Tuesday, June 14, 2016

"He is a Chess Genius": Emanuel Lasker's 1893 Chicago Herald interview.

   During his visit to Chicago, in summer of 1893, Emanuel Lasker , gave an interview to The Chicago Herald, which was widely quoted in the chess press of the time. But I had never seen the whole article and interview. So I decided to make the effort to find the interview, it took multiple searches, but at last found the interview in microfilm files of the Chicago Public Library. The interview appeared in The Chicago Herald on Monday, June 26, 1893 on page 9. Here is the article/interview in full:

He is a Chess Genius,

Lasker, The Great Player Here

 Though Not Yet 25 Years Old He Has Defeated, All Contemporary Experts Save Steinitz, Whom He expects To Meet Soon - A Career of Conquest.

“Chess is not only the most fascinating and intellectual game which the wisdom of antiquity has bequeathed to man, but it is incomparably the most scientific. Separated from the most abstruse of sciences by the faintest line of demarkation,[sic] it is more difficult than integral calculus, according Jaenisch, the Russian mathematician. Richard A. Proctor, who devoted to chess as much study as he gave to astronomy, said, “No man has yet mastered chess, for the plummet of human intellect cannot fathom its depths”, and Sir William Jones declared that a chess genius is not born oftener than once a century."

“Since the advent of Paul Morphy, who shot athwart the chess sky with meteoric brilliancy , dazzling by his genius the players of his day and vanquishing such of the American and transatlantic champions as had the temerity to meet him, no player has arisen who was deemed worthy to be his successor or upon whom his chess mantle should fall."

“A new star, however, has recently appeared in the chess firmament, who is believed by many to be Paul Morphy's legitimate successor. His genius as effectually outshines the present chess lights as Morphy's overshadowed those of his day."

“This new chess genius is Emanuel Lasker, who is now in Chicago visiting the world's fair.

“Mr. Lasker's public record, although extending over only a brief period, is unequaled by that of any who ever lived not excepting the great Paul Morphy."

Mr. Lasker's Victorious Career


   “Emanuel Lasker was born the 24th of December, 1868, in Berlinchen, Germany. He learned the rudiments of chess when scarcely 12 years of age, and incontinently showed a rare aptitude for the game. Less than six months after playing his first game he was contending on even terms with the strongest amateurs of his native town. In 1889 his first public match took place. This was contested in Berlin with Baron Von Bardeleben, a scholarly profound player, fresh from his victories in London, and when the score was two to one in his favor his formidable antagonist resigned the match. This at once gave Lasker a conspicuous place in the chess world. His next opponent was the skillful Mieses, who enjoyed a high reputation in German chess circles. The youthful champion's achievement was remarkable, for he won five straight games, and his discomfited adversary threw up the sponge. He was a contestant in the Amsterdam chess congress of 1889 and was matched against an array of formidable players. Amos Burn, of London, gained the first prize and Lasker took the second. Mr. Lasker soon afterward visited London, and a match was arranged with the veteran Bird. At the conclusion of the contest the score stood, Lasker 7 games and Bird 2 games. His next encounter was with Mianati, the strong Manchester player. Lasker won the match without losing a game. From this time forward he was contestant in small tournaments, and his success was almost unbroken. He had come to be regarded as one of the most powerful chessists in London, but his youth caused some of the veteran English players to discredit his ability and underrate his skill. Lee, the very strong London expert, challenged Lasker. As soon, however, as the first partie was finished he abandoned the contest remarking: 'Lasker is too strong for me.'”

“Soon after this match the British chess tournament took place in London, the participants being Mason, Lee, Bird, and others, first rates. Mr. Lasker was induced to enter the lists, and secured the highest honor. Mason came out second.”

“Then occurred the famous quintangular match with Mason, Bird, Gunsburg, and Blackburne, This unique tourney excited much interest. Mr. Lasker demonstrated his superiority by again carrying off the first prize. Blackburne bore off second honors.”

