The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1867-01-03

LA ANDsPECrAcLE.-An immense au-
dience was convened in the streets at the
crossing Of Main and First, on new years
afternoon to witness the prodigious per-
formance of Mr.. John Denier on the tight
rope, stretched, diagonafly, across the
street, from Masonic Hall to LcwenthalPs
clothing house. The weather was intense
Iy cold, but men, women, and children, as
sembIed in the open air, and patiently
awaited the arrival of the hero of the hour.
After some delay, Mr. Denier made his APP,
pearance on the roof of Lowenthall's build
ing, and was received by the Splaudits of
the people. After a moments delay, the
daring man stepped upon the rope, balance
pole in hand, and proceeded slowly on his.
seemingly perilous, journey, on rope
bridge, some two inches in diameter. Once
or twice he seemed to slip and tremble, and
the spectators held their breath with dread
for his safety. But he only seemed TO slip;
and, p esently, he braced himself and pro-
ceeded at a rapid pace unit he had reached
point within few feet of the Masonic
Hall, when he walked slowly back to the
point whence he started, amid the cheers
of the multitude. Kos sI...s,
He then plac ID a wheelbarrow on the
rope, and fastened the handle TO his waist.
With this he proceeded cautiously across
the street, and returned backwards, reach
ing the starting point in safety, amid vo-
| ciferOus applause and the clapping of
hands. He next proceeded to point mid
way over the street, and then fastening
his balance-pole to the rope, commenced
his exercises on the flying bar, where he
nQrfnrn1nd the astonishing
while the multitude looked on admiringly
and in profound silence, but presently
broke forth in deafening applause. This
terminated the performance for the day.
Yesterday the same unparalleled teats
were performed, with the additional one
of walking across blindfolded and in
sack. The crowd yesterday was still
greater than on the day previous. The
same feats, with variations, will be per-
formed every day his week If the weather
holds good, and we doubt not every inhab-
liant of the city will witness this singular
display of nerve and agility. Liberal con-
tributions were made both days for the
benefit OF the intrepid performer.
NEW YEARS DAY.-The opening of the
New Year was not marked by any extra
par of our citizens. Watch meeting was
held in the Ingle Street Methodist Church,
on New Years We, and was pretty well
attended, the services being appropriate
and deep.y impressive. A few enthusi-
! astic youths burned a small quantity of
gunpowder merely to make a noise, and
one or two blackguards lifted one or two
gates from their hinges to show they were
81
devil. But the most of our people went to
bed quietly as If the coming of New Years
Day was matter of annual occ rrence.
On New Years Day solemn services
! were held in the Catholic Churches of the
city. which were largely attended. Some of
The young gentlemen passed the day in
making calls, and all who could afford it,
or had kind friends to aid them, enjoyed a
good New Years dinner. There WAS no
boiSterOus rOwdyism manifested in The
city, but every body seemed to be in ex-
cellent humor with himself and his neigh
bors. -r..l
The day closed with one or two delight
ful parties, where the young folks met to
"trip the light fantastic toe" to the meas
ure of sweet music. One of these was at
| the residence of DIR. Morgan, and was one
of the most brilliant and pleasant we have
ever wftne sed. The assemblage was large
and highly fashionable, comprising more
beauty and sweetness than we suppo- ed
could be gathered together in one building.
| The music was by the excellent string band
! of the famous Armada, and was unspeak-
ably fine. 1t was indeed a delightful
4 affair.
There was less disorder and tumult in
the city than we ever saw on like oc-
casion, and the police records bear testi-
mouy to the good order of the city. We
saw but one OF two men drunk all day, and
they were waits from some ice-bound
steamer.