The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-01-18
BEN FRANKLIN WAS SPORT

January II suggests chiefly in all the OF his
tory the bfthdats Of possibly the most versatile Aer-
can Of his day-Benjamin Franklin 70 exceptionally
keen intelligence that made him at once wit and q
philosopher, he added an amazing number Of gifts for
his period Of time. He was printer and editor, states
man and diplomat, scientist astrologer lngust inven-
tor Quaker and cavalier, and whatever he in con-
tact with always aroused the interest Of his wide
OF intelligence Franklin had genius, In other words,
for all forms Of learning.
His great contribution to the Revolution was inducing
France to to the assistance Of the colonies after
victory of General Gates at Saratoga had brought
brilliant renown to the Continental army It the
turning point in the American Lafayette already
was this country and had cast the weight Of his sword
into the scales in behalf Of the struggling colonies Now
the royal hand Of France stretched out to the Amer
leans The name Of Franklin viii be forever associated
with that great stroke in diplomacy
Then Franklin played q great part later in the
formulation Of the constitution. He 81 at the
time but still vigorous mentally younger might
be expected to be- but not OF g. His sage advice
helped shape the national charter in that perfection
that made Gladstone say Of it that the greatest
achievement OF the mind Of man, struck off at one
time.
In the realm Of science his name stands for the
Identification Of lightning and electricity and
the same. through that tefying which he INDUCED
one thunderstorm day at the where the Phia-
whereby electric current drawn out Of the storm
clouds and made to descend into jar at the other end
Of the kite cord.
In this day his quaint and wise sayings as poor
Richard" more less neglected but there is mine
Of philosophy In these maxins Henry Ford says young
fellows should spend what they earn. but Frankns view
was that "a penny saved is penny earned"
SO statesmen, diplomats scientists and publishers all
claim him as their patron saint, and it even has
to the knowledge Of sports folks that they. too.
claim class knshp with the grand old Of his time
For Franklin was athlete Especially in the water.
It is not mere whinnsy to claim Franklin patron
saint OF sport Swimming was his favorite sport. and
while history does not record that he the
English channel the Delaware river there suffi
cent evidence that he was expert.
Twenty -year-old Benjamin disported in the Thames
In fashion that should have been featured in the Lon
don gazettes Of his time. In his immortal "Autobiog-
raphy" he wrote:
Il stripped and leaped into the river and swan from
near Chelsea to Blackfriars, performing on the way
many feas Of activity both upon and under the water
that surprised and pleased those whom they were
novelties"
During that visit to England Franklin serious
~ considered remaining in Europe to open swimming
or to travel from town to town giving exhibitions
and lessons. That he didn't only because of the
depreciation of the Quaker merchant, Denham.
The evidence seems clear enough that while Franklins
swimming in a class with the professionals of his
day. his amateur standing is unclouded
Now that Ffanklins prowess as swimmer is becom-
ing generally known, one may expect to see ben
Franklin Swimming clubs take their place beside the
multitude OF book stores, printing establishments
CARNATIONS OF printers. scientific and literary societies
and other institutions and associations bearing the
Of the llustrious colonial