“A general desire was expressed for a set match between Blackburne and Lasker, and the latter readily consented to measure lances with the redoubtable Briton, The sweeping victory achieved by Lasker, he won six games to nothing placed him on the highest pinnacle, and the press showered upon him compliments. The London players were anxious for him to challenge Steinitz for the chess championship of the world, but Mr. Lasker said he could afford to wait a while.”

“The Manhattan Chess club of New York gave Lasker a pressing invitation to fill a month's engagement in New York, and the invitation was gladly accepted by Mr. Lasker, who had a strong desire to visit the United States. He had heard much about the native genius of such players as Delmar, Hodges, and Lipschultz, and he was anxious to test their powers. It was arranged for him to play three games each with the eight strongest players of the Manhattan club. Such able players as Eugene Delmar, Dr. Isaacson, Major Hanhan and A. B. Hodges were pitted against him. He beat with ease one after another of his opponents, the only reverses he suffered being at the hands of the youthful Hodges and the erudite Isaacson, to each of whom he lost one game. The total score was: Lasker twenty-one games, lost two games and drawn one game. This was regarded as a wonderful achievement."

“After finishing his engagement with the Manhattan club Mr. Lasker went to Canada and visited the clubs in Quebec, Montreal and Toronto. He enjoyed an unbroken series of victories and was everywhere hailed as the world's greatest players. Altogether he played in Canada fifty-two games, only one of which he lost."

 Lasker and Riechelm at play
The Chicago Herald: 26 June 1893, p.9


“In Brooklyn his success was scarcely less remarkable. The only game he did not score, was a drawn battle with Phil Richardson, one of the strongest players in the United States. In Philadelphia he encountered the veteran Riechhelm, the brilliant Shipley, the scholarly Elson and half dozen other strong players. The only game he lost, was to Shipley. He played nineteen games simultaneously with the strongest team the quaker city could present and not one game did he lose."

“Mr. Lasker next visited the clubs of Havana, and defeated the Cuban experts with ease. With Signor Golmayo, Ponce, Vasquez and Ostolazza he played short matches, making clean scores. During his stay in Havana he lost not a game and drew only one. This was a far better score than either Steinitz, Tschigorin, or McKenzie had made against the Cubans."

“In New Orleans Mr. Lasker next met the best players of the city, that produced Paul Morphy. Mr. Lasker played for several weeks and won victory after victory. During his stay in the crescent city he was the recipient of many courtesies and was invited to deliver a series of lectures before [illegible word] Tulane university. He lectured on the thesis of 'Linear Differential Equations,' and was complimented, by the faculty of that institution, who requested him to prepare a work on the subject. Mr. Lasker has been busily engaged on this work ever since."

“His last and most important match was with Jackson Showalter, of Kentucky, who for two years had held the chess championship of the United States. This match was played at Kokomo, Ind., last April. The stakes were $1,000. At the end of two weeks the contest ended in favor of Lasker who defeated his antagonist by the decisive score of 6 to 2 and one drawn game. At the conclusion of that match Mr. Showalter expressed a desire to back Lasker against Steinitz in a match for $5,000 and the chess championship of the world. Letters came from New York and New Orleans congratulating the victor and offering to help raise the stakes in the event of a match with Steinitz. Mr. Lasker indicated a willingness to measure lances with the hitherto invincible champion, and negotiations were immediately begun. Charles A. Gilbert [Gilberg] of Brooklyn, was named by Lasker as his second, and Mr. Steinitz was communicated with. He replied that a challenge coming from so distinguished a player as Lasker was worthy of consideration, and he would accept it in, the spirit it was sent. The probability of an encounter between Steinitz and Lasker and the possibility that some of the games may be played in Chicago has aroused the local players and awakened great interest in the coming event. The Chicago players will make concerted effort to bring about the match, which will unquestionably be the greatest contest in the annals of chess."

