The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1868-07-08
A Tiger at Large in Antwerp.

~ lrlShtlul mlShap, accompanied by TN,
most tragic circumstances, spread terror
on Sunday morning last, through I'll,
district OF ST. Jacques. The Geological
Gardcn has for a long time been in pos
session Of two magnificent Bengal ri
gers, one OF which was to be forwardc,
to London. TO avoid accident, III,
animal was placed in wagon secured
with strong iron bars. The creates,
prccautlon was therefore taken to avoid
a catastrophe. At $3.50 in The morning
the hallway servant perceived an cnor-
nous animal clearing at bound the
wall which separates the geological
Garden from tho railway station. The
tiger had in TACT escaped, having bent
and broken two Of the iron bars Of his
cage. The first object Of his fury was
The carthorsc ola nightman which hap
pcncd to DO passing. The tiger bound.
ed on tho unfortunate horse, biting him
in the flank, and tearing the straps
which attached him to the cart. The
driver, who at first sought safety on the
horses back, hid himself under the cart,
but not before receiving wound in the
leg from the tigers paw. Meantime
the horse, mad with terror and pain.
gallopcd fnrously towards tho market
OF 81. Jacques, pursued by the tiger
Hero another deplorablc event occur
red. A gardener who was passing the
street attracted the fury of the beast
l'hc tiger sprang at linn, tearing his
breast, legs, and neck in fearful man
ncr. Having finished his victim, the
animal dragged the body some distance;
Lo then abandoned il and rushed into
ST. Annc's court. whcro his presence
caused ndiscribablc terror. NJ. Vekc-
mans, tho director OF the Hoolog,cal
Garden, having been informed Of the
escape, proceeded with his slalrin pur-
snt, and came up with the Canmal at
The corner OF st jacques street ncat the
house Vcrstrepcn. a night-watchman
and three or four other persons took
refuge III small shop opposite this
house. The tiger sped them and stood
Tor moment rs though he intended to
rush Mt them through the tho window.
lie pursued his course, however, through
the market. NJ. Vckcmans with his
assistants, after tho animal got into St.
Annc's court, barricadcd tho entrance
AND F,"ssa SD a,Esp! tEEesp iSy It yi'hh 'lhhca g3swmJ
the houses Of the court in order to
frightcn him into this trap. The tiger
lay crouchcd against the door of tho
eteltcr OF NJ. DO Br,ekelecr, tho sculptor,
but perccivng ono Of tho men in pur.
suit OH the roof OF n house, he lcapcd on
tho roof OF lower house and assumed
most mcnacng position. NJ. Vckcmans.
Dc EracIclccr, Wcrbrouk and Vcrhov-
en- were armed with guns. The tiger
having perceived them, descended from
the rool, evidently bent on making al
attack, and when about four metres off,
he crouchcd to make his spring The
order to fro was given, and three guns
were discharged in succession. The first
shot appeared to have missed, lI;c second
struck the animal, tho third Inflicted
mortal wound. He to.tcrcd back to
The entrance Of tho court, where VI. De
Braekcl"er finished him with fourth
shot. These gentlemen behaved with
great intrepidiLy, and bat for their cool
ness and the measures they adopcd,
much greater injury would havo been
done. Tie gardener who was attacked
never spoke, and died in the hospital the
same morning.-E%cuat, Junc 6.