however, 10 pedal rapidly and keep
steady. especially as the rollers are
only 10 inches wide. Now. steadiness
and rapid pedaling are the two chief
difficulties to be overcome in such an
attempt as Murphy proposes. lie rode
mile on the machine in I'm. l 1-5s.
the other day. The distance Travelled
is recorded on dial beside the rider,
which is connected with the rollers in
the same manner practically as n cy,
clometer, only more accurately.
On ordinary roads. in some places
| heavy with dust. Murphy has outrldden
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
COULDN'T rEAzD HIN

George Thatcher. the old time min
strel, was one of the most quick witted
men on the stage. On one occasion.
when he was suffering from hoarse-
ness. lad In the family circle shouted
LOUDER. Mr.. Thatcher looked up at
nm and said. Young man. how much
did you pay for your seat?" Twenty
five cents" answered the boy promptlv.
We'll" retorted Thatcher pay 75
cents extra and come down here where
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

the staccato speech and peculiar inflec-
ton of Robson's voice he bolted for the
door. Robson's suspicion was aroused.
lie got out his pipe and went over to
a meerschaum importer in Canal street.
glance at the pipe, and he told Rob-
son that it was CLEVER imitation" and
that the man who turns them out gets
about Sl.l0 n dozen for them"
The story leaked out on Robson, and
1t has been Smoke up. Stuart" ever
since.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
Stories of
The Stage.

Few comedians have eEjoyed-qFl
rather suffered-theatrical experiences;
equai to those allotted to Edwin Fey
IN MS early struggles for footlight hone
ors'' exclaimed Charles y. Evans to q
merry Erovp of after theater sArnl
spinnefs. His description OF hiS drsts
appea ance is very funny as he tells
it. I can't describe 1t humorous1y, but
it's interesting in plain words. He made
his first bow to an audience composed
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

In the London Daily Mail sardou
gives this hint OF how he became In
spired to write his great play. He says:
When very youthful person In
uceu, 1 UHce met Nine. Lebus.- 1t was
at chidren's party at the house OF
Nine. dc Boismont in 1916 or 1886
Il had arrived late, and there was no
partner for me, and vis-a-vis was
wanted in the quadrille which was be-
ing formed.
Il saw an elderly lady sitting on a
sofa-an elderly lady, dressed in black.
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

OF two COW boys.
a soldier and a
candy seller at 4
o. clock in the
m orning in a
d n re hall in
Cheyenne. Wy,
in 1878. The re-
sort was a con-
tinuous perform
ance place. The
show began at 8
in the evening
and ran ali night.
Foy was the
bones in a min
strel first part,
and his make up
and mimicry so
pleased one Of
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

but youthful to
look upon, and.
taking my cour-
a & e in b o I h
hands, I asked
her to dance
with me.
Oh said she.
8 milin g. my
d dancing days
have long been
Overt
II insisted, the
lady of the house
came to my help.
and tha-.ady in
BLACK inally
consented TO be-
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

II asked hey to dance with come my part-
me-" ner on condition
that would explain to herAthe figures.
After the quadrile, during which
she asked me many questions about my
studies and my school, l asked Nine.
de Boismont the name of the lady.
" She is Philippe Lebas' mother said
Nine. de Boismont. the widow OF Lee
bas lie ConventionneI.'
II was at that time deep In the study
of Theirs 'Revolution,' and cried. The
man who killed HIMSELF
Mime. de Boismont told Nine. Lebas
or this exclamation of mine, and sha
called to me to go and sit by her.
II went Immediately. quite confused
at having taught the ladies' chain to
this widow of Thermidor.
Naturally Nine. Lebas talked to me
of Theirs, Of the revolution. of Robes
pierre. and. finding me somewhat luke
warm in my admiration of her hero,
she did not miss this occasion of say
ing once more that he had been terri
bly, illuminated by his enemies
II am quoting her word for word. I
can still hear her say it. And you
would certainly have loved him! He
was so kind and SO affectionate to
young peoplc!'
Somebody came up, and our CONVEX
sation was interrupted. never saw
my partner again, but the sincerity OF
this amiable woman, the sweetness OF
her voice. were SO persuasive that I
can conceive that she had great share
in the attempts at rehabilitating the
character Of her idol
And how natural her Illusion was!
What Robespierre had she known? The
Robespierre OF his home. where he was
happy in the adulation and love which
were lavished upon him; Robespierre
almost tender to Eleonore and to hin
sisters, sober austere. chaste, speaking
only in fine phrases and moral max
ims,"
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

Ernest Hogan. the negro singer and
composer. heads II party of % black ana
yellow boys that has started for a tour
OF Australia. China, Japan. Manila and
thence 10 the Paris exposition. The
cake walk will be a feature OF the per-
torrance,
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

City once morei All my troubisu ayc
paid for! oh. this is heavenp TbsS
newspaper boys were all delighted WIN
her. AS for myself, on both OF these ne.
caslons was delighted also with inc
diva's lovely hypocrisy. that acciir asd
best men, never thought Ts III Z, ! ~ III
OF an actress. hut I Changed nv Is NM ~ AZ
in this respect after witnessfnx &C., ssaas;s|
two exhibitions. s 81
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

again.' This was
all very sweet in
the high priced
canary bird. ana
the newspape
boys were all de-
lighted. How
e V e 7. nj y a
short time after
that Invent down
to the train to
meet Patti at
salt Lake CitS'
She was de-
scending from
her car. and as
her feet touched
the ground she
e x c | al III e d (:
Thank heaven,
/ breathe ese BIZ
OF Salt La K {
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

isle Of Woe" The green is on a knoll
rising in the center of what were
swamps. The next hole is the longest
OH the course. WESTWARD. Ho!" is its
name. and it is $40 yards away. Sliced
balls are punished by bad ground and
Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

A newspaper man tells this story
about one of PATHS visits to San Fran.
cisco: The diva stepped from the train.
and. after inhaling a lungful of fog, re-
marked: oh. this is heaven! All my
troubles are paid for! Thank heaven,
I breathe the air OF San Francisco once