The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-01-04

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e s 81 1sa36, js UosyIofisss5 ,;iss5 /
on LNgRGgAtsTAtyrtAH ;Evf1EadE - Benaas
min Shelby, Arthur Shelby, Ball Woods
and William Smith, will be hung in Bur.
nett County, Texas. on the 10th or Janu-
ary.
BARNUMs GoRmLA.- Missouri
democrat contains the following obitu-
ary notice OF one OF Barnum's great ouri-
osities, which is supposed to have been
destroyed Ia the last fire: Z
IL Is seldom that we are called upon TO
note more painful fact than that which
We now record, and which is nothing
more nor less than the rumored death Of
barnum's gorilla, who is supposed to
nave perished in the flames of the mu-
scum recently consumed. The news OF
his untiInely and frightful eud will cause
a feeling OF heartfelt agony to thrill the
bosoms OF his many friends throughout
the country, who witnessed his playful
antics IN his Gage wherever Barnum went
on his last summers tour, or enjoyed his
society at a beer saloon when the labors
OF the day and evenings exhibitions
were ended.
The deceased gorilla was q young man
oi exemplary habits. ami by his versa
tile Industry, supported an aged father
END mother in jersey City, who can
hardly bear their present loss. His ori-
glnai name vas Briggs, and he was Of
1ankee, not Celtic, origin, as has been
enormously stated. Mr.. Barnum be-
came acquainted with young Briggs
many years ago, and keen observer Of
human nature that he is, he soon cav
that the boy possessed talents which
would, If rightly applied, bring him int
pubic notice. Mr.. Barnum first en-
ployed Briggs as mermaid, but his
nervous. sanguineous tomperamen un.
nt.ed hlm Tor wearing wig and cod
hsh skin, and he was shortly after pro-
noted to the position Of wild man. In
this, he achieved no success; and it was
not until Barnum put his great travelling
snow on the road, in 1870, and gave
6rlggs the position Of gorilla, that he
made him famous.
the gorilla tribe has been seen on this
continent Though naturally couyiyial
and social in his taste, he has sat in his
cage on object OF wonder and admiration
to thousands, and submitted to being
stirred up with long pole for the benefit
OF country clergymcn, who stood by ex-
planning to their youthful Sabbath
School scholars how fearfully and won :.
derfully We are made. No murmur Of
discomfort ever escaped his lips, except
ut Terre Haute, Indiana, last July, When
he was heard to remark "that he'd be
ID If he could stand it much longer,
wearing hair overcoat in hot weather.
on salary of $40 O week." His salary
was at once elevated to $12 SO a week.
and he WAS allowed ice in his den there.
after, and no better behaved specimen of
his tribe was ever placed on exhibition.
MIR. Barnum, We are informed, with
characteristic energy, has telegraphed to
Africa for other specimens of rare wild
beasts, to supply the places of those de.
stroyed by the late confagration. He
may procure elephants, lions. tigers and
cockatoes, but he can never fill the place
OF Gorilla Briggs. Not even Dr.. Living
stone, with all of his experience in
African jungles, can capture so fine q
specimen, one who could caper so MIN :.
oly around his seven by nine cage, and
dance to the lasciyious tickings OF his
keepers club with such patience. Go.
rilla, adieu, and may the hurry four
legged PEOuix who arises from your
ashes possess your noble qualities of
mind and heart, and give entire satisfao.
tion to leluded public for the usual
price of half dollar.