The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1875-01-04
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS.
j anuary =, 1875.
" - a. -
BELLAIRE.

BELLAIRE.
PROF. Z. LEON. THE acknowledged
champion rope walker Of America, gave
free exhibition on Water street Friday
afternoon, Of some of the most daring
feats that We ever witnessed. A rope
was stretched from the top of Aults mill
to the top of Pracht's three-story brick
building on the opposite side of the
street, and an hour before the time adver-
tised for the performance the streets and
sidewalks were crowded with men.
women and children for squares, and all
the windows and doors, and even the B.
& o. railroad bridge and depot platform
were crowded with people, who in a short
time witnessed one Of the grandest, most
daring and startling exhibitions of rope
walking that was ever witnessed by any
people, and it would be simply idle for
US to attempt to give anything like cor
rect descr, ption of the performance.
From two TO three thousand people were
present, and Notwithstanding this, the
silence at times was oppressive, until it
was broken by cheers and outbursts Of
applause. But the grandest and most
thrilling performance was yet to come.
A sight that caused women to grow pale
and shrek with terror and strong
men to turn away. A rope was
stretched from the top of Central Hall to
the curb stone on the opposite side of the
street, making a decline of about forty
five degrees. Half past six o'clock was
the hour advertised for the walking to
take place, and the shades of night had
enveloped the city in darkness when
Prof. Leon made his appearance amid
deafening cheers from the assembled
thousands who had gathered to witness
the frightiul ascension, He carried in
his hands long balance pole, ut each
end of which was attached flaming
torch to light up the scene. The night
was dark and stormy, and all present
seemed to hold their breath Us they anX-
iously watched Prof. Leon swaying to
and fro, with nothing but slender
strand OF hemp between him and ctcr-
nifty. Many hid their faces and turned
away, others called out in pleading accents
for him to come back, but he went on
and soon stood on the cornice Of Central
Hall, one hundred and fifty feet distant.
He walked slowly down again, landing
safely on the pavement whore he was
greeted with prolonged cheering. The
crowd then made ash for Central Hall,
where Prof. Leon, assisted by his corps
of star performers, gave an entertain
ment to one of the largest audiences that
ever assembled in that hall. The per-
Torrance inside the hall was equally
meritorious with that outside, and was
appreciated and admired by all. Mrs.
Allie Leon, Miss Mollie West, Mr.. Chas.
, G. Leon, Billy Stephens and Sig. Per-
danto, the wonderful giant, or the man
| with the iron jaw, are all excellent per-
formers in their different specialties. The
Professor informs us that he has never
taken glass of whisky or beer in his
life, was never sick an hour, and has
walked Il rope over the Niagara Falls
seven times. He is a gentleman in all
things, and has made many warm friends
in this city; and should he again visit our
city in the future he will receive hearty
welcome.
The Bellaire wharf has gone at last
and is now singing, "a life on the ocean
wave" somewhere between this place and
New Orleans. What explanation will
the members of the town council give
now?
WHAT are we paying the City Sclici-
tor $500 year for when we have to pay
st. Clair Kelley, Esq, $75 apiece for his
opinion on every question Of law con-
nccted with the business Of the city? Our
Council should blush, and our citizens
should rise up ut once, and put II stop to
this wholesale robbery of the people,
which is being enacted weekly by this
mock town council. There are some good
members, but the ninnies predominant.
THE evolutionary entertainment given
by Miss Rose McCleary, of Pittsburgh.
at School Hall, on Thursday night last,
was grand success.
THE wharf boat belonging to COl.J. I.
Mercer of this place, broke loose from its
moorings on Saturday last, and was float
ing down the river. The Wheeling
packet Courier, towed it back again.
THE new hose reels for our Hre-dc-
partment arrived on the steamer Junlata
Saturday evening. They are beauties.
A SMALL fire occurred on New Years
afternoon. at the residence of Mr.. George
Lov, adjoining Hoge & Sheets banking
house. Fortunately it was discovered
before any damage was done, and was
promptly extinguished.
THE entertainment given 10y the Dis
ciples Sabbath School, on New Years
night, was attended by large and APP
preciative audience, and was one of the
most ENJOYABLE affairs of the holidays
The church was crowded to its utmost
capacity, and the very best OF order pre-
vailed. We shall not attempt II deScrlp-
ton of the performances in detail, but
will saw that all were highly meritoriouS.
AT the conclusion of the entertainment
Will NJ. Cartoons poem, entitled the
New Church Organ, was reclted 10y
Miss Rose McCleary, Of Pittsburgh,
which crowned the evenings pleasures,
and sent all to their homes with GLAD
hearts at the good things they had en-
joyed. c,
The teachers examination on Saturday,
was SHINY attended, most of them having
certificates, and having returned to their
homes mt the close of the Institute.