The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1860-10-03

o"A Aio'tN "tho 90 Looh
out Alfred Edward, we may be after
you some day for free trade and sal
lors' rights !"
BLoNDoN's LAST WALK. Sat-
urday last, Mons. Blondin walked his
rope over the fearful rapids of the Nj
agara river for the last time. On this
occasion, his performances was wit
messed by His Royal Highness, the
Prince of Wales the Duke of Newcas-
tie, and other personages comprising
the Princes staff. About o'clock
Blondon started for his swing, which
was fastened to the main cable, about
two-thirds of the way across to the
Canada landing. Here he performed
variety of truly wonderful feats,
which occupied the space of ten min
uteS, when he again got on his cable
and pursued his way to the Canada
side where the Prince and staff were
in attendance After resting awhile
ne again made his appearance at the
end of the rope equipped for a start,
when Harry Colcord took his favorite
seat on his back amidst the cheers of
the vast throng. Steadily and with
careful step, Blondin makes his descent
down the slope leading from the Can
ada side, and after getting over this
most perilous part of his journey he
ran, rather than walked, to the centre
of the cable where he rested for about
half a minute, and again resumed his
way. He reached the American side
in about seven minutes, including stop
pages, from the time of his leaving
Her Majesty's dominions. On touch
ing land he and Colcord were loudly
and continuously cheered.
But the most terrific and terrible
feat ever witnessed by any human be-
ing was walking on stills !" 1t was
thought by great many that Blon-
din would hardly dare to attempt this
Eve might call it fool-hardy) feat, bnt
they were agreeably disappointed
No sooner had he landed with his car
go of human freight than he immedi-
ately commenced adjusting his stills.
They were about three feet long from
the point of the prong to the top
where the foot rested. They were
made with three prongs to each silt
one long one in the centre, and two
short ones en- either side of it, with
space enough between to allow the
cable to fit snugly without slipping.
The centre or long prong was used
for the purpose of a guide to slip along
the the side of the rope, thus making
it easier for him to walk. He started
with the assurance of man who is
confident OF success. His step was
firm and sure, and his whole air and
demeanor seemed to indicate plainly
that any such word as fail was stran
ger to him. But the greatest difficult
ty was found to be in stepping over
the guy ropes, where he was obliged
to lift his stills clear of the cable alto
gether. Only once did he make mis-
take, and then every one feared his
safety. In stepping over a guy the
prong came in contact with the top
of the cable, which threw him COM
pletely off his balance. 1t was then
that he displayed one of these remark
able feats of skill for which he is SO
much noted. No sooner had the silt
caught than he quickly jerked back
his leg and came down astride of the
rope-safe- Near where we were sit
ting number of ladies shrieked, and
several gentlemen turned aside their
heads, as they felt confident, when he
was falling, that moment would be
his last, but to his own skill and COM
posture was his safety dHe. He re-
maired seated on the rope for about
minute, when he got up and resumed
his way amid the prolonged cheers of
the people.
The Prince was so highly pleased
with the performance that he presented
Blondin with a gift of EGO sterling,
$4,000
At Chillicothe. where he was walk
ing about two weeks ago, and where
ne was so badly burnt, he was presen
ted with splendid gold-hsaded cane
by the members of the Press.
We also understand that on Satur-
day last after the performance, he
handed Harry Colcord a magnificent
gold watch and chain, in consideration
Of the faithful manner in which be dis
charged his, duties. Niagara Herald.