The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-03-31

olDce Inc IhtaI HaPoi Inc ihmOus DAN
PArcH, no feat Of daring has squslled the one
recently accomplished at Nisgars, by An
DREW GRErsLKAY, Of Connecticut. A CORES
popdsnt gives the following graphic account
Of it:
"ODe evening, about week ago, while
sitting 10 the saloon Of the international
Hotel, became interested 10 an animated
conversation which was in progress between
two persons, OF whom one seemed South.
srnef and tho other an Italian. The latter
had registered his name - Signor Gssps
Morelli, but have since learned that be ID
really Yankee boy; that be Wa born and
raised near Stoningtou, Connecticut, and
dubbed by bis adectionate parents, Andrew
GreeDleaE As he grew older he was sffict-
ed with an intense desire TO become acircus
performer, and finally ran away from home
TO connect himself with some strolling CON-
psny. He was, for while, . member Of
Barnums immense show, and bis astonish.
ing performance upon stills will be remem-
bered by Thousands. lie had, before this
time, assumed the name be now bears, a.
we'll to escape recognition ~ to avoid the
fate Of . prophet 10 bis own country He
ia handsome, frank. looking man, of about
twenty five. has fair complexion, and wears
small black mustsche. At present, he is
staying here without an engagement. The con.
versation referred TO WAS discussion upon
the possible feats which might be accom-
plshed by q man upon stills. Signor
Morelli, (as | will call bim,) asserted his
ability to do many thiDgs-a belief in
which required considerable faith. The
Southerner, who is 4 well known sporting
gentleman OF New Orleans, evidently thought
the sgnor was lying pretty bard, and, at
his last announcement, he laughed right long
and loud MOrelli had, in fact, expressed
his conviction that he could cross Niagara
River, walking upon stills, amid the foaming
aud unsounded rapids that whirl between
Goat Island and the Falls
"'I'll bet you a thousand dollars to fifty
il cant be DONE exclaimed the Southerner.
g" accept the challenge, answered Mo
relli, quietly.
"The sstonishment Of his hearers at this
reply may be imagined
g. When do you propose to attempt it,
inquired the challenger.
"'Ou Saturday morning, the 18th Of
February TRANQUILITY replied 0asps.
1.-The assurance with which he spoke fill
ed every one with surprise, which was not
lessened when he produced the money for
his deposit. The stakes were handed over
to Mr. Augustus Train, Of Buffalo; and
the company separated to await the result
Of this singular wager. The interval was
spent by Morrelli in constant exercise. for
the purpose of strengthening his limbs,
somewhat relaxed by Q season OF rest. His
friends expostulated in vain against the ap-
parently insane hazard, and even proposed
to return to him the amount he would be
compelled 10 forfeit. lie seemed sure Of
winning, and would listen to no one. To
avoid o crowd, il was announced that the
attempt would be made upon the l4th
Monday instead Of to-day so that, at
seven this morning there were only about
thirty persons by tho river bank. Punctu'
ally at that hour Moreli appeared, in fine
health aud spirits.
lie had with him q pair OF stills, about
IL feet long, made OF wrought iron, fiat,
sharpedgc,l, and pointed shaped, in fact,
almost precisely like double edged dagger
These were firmly dashed to It's legs, and be
walked toward the river with y confident
smile. The morning was clear and cold. ut
he was attired very lightly, in dress usu.
ally worn by professional gymnasts. At
ten minutes past ! he stepped into the wa.
ter. which, in another moment, was boiling
surging and rushing beneath his feet. The
boldest Of the lookers-on held his breath in
suspense, rs the daring man receded from
the shore. He alone seemed unmoved, and
passed on slowly and carefully, avoiding the
rocks which were made apparent by the ed
DIVING current. His steps at first we're very
short AMI carefully made, but afterward
became holder aud longer. The stills. Of
course, were 40 placed that the current
struck only against their sharp edges, and
produced bat little effect but the danger
rom sunken rocks, and the conviction that
a single false step would send him to death,
produced feeling which was horribly pain
lul. Once or twice he seemed to lose his
balance. and sckening shudler ran through
each one Of the beholders. Recovering
himself be s,ll kept on still receied until.
to our s,rsinlng eyes, he could scarcely be
distinguished from the ioaming waters.
The middle Of the river was ATTAINED at
last hours seemed TO have fled, bu, il WAS
barely seventeen minutes since he ieft the
shore.
As ho approached the deepest aud most
dangerous part OF his route, the suspense be-
came more icarfally intense. No word was
spoken, except tina, one man offered another
five dollars Tor moments use OF his lorg-
ne,tc which offer passed unhs,lcd, Just as
Morcli reached the swlftest and deepest part
Of the current. he semed 10 tottcr- sink
b. threw mp his arms | closed my eyes.
Opening them momcn, AFTER, saw that he
was still standing 4 few moments more.
aud be had reached the Canadian bank-hc
was safe. and fell exhausted into the arms Of
Two men who were waiting to receive him.
At this hour - L. VI he has nearly
recovered aud, though still in bed. received
the congratulations OF dozens Of visitors who