A Talk With Lasker


A representative of The Herald visited Mr. Lasker at his apartments in the Mecca and he was found unraveling some abstruse Mathematical problems, such exercise being a light diversion for him. The
reporter was cordially received by the young chess champion. Mr. Lasker possesses a refined and intellectual face, with an unmistakable Jewish cast of countenance. His features are clear cut, his eyes dark and piercing , yet at times bright and merry in their twinkle. His thin, compressed lips evince of strength and firmness are almost hid by the drooping neatly trimmed dark mustache. The glasses which bridge, his firm Roman nose, impart to his visage a sedate and scholarly appearance. The dignity of his bearing. The easy grace of his [illegible word] and the measured reticence of his conversation indicate the artist temperament, and the conformation of the frontal cranium discovers to the phrenologist an abnormal development where the group of intellectual faculties have their abode. Mr. Lasker is not a voluble talker, but he expresses himself easily in good English. When the subject of chess is broached his eyes light up with interest and his conversation becomes animated.

'Is it true,' he was asked, 'you are willing to encounter the redoubtable Steinitz?'

' Yes not only willing, but anxious,' Mr. Lasker replied, with an enthusiastic ring in his voice.

'Is t likely that a match between you will be brought about?'”

'I think so; in fact. I feel confident that the negotiations now pending will result in a match between us. I am anxious the match shall be for $5,000 a side and the chess championship of the world, and I hear that Steinitz favors such an amount, which by the way, will be the largest stakes ever contented for by chess players.'”

'What progress has been made in the negotiations, and when and where will the match take place?'”

'That I cannot say just now. So far as the time is concerned I cannot get ready much before the close of the present year. I should like to play a part of the match in New York, a part in Chicago, and a part in New Orleans. My friends are rapidly making up the money, for they are confident of my success. My second has already been chosen, Charles A. Gilbert [Gilberg] of Brooklyn, a man whom' everybody respects. I believe the requisite stakes will soon be forthcoming.'”

'Is Steinitz willing to play?'”

'I am sure he is, for his faith in his own skill is not diminished, and he evidently believes he can add my chess scalp to his belt.'”

'Do you expect to defeat him?'”

'Certainly I do. Else why would I risk $5,000 and my chess reputation? I confess that I anticipate the toughest fight of my life; that I shall be forced to exert myself as I never have done, and that I shall have to play better and deeper chess than I have ever done in order to beat him. I entertain an excellent opinion of Steinitz's ability. I know that it will be no easy matter to wrest from him the world's championship, which he has so honorably and bravely held for more tan a quarter of a century; but I have enough confidence in myself to essay that difficult task. I am vain enough to believe that the match will be the greatest one ever played. All that I cans ay is that I shall do my best; but whether or not that best is good enough to defeat Steinitz, remains to be seen.'”

'Is it your purpose to play some of the games in Chicago?'”

'If the Chicago players desire us to contest one section of the match here, I doubt not we shall be able to do so, for this is neutral ground. I find that Steinitz has plenty of friends and backer here, who are confident he can defeat me. But I wish to say that I have never played my best chess for I have never been required to exert myself to defeat, such as I have encountered. I am willing to admit that Steinitz is decidedly superior to any one I have confronted, yet I shall face him with the firm conviction that I will defeat him. I may have some surprises in store for him and the chess world. I am regarded as strongest in defense and end games, yet in my match with Steinitz I may prove that my ability lies in attacks. I expect to open the eyes of chess players. I am imbued with an ambition to be acknowledged chess champion of the world, and if the match with Steinitz can be arranged that ambition will soon be gratified.'”


Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The Third American Chess Congress (1874), two Chicago Newspapers. (Part Two)

When the congress resumed on Monday, July 13th, Elder's withdrawal from the tournament was announced, so only three games were contested, on the sixth day of play. One these being the conclusion of the adjourned first game between Congdon and Judd. It was during this game that an incident occured  that threatened the troubled tournament with a bad end.

"During the game an altercation arose between the players, in which Mr. Judd showed a temper which is ill-becoming so skilled a disciple of chess. His conduct was so at variance with good breeding and gentlemanly conduct that Gen. Congdon threatens to withdraw from the tournament unless the congress reprimands the party from St. Louis. The exact nature of the unfortunate occurrence is not known, as every one of the other gentleman players disclaimed all knowledge of it. It is said, however, that this not the first time that Mr. Judd has displayed an ungovernable temper. He should study this characteristic of his temperament, and at once checkmate it by a bold determined effort." 
Chicago Times; July 14, 1874 p.3  

The Tribune in its coverage of the days doing of the congress makes no mention of the incident; only reporting Judd won the game. Meanwhile,  Hosmer won his first game with Perrin. They began their second game, which was left unfinished at end of days play, to resumed the next day.

