The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1903-10-02
FAMOUS ENGLISH WALKERS.
Royalty Numbered Among the Ex-
ponents OF Pedestrianism-some
Remarkable Feats.

The present interest in lorg-distance
walking, first aroused by the stock ex-
changes little iannt to Brighton. ia but
another instance Of history repeating it.
self. Barely century ago the feats Of
Capt. Barclay and others attracted sum
cient attention TO send the town almost
mad with excitement. says Strand Mag
azine
Even royalty itself has been num-
bered among the exponents Of pedes-
trianism. ard that much-abused mon
arch. Charles H.. is certainly entitled to
respect an a Nne specimen Of an all
round sportsman. Apart from enjoying
perhaps the unique distinction among
English sovereigns OF riding his own
horses to victory at Newmarket. Charles
was also noted for his walking powers
and II has been stated that none could
excel him in his favorite walk from
Whitehall 70 Hampton Court
The earliest long-dietance walker
whose performances were authenticated
appears to have been Foster Powell,
limb Of the law with a penchant for
walking from London to York and back
His first journey was made in 1773, when
he covered the distance Of 394 miles in
six days. with nearly six hours to spare
Atthe close Of 1908 Capt. Barclay fairly
electrified the whole country by under
taking for wage Of / 600 guineas to walk
1000 miles in 1000 consecutive hours, a
mile in every hour, such a performance
being than unprecedented. The match
was much discussed. a start being made
over Newmarket heath on June /. 1909,
lasting until July f2. or nearly ~ days ~
all. No performance was ever better
authenticated. and so thoroughly die the
judges perform their task that the state
Of the weather was recorded and an elab-
crate diary written up each day setting
forth the pedestrians condition. AS
nearly every one knows. Capt. Barclay
proved successful IN his lengthy UNDER
taking This interesting diary. however,
discloses the fact that he not only came
within an ace Of losing the match. but II
was only by exercising the most deter
missed courage that he succeeded IN over
coming the painful exhaustion resulting
from the loss Of regular sleep for such a
lengthy period. His weight AZ starting
was substantial. being Is stole four
pounds. while At the finish. afteTtakinga
bath and nourishment and sleeping al
most continuously for II hours. he was
able 70 turn the scale at II stone The
pedestrians bill Of fare during this walk
was no less gigantic than the task ac-
complished.
Breakfast ct ive ce;isisted Of such
trifies as g roast fowl. washed down with
a pint Of strongale. and followed by two
cups oftea. Win bread and butter After
what appears a very lengthy interval
lunch followed at 12. either from beef
steaks Or mutton chops. Of which latter
commodity his chroricier gnardedly re-
marks that the captain ate a considerable
quantity Dinner at six consisted either
Of roast beef or more chops. with which
he drank porter and two or three glasses
Of wine. and TO wind up the Gay as he COM
monced. tupqer'pt II consisted Of a cold
fowl. the pedestrian having. we are told.
consumed fve OF SIX por ods OF animal
food during the "a hoprs. earnished with
such vegetables as were IN season.
After 1917 the craze for long distance
walking seems almost 10 have died out
only 10 appear again a quarter Of q cen
tury ago: although ln the interval two
members Of the fair sex we're credited
with equallng Capt Barclays great walk.
truly remarkable instances Of feminine
endurance # properly authenticated. In
1851 also a sprightiy country dame.
wanting barely 16 years 10 become a GEN.
tenarian. suddenly resolved 10 see some
thing Of the world and. accordingly.
MARY Callinact. q Cornish fshwoman.
actually succeeded IN walking from Pen
zance to Loudon. q distance 81 nearly 800
miles. ID order 20 view the wonders Of the I
great exhltlsion IN Hyde Park. Mary
created 4 great sensation there. being
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