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.
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)
Hosmerand 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 thechange 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.
DN-0081138, Chicago Daily News negatives collection
Chicago History Museum.
I recently purchased a copy of The Unknown Capablanca by David Hooper and Dale Brandreth, and noticed that Capablanca's first simultaneous exhibition in Chicago took place in 1909, and although Unknown Capablanca has over 200 games; most of which had not been published outside of their original publication, none were from his first exhibition in Chicago.
The Jose Raul Capablanca who made his first Chicago appearance on November 24, 1909 was no longer the child prodigy of earlier times, but a graduate of Columbia University, who had won, his first major match, against Frank J. Marshall, quite convincingly with 8 wins, 1 lost game and 14 draws.
Herman Helms, editor of the American Chess Bulletin, agreed to organize the American tours for Capablanca, in the hopes promoting the sales of his magazine, lamentably the American Chess Bulletin would gain just four new subscribers for it's trouble.(Hooper and Brandreth; p.141)
By the time Capablancareached Chicago , the young Cuban master had played hundreds of games during his tour. Both the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Daily News provided some coverage of Cubans arrival and stay in the "windy city".
"Jose R. Capablanca, the young Cuban chess expert, who stepped into the front rank of the world's chess masters by his overwhelming defeat of Marshall, will give an exhibition of simultaneous chess tonight at the rooms of the Chicago Chess and Checker club in the Schiller building."
(Chicago Daily Tribune; November 24, 1909)
Both the Tribune and Daily News noted the quick pace of play by Capablanca during simultaneous exhibitions; the Daily News reporting;
" He is a rapid player and frequently finishes these simultaneous affairs in half the time taken here. The unusual time taken by the Chicago exhibition is explained by the strength of field against him."
Capablanca's easy demeanor and winning personality made him a favorite of the Chicago chess world.
"Capablanca made a good
impression upon the Chicago chess world by his skill as a player and by
his personality. In appearance he is youthful and slender. He looks and
acts like a nice, quite college student, which, indeed he is, having
recently graduated from Columbia university."
(Chicago Daily News; November 27, 1909)
Thirty-one local experts faced Capablanca, the young Cuban expert won twenty-five games, lost four games, with two games ending in a draw. The winners against Capablanca being Oscar Chajes, Charles W. Phillips, F.H. Chase, and Einar Michelsen. Draws were secured by Louis Uedeman and Judge Smith.
The Tribune published one game from the exhibition, the win of F. H. Chase over the Cuban expert in it's December 5th chess column.
The Chicago Daily News printedfour games from the exhibition, Capablanca's wins against Sullivan and Erdeky, and loses to Chajes and Michelsen.
"Oscar Chajes was the first one to obtain a victory over the youthful chess master. On his sixteenth move Capablanca made a blunder, an unusual thing for him to do. Chajes took prompt advantage of his opportunity and forced a speedy ending."
(Chicago Daily News; November 27, 1909)
Just over a to the year to the date Capablanca would return to the "windy city", to give another simultaneous display. Although these five games don't add much to Capablanca's legacy, they are part of Chicago chess history and Capablanca's debut in the "windy city".
The "Boy Chess Wizard's" visit to Chicago, was in one stop in many, in a tour that began with his departure from Europe aboard the steamship Olympic. The "Boy Chess Wizard" was already a veteran of exhibiting his chess abilities, like the young Mozart, Samuel Reshevsky at 8 years of age had already toured a number of European capitals.. Prior to his sailing to the United States, on October 27th, 1920, Reshevsky had spent some three months in England giving exhibitions. Even during his trans-Atlantic crossing Reshevsky gave an exhibition.
The New York Tribune., April 30, 1922
The young Reshevsky's American debut was a much anticipated event in New York City chess circles. but his debut took place not in the metropolis but upstate at West Point at the United States Military Academy on November 10th, 1920, Reshevsky played twenty games, winning all except one which ended in a draw.
New York City's players finally got their chance to face the prodigy at the Lexington theatre on November 25th, Reshevsky playing twenty opponents, won 15, lost 1, with 4 games ending in a draw. There would be many more cities to visit and exhibitions to give before Reshevsky would give his first exhibition in Chicago.
