Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1859-02-24
DARING FEAT At NIAGARA.
Crossin. on Stills Above the Falls.


Feeling sure that the readers of the PREss
AND TRIBUNE viii be interested in the reci.
tai. write to give an account. however
/ imperfectly, of one of the most reckless
feats of daring ever attempted. One eve
ming, about week ago, while sitting in
the saloon of the International Hotel, be-
came interested in an animated conversa-
/ ton which was in progress between two
persons, of whom one seemed to be South
crner and the other an Italian The latter
had registered his name as "Signor Caspa
Morelli," but have since learned that he
is really a Yankee boy; that he was born
and raised near Stonington. Connecticut,
and dnbbed by his affectionate parents.
Andrew Grcenleaf. As he grew older he
was afflicted with an intense desire to be-
come circus performer, and finally ran a.
way from home to connect himself with
some strolling company. He was for
while member of Barnmm's immense
"Show," and his astonishing performances
upon stills will be remembered by thous-
ands He had before this time assumed the
name he now bears, as well to escape re-
cognition as to avoid the fate of 'proph-
ct in his own country" He is handsome.
frank looking man, of about twenty-five,
has fair complexion. and wears small,
black moustache. At present he is stay
I ing here without an engagement. The con-
versation referred to was discussion upon
the possible feats which might be accom-
listed by man upon stills. Signor
Morell fas will call him asserted his a
bility to do many things. belief in which
required considerable faith The South
erncr, who is well known sporting gem
tleman of New Orleans. evidently thought
the Signor was lying pretty hard. and at
his last announcement he laughed long and
loud MoIelli had in fact expressed his
conviction that he could cross Niagara Ric-
err, malking upon stills, Jcttceen Goat Island
ami tie Falls. "Ill bet you a thousand
dollars to fifty it can't he done'' exclaim-
ed the Southerncr. 81 accept the chal-
!, lenge." answered Morelli, quietly. The
astonishment of his hearers at this reply
may be imagined. "Whcn do you pro-
pose to attempt ir?" onquired the chalIcrg-
er. ''On Saturday morning, the 18th of
February" TRANQUILITY replied Caspa. The
assurance with which he spoke filled every
one with surprise, which was not lessened
when he produced the money for his depo-
/, sit The stakes were handed over to Mr.
Augustus Train, of Buffalo, and the CON-
. pany separated to await the result Of this
singular wager The interval was spent
by Morelli in constant exercise for the pur-
pose of strengthening his limbs, somewhat
, relaxed by season of rest. His friends
oxpoetrlotol IN xai, Tho
r ly insane hazard, and even proposed to re-
3 turn to him the amount he would be COM
f PEELED to forfeit. lie seemed sure of win
ming, and would listen to no one. To a
void a crowd it was announced that the at
, tempt would be male upon the fourteenth,
) (ATonday,) } instead of to-day; so that at
seven this morning, there were only about
thirty persons by the river bank. Punctu-
ally at that hour Morclli appeared in fine
spirits and condition. He had with him
, pair of stills about twelve feet along, made
OF wrought iron. fiat, sharp-edged and point
: ed,-shaped in fact almost precisely like
r doub'e-edged dagger. These were firmly
lasheI to his legs, aud he walked towards
the terrible river with a confident smile
The morning was clear and cold, but he
! was attired very lightly, in dress not un-
like that usually worn by professional gym
nasts. AT ten minutes past seven, he STEP
, ped into the water, which in another mo-
ment was boiling. surging, and rushing be-
meath his feet. The boldest of the lockers
on held his breath in suspense, as the dar-
ing man rcS led from the shore. He a
l lone seemed nnmoved. and passed on,
slowly and carefully, avoiding the larger
| rocks which were made apparent by the
cddying current His steps at first were
very short and carefully made, bat after
wards became boller and longer. The
; stills of course were so placed that the cur
rent struck only against their sharp edg-
es, and produced but little effect; but the
danger from smken rocks, and the con-
viction that a single false step would send
, him to death produced feeling which was
horribly painful. One or twice he seemed
!, to lose his balance, AMI sickening shud-
der ran through each one of the beholders.
, Recovering himself, he still kept on-still
ecc,led--until to our straining eyes he could
scarcely be distinguished from the foaming
waters.
The mi Idle of the river was attained at
last, hours seemed to have fed. but it was
barely seventeen minutes since he left the
shore. ss1 "a
As he approached the deepest and most
! dangerous part of his route, the suspense
became more fearfully intense. No word
was spoken except that one man offered an
other five dollars for moments use of
his lorgnette, which offer passed unhecded.
( Just as Morelli reached the swiftest and
deepest portion of the current, he wss seen
to totter-sink-h threw up his armsI l
closed my eyes Opening them moment
I after, / saw that he was still standing A
few moments more, and he had reached the
] Canadian baniz---he was safe, and fell ex-
hausted into the arms of two men who were
waiting to receive him. At this hour q
I p. NJ. he has nearly recovered, and though
istill in bed, receives the congratulations Of
dozeos of visitors who come pouring in.---
/ He left the American shore 900 feet above
the fall. anil came, out about 1000 feet
above the Canadian The money has al
ready been handel over to him, and al will
agree t'mt it was fIhy won. His generons