Page:History of Oregon Newspapers.pdf/514

Rh tone which characterized all reference to matters of sport, making it seem as if the editors were a little apologetic about anything apparently so little connected with the development and upbuilding of the country. It was frequently thought necessary to emphasize the healthful nature of a particular sport, with the enjoyment phase distinctly secondary. A few items from the Oregon State Journal in 1871:

"April 1. Why can we not have a skating rink in Eugene? It would furnish a healthful exercise and pleasant amusement which could in no way be objectionable.

April 5. Richard Rush, of this county, proposes to beat anybody in Oregon shooting for $500, and let them set the distance.

May 13. Billiard Exhibition.—Mr. Rudolphe, the champion billiard player of the world, arrived in this place last Saturday, and in the evening gave an exhibition of some of his fancy strokes. In the first place, however, he and Mr. Merry played a game of 500 points, which, owing to the courtesy of Mr. Merry to a guest in our city, was won by Mr. Rudolphe. After this Mr. Rudolphe went on to execute strokes that are utterly indescribable, and which seemed to be really contrary to natural philosophy. All we can do is to say that they were executed with a magical skill, and that probably no other living man can perform them.

June 10. A croquet club has been organized in Salem, to play every evening.

June 10. Shooting Matches.—Two shooting matches took place near town last Saturday between Richard Rush and a Mr. Palmer. The first was an off-hand match one hundred and twenty-five yards, for $50, and the second was the same distance, but with a rest. Both matches were won by Mr. Palmer, he having by far the best gun.

Sept. 23. A shooting match took place last Saturday be tween Frank Coleman with a double-barreled shotgun, George Lakin with a revolver, and another gentleman with a rifle. Lakin won the money. Coleman scattered so badly that he missed the mark entirely."

It might be noted, in passing, that this was all the sport news that could be found in the paper in six months. There couldn't have been much sport activity or interest in the community, and the news paper reflected the general apathy.

The 1879 status of baseball and baseball writing may be judged from the following description of a baseball game, which was published in the Oregonian March 31, 1879:

Base Ball Match.—A game of baseball was played on