Elder's withdrawal adversely affected Bock, who had hoped that Elder could win or at least draw a game against Mackenzie and/or Hosmer. Bock playing in ill health, now considered withdrawing from the tournament himself.

Both paper printed Bock's win over Perrin, from the fifth day of the congress.


As the tournament limped toward its conclusion, only two games were played on Tuesday, July 14th. The adjourned game between Hosmer and Perrin, which was won by Hosmer. Judd and Congdon played their second game, Judd  being the victor. Meanwhile, Frederick Bock considers his next step.

"...Mr. Bock remains undecided as to his course of action. If he should decline to continue the contest it is most probable that the first prize will be taken by the present champion of the United States, Capt. Mackenzie, of New York, and that H. Hosmer, of Chicago, will repeat triumph of 1871 and carry away second prize. The third prize will undoubtedly  be taken by Max Judd, of St. Louis...."
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 15, 1874 p.3

Neither newspaper offered coverage of the penultimate  day of the congress, so we will turn to the tournament book for coverage of the days events.

"On Wednesday, July 15th, Perrin lost one game to Judd, Bock two games to Mackenzie. Bock, who had been playing under many disadvantages, and unable from ill health to continue, resigned his game[s] with Hosmer...."
The Third American Chess Congress: Chicago 1874, p.22


 
The congress came to a close on Thursday, July 16th, last games were played, and later in the evening prizes were to be awarded. The results of the last games played, Congdon lost his two games to Hosmer, and resigned without contest his games with Mackenzie. Judd won the second game of his match with Perrin.



With the games done, there was now the matter of electing officers of for the, National Chess Association and the awarding of the prizes.

"The last meeting of the Congress was held yesterday evening in the chess-room of the Chicago Club, at which the first business was the election of officers for the ensuing year , which resulted as follows; James A. Congdon, of Philadelphia, President; W. W. Curran, Chicago, First Vice-President; D. M. Martinez, Texas, Second Vice-President; J. Roberts, Philadelphia, Secretary, J. G. Whiteman, Philadelphia, Treasure.
   On the motion of Gen. Congdon, it was then resolved that the next tournament be held in Philadelphia during the progress of the Centennial celebration.
   The Congress then on motion adjourned, and Mr. Curran, President of the Chicago Chess Club, took the chair, in order  to present the successful competitors the prizes which they had won. These consisted of the first prize of $225 to Capt. Mackenzie, and the second of $150 to Mr. Hosmer, the third prize of $75 have been given previously to Mr. Judd in order to enable him to reach home by an early train." 
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 17, 1874 p.3

So not even at the award ceremony were all the prize winners present, but even with illness, withdrawals and fits of temper, the congress came somewhat successful conclusion. We will give the last word, to the tournament book of the congress:

"Capt. McKenzie, on behalf of the visitors, tendered their acknowledgments of the many courtesies received during their visit, and the Congress adjourned sine die,"
The Third American Chess Congress: Chicago 1874  p,25
 

Bibliography-
The Second, Third and Fourth American Chess Congress: Cleveland 1871, Chicago 1874, Philadelphia 1876..Edition Olms, Zurich, 1985.



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Wednesday, April 20, 2016

The Third American Chess Congress (1874), two Chicago Newspapers. (Part One)

Less than three years after the "Great Chicago Fire", which devastated a large part of the city, the Chicago Chess club decided to take  upon itself the task of hosting the Third American Chess Congress. A brief notice in the Chicago Tribune of May 9,noted  that at a meeting the prior evening the club resolved:

"That the Chicago club cordially favors the holding of a Chess Congress in Chicago during the coming summer and pledges a welcome to all visitors who may attend and its best efforts to render the meeting a success."
(Chicago Daily Tribune: 9 May 1874)

It was proposed to hold the Congress during the month of July, beginning the 7th and ending on the 20th or shortly thereafter, it was also hoped for that  a minor tournament and a problem tournament would be held in conjunction with the grand tournament.

