The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-09-16
IN AWFUL SPECTACLE.
The Flying Trapeze In the Air-The
Feats OF Tight-Rope Performer and
Diagician ut a Height OF Three Hun
dred Feet In the Air.

Correspondence Of the New York World
READING, PA, September Z.
One of the most extraordinary and almost
daring was last Monday, the 4th inst, Witness
ed by the citizens OF this place. It seemed 10
me to equal, II not surpass, In thrilling and
painful interest anything ever attempted by
Sam Patch or Blondln In their widest efforts;
az tldiX iXapal lAaesan, As1sTsan as ne styles himself
who had on the previous Wednesday made
balloon ascension In the ordinary way, (the
first balloon ascent of any kind he had
ever made in his llfe,) repeated HE
performance on Monday last. but this Time
with no basket attached to his balloon
nothing whatever, In fact, but common
trapeze. Upon this he seated himself with the
greatest GOODNESS and compoaure, and went
floating away into space, TO the astonlshment
of the large crowd which had gathered to see
him, but few cheers greeting him, as the spec
tators seemed spelled bound with fear and ap-
prehen sion. After ascending to aconsldera'
BILE distance he commenced throwing out
number OF circulars which he had attached to
a little hoop below the balloon, and which ln
the clear atmosphere appeared like twlnkling
stars surrounding the balloon, producing
most novel and pleasing effect. But this was
pothi2y to what followed. At the height OF
some three hundred feet he commenced bal
ancIug himself on his back on the bar of the
trapeze, and going through other fearful evo-
lutions. He then deliberately slid from the bar
head downwards, and, catching himself By the
feet, remained suspended for several seconds
In that awful position! The appalling sight
was one never to be forgotten BY those who
witnessed it. thrill and low murmur OF
horror passed through the immense multi
tude, who were looking on with intensest In
terest, and many hurried away from the sight
giddy and faint. The daring @ronaut, how
ever, went through his evolutions successful.
ly, ano, regaining his seat, went soaring rapid
ly and steadily upward. When OF the helSht
Of ofthree.quarters of q mile. he had the as
founding nerve to repeat his performance,
which, at so great a distance, could only De
clearly visible by the aid Of glasses. What made
this ascent all the more hazardous. Is that
the balloon Is a very email one, carrying but
little ballast, and with nothing but a light
anchor attached to the hoop. | am glad to
say that the aronaut completed his voyage
safely, although he once or twice seemed 10
be in considerable danger. The trapeze struck
the roof OF Henry Commands residence, on
Fifth street. when Mr.. Donaldson made skill
full lean from the trapeze, and prevented col.
llson. The balloon then ascended and came
down again on the other side OF the road in
field, and was about striking the top OF tree,
when Mr.. Donaldson turned somersauit on
the trapeze rope and prevented the par from
catching In the tree. There Is some talk OF our
having a repetition Of this painful exhibition
during our fair next week, II the aulnorltles
do not Interfere to prevent It.