The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-03-04

WIFI NAAuS
 To be blind yet able to swinm, ride hunt race horses, fight for his country and thrash rascally bully is surely a series of performances sufficient to stamp the hero as one of the most re- markable men of all time. Compari- sons are odious, we know says a writer in Baily's Magazine, ana 1t would not be fair to range John Metcalf of hnaresborough, in Yorkshire, the man in question, say alongside of the late Prof. Fawcett. Each accomplished what the other was never cut out to do.
 Metcalf was born in TIT at Knares- borough, and at the age of f was sent to school by his parents, who were ldboring people. He remained there for two years, when he was seized with smallpox. The disease deprived him of lis sight But six months after his re- covery he was able to go from his father house to the end of the street and return without a guide and in three years he could find his way alone in any part of his native town. None of the usual enjoyments of youth was curiously enough, lost to him, and in associations with boys of his own age he acted distinguished part in 1uven- ile oranks.
 His fathers worldly position had now | advanced and he kept horses for hire One result was that young John learned to ride, and soon he became a good horseman, his favorite pace being a gallon, Music has ever been favored in things that form the curriculum in the early education of the blind, so that at the age of 13 young Metcalf was taught music, and made such great progress in that his friends were de- lighted, though the cry of hound was g deal more congenial to his taste He frequently hunted with Mr. Wooburn. who kept pack at Knarresborough and was delighted to have the boy with him.
 At the age of 14 his activity in sport and the freedom he had enjoyed from accident caused him to be quite fearless, and he was getting through life with greater fun than most ordi- nary lads. But he had severe lesson owing to a fall into gravel pit when a farmer surprised him robblng plum tree. He was not seriously injured and we next find him showing expert ness at swimming, and such strength that he could push his companions be- low and swim over them Such was his fame in this direction that two men being drowned in the Nidd, Metcalf was engaged to seek for their bodies and diving brought one of them from the river deeps,
 The violin was his favorite instru- ment, and he got much employment at country dances, while he acted as a waiter at an inn in the Yorshire town He hunted whenever possible land kept gamecocks. He was also present when they fought, and sitting on lower bench betted with freedom, according to the nudges or the touching of his fingers by some friend.
 Going on to Harrogateto fulfil a permanent engagement as a vlolinist- in the year 1732 having only to play in 1 lllG GNGHlllBS HIS HUI ltIl5p NtAC opSilI in coclSfghting, hunting and courslng Moreover, he grew prosperous and bought thorougrpred, which he ran winning a few small plates. Ht often played at bowls in summer and strange as it seems, was not often beaten nor was he altogether disgraced at cards though with these he of course must have had guide.
 He began to attend the races at York and other places. It was common for him to ride among the crowd, and help ed by the gentlemen to whom he was known he often betted with success. It was thought a wild thing when he
 matched one of his horses to run three miles on the Forest Moor The owners
 were to ride themselves. With the idea that Metcalf would be unable to keep the right course long odds were betted against him. But his ingenuity pro- vided him with an expedient in the di- lemma. The track was a round one of l a mile, and at each turn he had a man stationed with bell to ring out his ap- proach This scheme and the superior speed of his mount pulled him through and he was heartily cheered on to vlc- tory
 As a horse dealer he traded to ad- vantage. At the age of one and twenty he stood six feet and one inch. His Ihealth was robust and he showed at this period some pugilistio ability, soundly thrashing bully He pros
 pered right to the prime of life, when a fair damsel, the daughter of a buxom landlady of one of the Harrogate inns, fell in love with him, and the affection was reeiprocated Another amour into
 which Metcalf was led, however brought an arrangement, and our character shipped off to London, sail ing by an alum ship from Whitby
 Returning after seven months he dis covered his sweetheart engaged to an- other man and on the point of being married. But on the day preceding the celebration of the nuptials he was rid ing past the house of the intended bride when a serving maid called out to him, "One wants to speak with you" ." In the stable yard of the hostelry he found his lady love and an elopement
 was quickly arranged. As quickly as
 possible special license was obtained and the pair was united Metcalfs ri- val was confounded and great we'd ding feast he had arranged was never
 served.
 Metcalf continued his professional l