The first meeting of the Congress took place on the afternoon of July 6th at 114 East Madison street, the Tribune reporting that day that;  "Nothing serious, however will be done until to-morrow, this afternoon being devoted to appointing committees, choosing partners and making other necessary arrangements."

The eight contestants were:
George Henry Mackenzie
Henry Hosmer 
Max Judd
Frederick Perrin
Frederick Bock
Frederick Elder
James Congdon
Hiram Kennicott


On July 7th, the Tribune continued its coverage, with a brief history of the two previous congresses, a listing of the players, the prizes, and the pairing for the next day, the first day of over the board combat. Mackenzie would face Judd, Hosmer would face Kennicott, it would be Bock against Elder, and Perrin against Congdon. The games would start at 9am and continue til 6pm, with a "suitable" break for dinner.

The Chicago Times began its coverage ,on July 8th, of the  first day of play of the tournament , reporting that:

"The Chicago Chess club, recognizing the pressing want of American chess and fully sensible of the fact that the holding of a great national meeting is the first and chief step to be taken to supply that want, have undertaken the management of a congress, which was successfully inaugurated yesterday evening, at their club rooms.... The number of first class players in attendance is not however, so great as was anticipated. The committee were confident that at least the players enter the list, but there are but eight present. The most prominent absent one is Galbaith[sic] of Mississippi."

"There were eight games indulged in yesterday, two of which are yet pending. Under the rules each player has to play two games with every contestant, consequently there will be in all 56 games before the congress is concluded.The games won yesterday were; Capt. Mackenzie of New York one from Max Judd, St. Louis; Hosmer of Chicago, two from Kennicott, of Dunston; Congdon of Philadelphia, one from Perrin, of New York, and Fred Bock, of Chicago, one from Elder, of Detroit. Capt. Mackenzie and Max Judd played one drawn game, which, but for an unfortunate oversight, would have resulted in favor of the western boy. Messrs. Congdon and Perrin have a game now pending, as have Messrs. Bock and Elder."

Both the Tribune and Times published Mackenzie's win with black over Judd. The Tribune in its coverage adding that;

" The games played thus far throw very little light on the result of the tournament, though it is conceded that Capt. Mackenzie will, doubtless, win the the first prize."
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 8, 1874 p.3



 The second day of play, seem to have drawn a larger crowd of on-lookers, then on the first day, as the Times reported in its July 9th issue, "...at times considerable excitement prevailed. Among the visitors were many of the better class of citizens, some of whom are chess-players of no mean skill."

As for the games themselves, Capt. Mackenzie won his two games with Kennicott. Bock and Elder resumed their adjourned game from the previous day, which resulted in a draw. Bock then played Congdon in the first game of their match, which also ended in a draw. Meantime Elder and Perrin contested their match each winning a game with the white pieces. Judd with black won his game with Hosmer. As the Times reported:

"This was a hard fought battle, the players being engaged no less than seven and a half hours. It was a stubbornly contested from beginning to end, but with his 57th move, the St. Louis gentleman so placed his pieces that the president of the Chicago club found himself checkmated."
Chicago Times; July 9, 1974 p.5

Despite the report of the Times, the Hosmer - Judd game did not end in a checkmate, but with Hosmer resigning after Judd's 56th move, the tournament book also has the game lasting 9 hours. The Times in its coverage printed the score of the drawn  Bock - Elder game.



 


The score of the Judd - Hosmer contest follows;



"Yesterday was the third day of the American Chess Congress, and from the heavy showers of the previous night the temperatures was found much pleasanter than on the first days, when the heat was extreme oppressive."
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 10, 1874 p.3 

Though, the third day was troubled by illness and the absence of Kennicott.. Mackenzie won both his games against Perrin. " In both contests the captain made a quick sharp fight, and almost before Mr. Perrin had got well settled in his chair he had lost the game."(a)

Hosmer and Judd played their second game, Hosmer with the black pieces winning. Bock won his game with Congdon in unusual circumstances. Elder who was to face Kennicott, but Kennicott being absent, Edler had to remain idle.

