Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-09-03

The Great Rival FeRts Of BlOndin and
Fnrini at NiaGnra-They Each Garry n
Wan over the Abyss.
Thursdays Buffalo IN. " Express, thus
recounts the feats of the rival rope-walkers
over the Niagara River.
The announcement that these notorious
individuals would epch carry a man upon
their respective backs over their respective
cables, drew crowd to the Falls yesterday.
At least 1000 persons went from this city.
Blondin's performance was witnessed by, we
should say, 1000 people, stationed within his
Enclosures to the American and Canadian
sides, and upon the Bridge
Precisely at four o'clock the Frenchman
made his appearance, and ran out upon his
rope Having proceeded perhaps 200
feet, he commenced a series of gymnas-
tic exercises that we venture to say no other
man in the world would dare attempt First,
he lay at full length upon the rope; then he
turned number of back somersets; then he
hung by both feet; then by one foot; then by
one leg crooked at the knee Joint; then he
stood upon his head These feats were per-
formed with amazing rapidity-a rapidity
that was fearful to witness, or would have
been but for the perfect selfpossession that
was apparent in every motion.
Having reached the center of his rome
Blondin laid aside his balance-pole, placed
his stomach upon the cable and went through
the motions of swimming, after which he
descended the swing, which is permanent
fixture at that point. This swing hangs
about thirty feet below the cable. Here he
set himself whirling making eighteen revo-
lutions in about as many seconds, and per-
formed various other surprising feats, con-
Guiding and climaxing the whole by hanging
TO the swing with his head downwards. He
then assembled to the cable, picked up his
pole, and trotted to the Canada side The
time occupied in the whole journey was a
little over fifteen minutes
After a delay of about half an hour, which
was mainly. occupied in adjusting the guys
Monsieur Blondin made his appearance on
the Canada end of the cable bearing his
agent, Mr.. Harry Colcord, upon his back
Considering the fact that Mr., Colcord weighs
| l45 pounds, and that Blendin himself weighs
but 125, it may be imagined that ne had a
| pretty good load to carry. 1t was perfectly
| wonderful to witness the ease with which
| Blondin achieved this most difficult and dam
gerous undertaking. Oolcord left his perch
we can not think of better word-but
| twice during the entire walk, and then
merely stood upon the rope for half minute
| or so, for the purpose of Strengthening out." J"
In exactly fourteen minutes from the time
| they left the Canada shore, they were re-
ceived upon the American side with the
hearty plaudits of the assembled thousands
| Farini started with his mana Canadian
| by the name of McMullen-at five o'clock
He entered upon his task with evident fear
and trembling, and proceeded with it in 9
bungling and awkward manner. Having
gone about fifty feet, he compelled his an.
innate load to descend from its position
stretch out its respective legs, place its hands
| upon his shoulders, and trudge along after
him. Itawas carry and -unload, unload and
carry, for the three-quarters of an hour thai
he occupied in his performance which il
acknowledged by all to have been an ex
ceedingly sorry one. 1t was witnessed by
less than 1900 persons. Farini may have
pluck but he lacks tact and experience. H,
may aspire to be called the rival of Bloudin
but at present he must consent to be know
merely as his imitator.