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AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MAJOR TAYLOR
Ottumwa. The reception accorded me as I won the one-mile open event fairly swept me off my feet.
This victory in the one-mile open event came after Nat Butler had defeated me in the two-mile championship race. It was so apparent to the spectators that I was beaten because of a pocket the riders forced me into that they fairly howled with glee as I led the galaxy of stars home in the mile event, so far in front of my competitors that they were unable to attempt to box me or otherwise bring about my defeat by unfair tactics of any kind. I was delighted with the treatment accorded me by the public of Ottumwa despite the belief expressed by the writer quoted above.
