Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1859-02-26

DARING FEAT AT NIAGARA. r.
Crossing on stilts Above the Faals ,
Correspondents of the Chicago Press and Tribune
NIAGARA FAILS, Feb. Is, 1859.
Feeling sure that the readers of the Press
and Tribune will be interested in the recital,
write to give an account, however imperfectly,
of one of the most reckless feats of daring ever
attempted. One evening, about week ago,
while sitting in the saloon of the international
Hotel, became interested in an animated con-
versation which was in progress between two
persons, of whom one seemed to be Southern
er and the other an Italian The latter had
registered his name as Signor Gaspa Morel-
Ii, but l have since learned that he is really a
Yankee boy, that he was born and raised near
Stonington, Connecticut and dubbed by his
atfectiOnate parents, Andrew Greenleaf. As
he grew older he was afflicted with an intense
desire to become circus performer, and fin
ally ran away from home to connected him
self with some strolling company q He was
for awhile o member Of Barnum's immense
"sSh0w," and his astonishing performances up
on stills win be remembered by Thousands. u
He had before this time assumed the nsme be
now bears, as web to escape reoognitioa as to
avoid the fate Of a prophet in his own coun-
try" Heis handsome, frank looking man,
of about twenty five, has fair complexion,
and wears small, black moustaehe. Atpre-
sent he is staying here without an engagement
The conversation referred to was discussion
upon the probable feats which might be ac-
oomplished by man upon stilts.: Signor Mo-
relli Gas will call him) asserted his ability to
do many things, a belief in which required
considerable faith. ",''''
The Southerner, who is a well known sport
ing gentleman of New Orleans, evidently
thought the Signor was Icing pretty hard, and
at his last announcement he laughed long and
loud. Morelli had in fact expressed his con-
viction that he could cross Niagara Ricer,
aoalking upon stills, betaoeea Goats Island and
the Falls. ''Pll bet you thousand dollars
to fifty it can be donew exclaimed the South
erner. 81 accept the challenge" answered
Morell, quietly The astonishment of his
hearers at this reply may be imagined
"When do you propose to attempt its en-
quired the challenger 'On Saturday morn
ing, the 18th of February" TRANQUILITY replied
Gaspa The assurance with which he spoke
filled every one with assurance, which was
lIOC ICSSOilOA WI uO ptOuuCCu IlulCy
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
Morelli in constant exercise for the purpose of
strengthening his limbs, somewhat relaxed by
a season of rest. His friends eXpostulated in
vain against the apparently insane hazard,
and even proposed to return to him the amount
he would be compelled to foafeit He seemed
sure of winning, and would listen to no one
To avoid a crowd it was announced that the
attempt would be made upon the fourteenth,
(Monday,) instead of to-day so that at seven
this morning, there were only about thirty
persons by the river bank. Punctually at
that hour Morelli appeared in fine spirits and
condition. He had with pair of stilts about
twelve feet long, made of wrought iron, fiat,
sharp-edged and pointed shaped in fact al
most precisely like double edged dagger
These were firmly lashed to his legs, and he
walked towards the terrible river with con-
fident smile.
The morning was clear and cold but he
was attired very lightly, in dress not unlike
that usually worn by professional gymnasts
AT ten minutes past seven, he stepped into
the water, which in another mo4aent was boil
ing, surgling, and rushing beneath his feet
The bOldest of the lockers on held his breath
in suspense, as the daring man reoeded from
the shore. He alone seemed unmoved, and
passed on, slowly and carefully, avoiding the
larger rocks which were made apparent by
the eddying current. His steps at first were
very short and carefully made, but afterwards
became colder and longer. The stills of
course were sop laced that the current struck
only against their sharp edges, and produced
but little effect but the danger from sunken
rocks, and the conviction that single false
step would send HIM to death produced
feeling which was horribly painful. Once
Or twice he seemed 10 lose his balance, and a
sickening shudder ran through each one of
of the beholders. Recovering himself, he still
kept on-stil receded-until to our straining
eyes he could scarcely be distinguished from
the loaming waters.
The middle Of the river was attained at
last, hours seemed to have fed, but it was
barely seventeen minutes siuce he left the
ahore. can .s..-o..
AS he approached the deepest and most
dangerous part of his route, the suspense be.
spoken, except that one man offered another
lltc uOIIdIS lOI HlOuRllt . uSc VI Ills
nette, which offer passed unheeded. Just as
Morelli reached the swiftest and deepest por-
ton of the current, he seemed to totter-sink
he threw up his arms! closed my eyes.
Opening them a moment after, saw that he
was still standing. A few moments more, and
he had reached the Canadian bank-he was
safe, and fell exhausted into the arms of two
men who were waiting to receive him. At
this hour 6 p M. he has nearly recovered,
and though still in bed, receives the congrat-
uations of dozens of visitors who come pour
ing in. He left the American shore $50 feet
above the Canadian. The money has already
been handed over to him, and all will agree
that it waa fairly won. His generous oppo-
nent is able to afford his loss, and speaks in
praise of Morelli more enthusiastically than
any. Yours truly, WILLIAM COLLINS.
Remarks.-We shall not iasist upon hav-
ing implicit confidence placed in this we'll
told story. 1t will remind the reader per-
haps Of Edgar A. Poe's enticing romance of a
descent into the Norway maelstrom. The
person who sends it to us "vouch for facts"
Well all baggage at the risk Of the owner
Chicago Tribune. ..-.
- ,mhr1 New York Matters.
New York, Feb. Is.
The Tinted States Circuit Court ,Judpe