December 11 1874
The Bradford Observer, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, Friday, December 11, 1874
CHESS. Yesterday evening Mr. Blackburne, the eminent chess-player, began a two days' visit to Bradford and played a number of blindfold games at the rooms of the Bradford Chess Club, Lenchters' Restaurant. Mr. Blackburne has several times previously delighted Bradford chess-players by a display of his wonderful skill, but on the present occasion his visit is of greater interest than usual, as it is probable that it will be the last for some years in consequence of Mr. Blackburne's approaching visit to America. Last night a considerable number of the most prominent chess amateurs of Bradford and the district assembled to welcome Mr. Blackburne, and in the eight blindfold games which were arranged for him, he found some worthy opponents. The eight gentlemen who were pitted against Mr. Blackburne were Mr. Robert Whitaker, Mr. A. Menssing (president of the Bradford Club), Captain Pope, Mr. R. Reaney, Mr. Robert Brown, Alderman Gaunt (Leeds), Mr. John Craven, and Mr. Henry Glaser. Play commenced at about half-past seven o'clock, and continued till eleven, at which time four games had been disposed of. Mr. Reaney was the first to yield, resigning the game after about two hours' play. Mr. Glaser soon followed, he also resigning, and Alderman Gaunt was checkmated shortly before play stopped for the night. Mr. Craven resigned his game at the close of the play, thus leaving four unfinished, which it is proposed shall be played out to-morrow evening. Of these four, that of Captain Pope is probably the strongest, that gentleman having played a strong game throughout the evening. We understand there is some doubt about Captain Pope being present to-morrow evening, but we hope he will be able to finish what is sure to prove a most interesting ending. Mr. Menssings is also a good game; in fact, there is no doubt the best of the playing will be witnessed this evening. We trust there will be a large gathering of the lovers of the king of games, and we can assure them that they will seldom have an opportunity of enjoying a greater treat.