" The absence of Mr. Kennicott, of Dunston was greatly felt, and it is feared sickness kept him from the city. Early in the forenoon Mr. Bock and Gen. Congdon commenced a game; but the sudden sickness of the former necessitated its temporary postponement, after a few opening moves had been made. Later in the day, Mr. Bock felt better and resumed the contest, which he finally won, after a hard fought and skillfully conducted battle. Under the circumstances  [it] was a most creditable victory."
 Chicago Times; July 10, 1874 p.3

Both papers published the score of  the second Perrin - Congdon game.
 

 
" Yesterday the fourth day of the third American Chess Congress, and the events which characterized it were most certainly among the most interesting of the meeting thus far. The attendance was very large, and the room, was continually crowded with an eager and excited throng of gentleman, all canvassing the situations of the games, and frequently making far more noise than was at all agreeable to the players"
Chicago Daily Tribune: July 11, 1874 p.5

Though, not everyone in the city  found the ongoing Congress quite so interesting, as a short piece in the same day's Tribune on page six, makes clear.

"The excitement in the city this month is a Chess Congress. The fact is eloquent. It tells more forcibly than words can of the dull devil which has entered into and possessed the world of amusements."

 As for the games, themselves, Kennicott again failed to make an appearance, it was feared, he would withdraw from the congress.The game between, Bock and Judd , after five and a half hours of play, ended in a draw. Edler won the his first game with Gen. Congdon, they then commenced  their second game, which was at the end of the day's play, the result was still pending. Perrin with the nonappearance  of Kennicott had the bye. But, the what proved to be highlight of the day's play, were the two games to be played between Capt. Mackenzie and the "Chicago gentleman", Henry Hosmer.

"Several fine games were played in the tournament, the first one between Capt. Mackenzie of New York, champion of America, and Mr. Hosmer of this city being a most remarkable one. They had a hard fight of it for four hours, and the final result was in favor of the Chicago gentleman. It was by all odds the best game thus far played in the tournament."
Chicago Times; July 11, 1874 p.4 

 The Chicago Times printed the score of this game, the Chicago Tribune printed the score of their second game in which Capt. Mackenzie was the winner.

 
" The second game between these two gentlemen resulted in favor of the captain. Mr. Hosmer was quite tired out when the contest commenced , and it is no wonder that he made a slip, lost a piece he should of retained, and was finally compelled to resign."

Chicago Times; July 11, 1874 p.4


The Tribune began its report of the fifth day of the congress proceedings, with the news of the official withdrawal of Kennicott from the tournament.

 "Mr. Kennicott came into town and owning to the pressure of other business engagements he announced his withdrawal from the tournament. this action on his part made quite a change in the score, as the games heretofore won of him by Messrs. Mackenzie and Hosmer do not count for them, but are canceled, as Mr. Kennicott is considered out of the best players."
Chicago Daily Tribune: July 12, 1874 p.13 

 The days play began with resumption of Bock - Judd second game. Judd won after an unsound sacrifice by Bock. And then about noon,  Bock faced Perrin, Bock winning both games in short order. Congdon and Judd began the match but at the end of the day's play their first game was left unfinished, to resumed at a later date. Earlier in the day, Congdon and Elder finished their second game, which ended in Elders favor. Elder was then to face Capt. Mackenzie, but then, illness intervened. 

"During the day Mr. Elder of Detroit received news of the sudden illness of his wife. This unfitted him for play, and the game between him and Capt. Mackenzie was postponed till Monday." 
Chicago Times: July 12, 1874 p. 7 

Both newspapers printed Elder's win over Perrin, from the second day of the congress.


With the withdrawal of Kennicott, and the change of scores brought about by his withdrawal,  Frederick Bock found himself on top of leader board, though he had yet to play both Mackenzie and Hosmer.

The twelfth being a Sunday, it was an idle day for the Congress, play would resume early Monday morning.


Note:
(a) Chicago Times; July 10, 1874 p.3


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