CHAPTER XLIX 



ON THE TRIBUNE 



Meeting with Hackenschmidt — The Match with Gotch — Working up 

 the Excitement — Odd Newspaper Stunts — Chicago Life — Starting 

 the Fan — Threats to the Editor — " Q." resigns — Samuel Insull — 

 Department Stores 



First impressions of Chicago were agreeable. Michi- 

 gan Avenue, facing the vast lake or sea, reminded me 

 one minute of Brighton and the next of Southport. It 

 was so difficult to realise that that enormous expanse 

 of water was fresh, especially when a seven or eight 

 thousand ton steamship was seen entering the port. 

 Those strings of great lakes are most magnificent. It 

 was a Sunday evening in August, and everyone was out 

 in their best. Michigan Avenue, with its beautiful 

 hotels and shops, was interesting, but get away from 

 the front, and the various other avenues with the 

 street cars and elevated railway made a hideous noise, 

 recalling Glasgow-cum-Liverpool intensified. 



The first big stunt we were put on to was the Gotch 

 and Hackenschmidt match, which was due to take 

 place about three weeks afterwards. The first few 

 days were spent visiting Hackenschmidt's camp, 

 about three miles out of the town. Hackenschmidt 

 had been an old friend of mine ; I had seen a lot of him 

 in London. He gave me a good welcome, and of course 

 we were introduced to all those who were with him, 

 including that delightful fellow, Dr Roller. Jack 

 Curley was managing the whole show, and by the way 



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