The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-09-14
DEDICATION OF THE NEW INDEPENDENT
CHURCH.
The Flying TKapeze i'm tsle Air-The
Fcars OF n Etshg-sopc Performer
and HImsicsnn at Height Of Three
Hundred, Feet I'm tlae arr.

correspondence Of the New Y1!k WoIld.l
READING, BEEKs Co., PA, Sept. 7.-Une
Of the most extraordinary and almost in
credible exhibitions Of humAD intrcpidity
and daring was last Monday, the 4th inst,
witnesse by the citizens of this place. II
seemed to me to equal if rot surpaSs in
thrilling and painful interest anything ever
attempted by Sam Patch or Blondiu in their
widest efforts. An individual named Dom
aldson-a tight-rope walker and "magi.
cau," as he STYLES himSclf-Who had OIL the
previous Wednesday made il balloon as.
ccnson in the ordinary way (the first
balloon ascent of any kind he had
ever made in his life), repeated his
performance on Monday last, bul this time
with no basket attached to his balloon
nothing whatever, in fact, but common
trapeZc. Upon this he seated himself with
the greatest GOODNESS and composure, and
went floating away into space, to the aston
ishment Of the large crowd which had gath.
cred to see him, but few cheers greeting
him, as the spectators seemed spell bound
with fear and apprehension. After ascend
ing to i considerable distance he commenc-
ed throwing out number of circulars
which he had attached 10 a little hoop be-
low the balloon, and which in the clear at
mosphere appeared like twinklins stars
surrounding the balloon, producing il most
novel and pleasing effect. But this was
nothing to what followed. At the height
of some three hundred feet he commenced
balancing himself on his back Oh the
bar OF the traneze, and going through
liberately slid from the bar head
downwards, and, catching himself by the
feet, remained suspended for several Sec
onds in that awful position! The appall-
lug sight was one never to be forgotten ny
those who witnessed it. A thrill and low
murmur Of horror passed through the I'M
mense multitude, who were looking ON
with intensest interest, and many hurried
away from the sight giddy and faint. Inc
daring aGronaut, however, went through
his cyolutions successfully, and. reSalnlns
his seat, went soaring rapidly and steadily
upwards. When at the height Of three
quarters Of a mile he had the astounding
nerve to repeat bis performance, which, at
80 great 4 distance, could ouly be clearly
visible by the aid OF glasses. What made
this ascent all The more hazardous is that
the balloon is very small one, carrying but
little ballast, and with nothing but light
anchor attached to the hoop. ....
um glad 10 say that the asronaut COM
pleted his voyage safely, although he once
or twice seemed to be in considerable dam
ger. The trapeze struck the roof of Henry
Copnard's residence, on 9th street, when
MIR. Donaldson made skllful leap from the
trapeze, and prevented collision. The
balloon then ascended and came down again
on the other side Of the road in d field, and
was about striking the top Of tree, when
MIR. Donaldson turned somersault Oh the
trapeZe rope and prevented the bar from
catching in the tree. There is some talk OF
our having q repetition of this painful ex-
hibition during our fair next week, If the
authorities do not interfere to prevent 1t.
1t really seems to me that they should, and
of the country to denounce such reckless
and unnecessary risk of human life for the
mere qualification of morbid excitement.