(1921)
SDN-062470, Chicago Daily News negatives collection
Chicago History Museum.
After stops in Philadelphia, Newark, Cleveland and Milwaukee to give exhibitions, Reshevsky , now nine years of age, arrived in Chicago on March 11th, in the company of his parents, and agent.
Reshevsky's first exhibition in Chicago was to take place on March 12th at the Illinois Athletic Club, which for the occasion had it's 60 foot swimming pool drained and had a platform installed within, for the purposes of the exhibition.
Twenty players were recruited from the I.A.C., the Hamilton Club, Chicago Elks, City Press and the Engineers Club to face the "boy chess wizard".
"As Sammy came down stairs of the club to the room in which the games were played, he was greeted with applause , which the pale faced lad acknowledged with a nod . He immediately went into the square reserved for him inside the twenty adjoining tables, at which his opponents were seated. He then allowed a slight delay as he posed for the motion picture men, and then asked to start play."
Chicago Daily Tribune; March 13, 1921
Miss Alma Wells (1921)
SDN-062465, Chicago Daily News negatives collection
Chicago History Museum.
" Miss Alma Wells, the only woman in the twenty to oppose the youthful master, put up a spirited contest of two hours before she was maneuvered to defeat before the brilliancy of the lad."
Chicago Daily Tribune; March 13, 1921
A "well dressed throng" watched as young Reshevsky after several hours of play won all twenty games. The report in the Tribune concluded with a notice that the prodigy would play another exhibition the next evening at the Sinai Social Center, against a " picked squad of local players."
The Reform Advocate: March 12, 1921
The following evening, March 14th at the Sinai Social Center, Reshevsky faced sixteen local players, among those who faced Reshevsky as reported in Tribunewas Lewis J. Isaacs a former champion of South Africa.
The local players fared a little better, Reshevsky won thirteen games, two ended in a draw, and one game was left for adjudication. Charles B. Hardiman of Elgin and E.A. Purity were the players who managed to wrestle a draw from "the 9 year old chess marvel".
In the American Chess Bulletin Hardiman wrote; "...he looked at me saying ' I give draw'. we shook hands, I could not let go until I kissed his hand, if given good care, he will give to the chess world much as did Paul Morphy, and will trim them all."
The longest game of the evening was the game with former South African champion Isaacs, which after three and half hours was left over for adjudication, by the Western Champion Edward Lasker.
" In the opinion of champion Lasker this game at end of play, was a draw, and was so claimed by Isaacs, but Sammy claimed it a win and debated the point in a lively manner."
Chicago Daily Tribune; March 15, 1921
Among the 250 in attendance was Julius Rosenwald, businessman (he was part owner of Sears, Roebuck and Company) and philanthropist, Rosenwald in time would become a mentor to the young Reshevsky. He hoped to arrange a match game between the young Reshevsky and the Western Champion Edward Lasker, before the departure of the prodigy for Toronto, his next stop of his tour. but there was one more exhibition for the "boy chess wizard" to give, this exhibition took place on the afternoon of March 17th at the toy department of the "Fair", Reshevsky faced ten opponents, and after just two hours, he emerged victorious in all ten games.
(1921)
SDN-062471, Chicago Daily News negatives collection
Chicago History Museum.
The game between the prodigy and the Western Champion, took place that evening at the home of Julius Rosenwald, before a distinguished audience. Reshevsky lost the game to Lasker, but gained a benefactor in Julius Rosenwald.
" When I played a match game with him at the home of Julius Rosenwald, Thursday evening he got himself brilliantly out of the troubles of an opening unknown to him. In the ending I outplayed him not because I can see farther than he, I think, but because he took matters to lightly, thinking to have at least a draw and because my knowledge of end games is, naturally, greater than that the child could have gained in his short life."
American Chess Bulliten; April 1921
Chicago Tribune; March 18, 1921
During his stay in Chicago, Reshevsky played forty-six games during three simultaneous exhibitions,winning all except three drawn games. the only loss he suffered, was the "match game"at the hands of Western Champion.
