The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-06-15
Exciting Scene in an English Town.

| du ueAthOrQlnhIy 5ceuo OccurIeu LII tuo to"u
Belper, in Derbyshire, England, on the 26th ulti
mo. Three gorillas escaped from nenagerie
| frightened the people Of the town, and then tool
walk on the road. The affair is described by
local journal
Mander's Grand National Star Menagerie hat
been exhibiting in the town, and on the conclusion
Of the feeding Of the animals on Saturday night
about twelve o'clock, the whole Of the dens were
properly fastened, and q night watehman, as
usual left in charge. Mr.. Manders, who travels with
the managerie himself, retired to rest about two
o'clock on Sunday morning, having previously
made personal inspection Of the caravans, find
ing everything apparently right and secure. The
Of large coke fire in the centre Of the enclosure,
about haEpast five o'clock, when he suddenly felt
himself pinioned from behind. he tried in vain
to free himself and at length he shouted Justify for
help. Il MIR. Manders, hearing the outcry Of the
watchman, and also the furious barking Of two
large mastiff dogs, opened side window Of the
carriage in which he ives and was startled to see
tie wstchman in the grip OF one Of the large gori-
las he had recently added to the menegeue.
himself perfectly quiet and STILL hastily dressed
himself, and, arming himself with very large
sledge hammer, he went to the rescue. When the
gorilla noticed the approach OF MIR. Manders it re-
leased the watchman, who was luckily considerably
more frightened than hurt and 1t at once sprang
up Of the poles and on to the tits Of the mena
eerie. An inspection was Immediately made Of the
caravan in which the three gorillas had been left
perfectly safe the previous evening, and Mr. Man
dsrs was horror-struck to find that the animals
and had all three made their escape. 1t was then
discovered that the trio were seated comfortably
on the top ridge OF the canvas roof evidently hold
ing high council as to their future proceedings.
"Mr. Manders Immediately dispatched mes-
senger to the various lodgings Of the keepers,
grooms, &C., attached TO the mensgerie, and on
their arrival steps were devised for the recapture
Of the gorillas. This was much more easily ar
ranged than carried out. A long ladder was pro-
cured, and one Of the keepers, with heavy riding
whip, a. cended to the roof Of the menagerie, but
from the threatening attitude assumed by the
gorilas on noticing his approach, MIR. Manders
ordered the man to descend again: gun, loaded
and this had the desired effect of disodging them
from their elevated position. The gorillas, with
horrid yell, sprang from the ridge, ran along the
roofs Of the caravans, and, jumping from of the
elephant wagon, Immediately proceeded at rapid
swing trot along tho Derby Road.
s'This was about seven O'Clock, and the news
that something peculiar had occurred at the me-
nagerie having spread like wildfre through the
quiet town OF Belper, large number OF the inhab-
itants had gathered round the caravans AS soon
as the gun was fired, as previously mentioned, and
the gorllas made their downward movement, Q
perfect panic seized the bystanders, and away
went the crowd in all directions. Mr.. Manders,
mounting his pony, at once proceeded at gallop
along the Derby road, instrncting some OF the
keepers to follow on horseback Immediately. Mr..
Manders, after sharp span Of about mile or two
came up with the hindmost Of the gorillss, who
were proceeding along the highway in Indian file.
Riding alongside the animal, which displayed its
moars in threatening manner, Mr: Manders st ad,
gas tubing across its lons, causing it to drop in
stantly. Having some coils Of rope attached to
his saddle bow, Mr. MandRs dismounted, and,
with the assistance Of some Of the keepers, who
had arrived at the scene OF, action, gorilla No.
was effectuslly secured and placed in an adjoining
stable for safety, while the chase was resumed,
t.The capture Of the second gorilla was very
EASILY accomplished, he being partially stunned
by large stone thrown at his head by one Of the
keepers, It now only reuainod to secure the
third animal, which was discovered in the branches
OF o large .,ak growing by the wsyaide. His go
rillaship appeared to wonderfully appreciate bis
new quar:ers, sprtngng from branch TO branch
with marvellous celebrity for 30 large an animal
Means Of various kinds were adopted to capture
were thrown in profusion; several guns we're fired,
and at length three or four OF the keepers, we'll
armed, ascended the tree, with strict orders to
shoot the gorilla in case OF any determined resist
ance On its part The gorilla finding himself thus
highway again, and was Immediately followed by
Mr. Manders and his attendant horsemen.
"Tbe chase was now esciving, and the spires OF
the Derby churches came In view. The morning
was now. getting advanced, and Mr.: Manders, fssr-
some serious accident mignt take place, called to
the keepers who had loaded firearms to shoot the
animal. Several shots were fred at him, none
taking edsct, when in an instant the gorilla turned
having o long rope with slip moose at one end,
contriYed to get behind the animal, and skillfuly
throwing the lasso the gorilla was secured after a
terrible struggle. 1t is matter OF congratuation
that all these stirring scenes were enacted without
the slightest injury to any person, and we may add
that new flooring Of more substantial character
having been laid down in the caravan, the three
runaways were consigned to their old quarters,
the same evening" ~ ="
Effects or Our Civil War ON Indian Com
. ..r. merce,
The trade Of India in some principal exports
during the five years influenced by the American