W. KENT & Co., PATERNOSTER Row, and W. W. MORGAN, 67 BARBICAN, E.C. 1874. The Westminster Papers. Ist MAY 1873. THE CHESS WORLD. "The whisperings of our petty burgh." EVERY little incident in the history of our game is treasured by its devotees, yet, notwithstanding the wealth of its literature, every student of Chess must have felt the want of precise information regarding many events that have materially influenced its progress. Who that has read that "in those times, in the year of Christ 1266, there came to Florence a Saracen, named Buzecca; a very great master of Chess playing" but would like to know something more of this Buzecca; why he came to Florence; his business there, and his last place of abode, or who can read in Fra Jacopo's treatise that "it is necessary to know that this game was invented in the City of Babylon whilst Amilone reigned there" without an insane desire to "interview" Fra Jacopo for an exposition of the consequences of ignorance! And coming to later times, who has not read with a relish that, like the "bitters" which precedes the feast, increases the appetite, Mr. Walker's scanty references (for alas! they are nothing more) to the first meetings of that rare Society of Chess players "in two different houses in Bedford Street, Covent Garden ?" Breathes there a Chess player who does not thirst for a detailed account of the "urgent private affairs" that occupied the minds of all the champions save one in the correspondence match between Westminster and Paris, from 1834 to 1836, and which so largely contributed to our defeat in that memorable encounter? Where is the student of Chess who would not figuratively "give his eyes" for a plain statement of all the "in and outs" of the causes unconnected with the Club" which led in 1836 to the temporary dissolution of this same famous Westminster Society, and its ultimate removal to "commodious rooms, adjoining the Grand Cigar Divan, 102 Strand?" Where indeed-why, in the language of "le sport," he is nowhere. Therefore, mindful of our mission as historians, let us, before the universal pleasure consequent upon the brilliant inauguration of the Universities' Chess match has subsided, award due honour to Mr. Anthony, of Oxford, for the conception; to Mr. de Soyres, of Cambridge, for so warmly espousing the cause; and to Mr. Steinitz, for securing the enthusiastic assistance and generous hospitality of the officers and members of the City of London Chess Club. It is with deep regret that we announce the termination of Mr. George Walker's connection with the Chess column of Bell's Life. Since the 4th of January 1835, when Bell first began to publish Chess games and Chess intelligence, Mr. Walker has conducted his department with an impartiality that has gained for him the esteem of Chess players of every clime, and we can assure him that he carries with him into his retirement their warmest regards. With Mr. Walker Chess has indeed been a bond of brotherhood, and even in his controversies (where is the Chess Editor who has escaped them?) he has waged war with knightly chivalry and true English manliness. It is not, and never has been, his way to "hint at faults, and hesitate dislike;" he has always had the courage of his opinions, and in his numerous works on our Royal game he has given us his own judgment, the result of his own labours, and not the compilation device of many of his predecessors and some of his contemporaries. That he may live long in the enjoyment of his well-earned repose is the sincere wish of every Chess player. The first match between Messrs. Bird and Wisker has been brought to a conclusion that reflects the highest credit upon both players. It will be remembered that, in the terms of the match, the player who first scored seven games was to be declared the conqueror. But when each had scored six, it was obvious to the players themselves, if not to their immediate supporters, that a victory by one game would be barren in honours to either side, and they accordingly agreed to draw the first match, and commence a second forthwith. So far the second match promises to confirm the first in the equality of the players, but as only a week ago the score stood three to one against Mr. Bird, and is now equal, it has, in its progress, shown that, as well as being a player of extraordinary enterprise and dash, that gentleman possesses the useful qualities of self-restraint and perseverance under difficulties. As we go to press the score stands-Mr. Bird, 3; Mr. Wisker, 3; drawn, 2. We have received several letters referring to the little game printed last month, which we received from a correspondent in Nassau. Mr. Taylor (of Norwich) ascribes the game to Captain Kennedy, and sends us a Vol. VI. I |