The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1868-01-02
From. the DaiW Inquirer, Dec. 2lst.

pndnG ROMEO UOftS Ills AGop0I w
Death.
A lamentabe occurrence took place on
last at the village of Hat
Montgomery county, during
which the renowned elephant Romeo
inflicted such terrible INJURIES on his keep
er, Mr.. w. S. Williams, that he died in
about one hour afterwards. 1t appears
that portion of the animals Of well
known menagerie establishment were plac
ed in winter quarters at the stable Of Mr.
James Miller, at Marlborough, and Mr.
Williams speciality consisted in taking
care of the elephant "Romeo." On Wed
nesday morning Mr. Williams went into
"Romeo's" quarters, and found the mon
ster In no amiable mood. After temporarily
bringing the animal to terms by admin
isteriug some punishment, Mr.. Williams
(the only man living who exercised any
power over him), took ''Romeo" to a
trough, for the purpose of washing his
face and tusks. As he (Williams) was
STOPPING. with his back toward him "Ro,
meo" suddenly seized him with his trunk
and dashed him with great violence against
the wall, after which he gored him fear
fully with his tusks. He then kneeled
on the PROSTATE man with his ponderous
weight, and crushed him fearfully. The
screams Of Mr. Williams brought Mr..
Miller and some others to his assistance
and with considerable danger to those en-
gagged in the work, the mutilated body Of
the unfortunate man was dragged out, the
elephant being kept at bay by means Of
pitchforks. Medical aid was at once sum.
morned, but Mr.. Williams expired in a
little over an hour afterward.
"Romeo" is native of Ceylon, where
he was captured some ten years ago, when
he was considered full grown. He, for u
number Of years, was used in State pro-
cessions and for warlike purposes. He
at last was taken among other munitions
of war, and sold to some London meuag-
erie rroprietors, who vaialy ossayed tQ
train him to perform such tricks, gambols
and feats as are done by the majority Of
performing elephants. Either he had no
capacity for the school of art, or else his
violent and at times ungovernable temper
discouraged his would-have- been tutors
so he was sent to America in 1859, aud
purchased for the establishment of Mabic
Il Co, an extensive and reputable concern
onca the leading menagerie in North
America.
"Romeo" was chrlstened "Canada," 4"
from the fact that he landed first in the
Provinces, and as such vas known in De
lavan, Wis, where he was an object of
terror. He was apparently aware of his
immense powers and supreme strength
Bolts, bars and chains were no hindrance
to bim-he defed Enclosures battered down
massive doors, and made general STAN
pede whenever his humor prompted him.
Cornfelds, orchards, truck patches, and
choice gardens, were sacrificed to his
voracity..Or his destructive disposition =
He gardually grew TO be dcspot, feared
by all, even those who had been specially
engaged to handle him. In one of his
periodical paroxysms Of rage. he killed
number of horses, and did other injuries,
creating such general CONSERVATION that
the town authorities, at the instance of
the citizens, ordered out the. local militia
to destroy him. Mr. j. Mabie, wishing
to preserve him (having cost an immense
amount of money! persuaded them to de-
sist, sent for Mr. William H. Williams.
who after three days Of arduous labor
succeeded in throwing and weaving
chain work around him, so that his pow
ers to infict injuries were to great ex-
tent controlled. As long as Mr. Williams
remained with him, "Romeo" was appa
rently docile, although he never would
permit any one else to approach him. Mr..
Williams, shortly after this event, retired
to his farm, in Canada.
Romeo was coaxed and driven to
Philadelphia in the fall of 1865, where he
was placed under the care of new, but
inexperienced elephant manager. He was
not long, however III making a ively de-
monstration. He seeded from his keeper,
battered down the walls of the building|
wherein be was confined, and escaped IN
to the crowded thoroughfares of the city,
causing a general panic He rushed to
the outskirts Of the city, and ensconced
himself in a grove, where no Que had the
foolhardlness or the courage to approach
him. People were afraid to walk the
streets, and cannous were placed so as to
rake him fore and aft. La the dilemma,
Mr.. Williams was again summoned but
before he arrived "Bomeo" was shot by
an expert marksman, and deprived Of the
sight of his left eye. The wound made
him more furious, the crowd ran from
the scene, and the mad elephant was left
master of the situation. Mr. Williams,
with caution, approached his place Of am-
bush the monster knew his voice, and
permitted him to come up, and with gen
tie, though firm treatment, he mollifed
and finally succeeded in getting him to
his quarters. Mr.. Williams had had en-
tire control of him ever since that time
aud for liberal yearly compensation
travelled and exhibited him in the arena.
Frozen Up.
Property to ten millions of dollars said TO i