Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-01-24
o BrTU.sBy'- B.sHwU.us G0HIL-
L-4.


1t Is seldom that we are called upon 10
note more painful fact than that which we
now record, and which IL nothing more nor
less than the rumored death of Barnum's
gorilla, who Is supposed to have persisted
in the flames of the Museum recently con-
sumed. The news of his untimely and
friphtful end will cause a feeling Of heart
felt agony TO thrill the bosoms of his many
friends throughout the country, who wit
messed his playful antics in his cage wher-
ever Barnum went on his last summers
tour, or enjoyed his society at beer saloon
when the lsbor's Of the day aud evenings
exhibitions were ended.
The deceased gorilla was young man OF
exemplary habits, and by HE versatile in
dustry supported an aged father and moth
err In Jersey city, who can hardly boar
their present loss. His original name was
Briggs, and he was of Yankee, not Celtic
origin, as has been enormously stated.
Mr.. Barnum became acquainted with
young Briggs many years ago, and, keen
observer of human nature that he Is, he
soon saw that the boy possessed talents
which would If rightly applied bring him
| into public notice. Mr.. Barnum first en-
ployed Briggs az a mermaid, but his ner-
vous sanguineous temperament unified
him for wearing a wig and Goldfish skin,
and he was shortly after promoted to the
position Of wild man. In this he achieved
no success, and 1t was not until Barnum
put his great travelling show on the road in
1870, aud gave Briggs the position of go
rilla, that he developed those ecceutricities
that have made him famous. For two
years no better specimen of .the gorilla
| tribe has been seen on this continent.
Though natural and convivial in his
tastes, he has sat in his cage, su object Of
wonder and ,ad mirstion to thousands and
submitted to being stirred up with lon9
pole tor the benefit of country clergymen,
who stood by explaining to their youthful
Sabbath school scholars how fearinlly and
wonderfully we are made. No murmur Of
discomfort ever escaped his lips, except al
Terre Haute, Ind, last July, when he.was
heard to remark that he'd "be id II he
could stand 1t much longer wearing hail
overcoat In hot weather on a salary of 81
week." His salary was at once elevated
to Sl2. so week, and he was allowed ice II
his den thereafter. and no better behaved
specimen of his tribe was ever placed OF
exhibition.
Mr.. Barnum, we are informed, will
characteristic energy, has telegraphed Il
Africa for other specimens Of rare wilt
} beasts, 10 supply the places Of those de
stroyed by the late conAagration. He ma.
procure elephants, lions, tigers, and cocka
atos, but he can never Gil the place of Cor
lila Briggs. Not even DR.. Livingstone
| with all his experience in African jungles
} can capture so fine a specimen, one VIII
( could caper so nimbly around his seven b.
nine cage, and dance to the lascivious tick
ings of his keepers club with such ps
tience. Gorilla adieu and may the hair
= four legged Phoenix who arises from you
t ashes, possess your noble qualities OF min
5 and heart, and give entire satisfaction to
g deluded public for the usual price of half
I dollar.-T. Louis Democrat