The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-25
AN ENTERPRISE THAT Is TO
ECLIPSE ALL PREVIOUS
EFFORTS,
The King of Showmens New Museum
Mammoth Menagerie, Hippodrome,
Circus, and Centennial Curios-
ity Shop Combined.

II am going on the road again in April, "
said Mayor P. T. Barnum, of Bridgeport,
yesterday, "and intend to treat my mil
lions of friends to a show a great deal
larger than the three immense ones | had
last season all put together"
Mr.. Barnum's term of office as mayor Of
Bridgeport expires in April, and he
intends thereafter to devote himself ex-
clusively to the supervision of his enter
prise. Last year he had, travelling
through the country, the Hippodrome, the
museum, menagerie, and circus. and the
museum and menagerie. Three shows
were too many to manage properly. and
so, at the close Of the season, they were
brought together at Bridgeport and after
ward sold at public auction. All that was
valuable in the three was bought in by the
great showman's agents-the rare and
costly animals, and those properties which
could be advantageously retained for use
in the one great exhibition that was con-
templated.
Among the animals that were bought in
was the hippopotamus, which is valued at
$25, 5000. This is the only hippopotamus
that has been successfully imported and
reared in this country. 1t mad to be
transported on the backs of camels across
the desert, followed by herds of goats to
provide it with milk. The journey over
the sands is seldom successfully accom-
plished. Four hippopotami persisted on
the route during the last season.
The European Circus which was owned
by Smith, Nathan, June and Bailey last
season, and which Mr.. Barnum purchased
in its entirely, is to be incorporated in the
Worlds Fair. 1t contains some attract
ions that Mr.. B&rnum was without in his
last seasons show.
Mr.. Barnum's agents in Europe and
elsewhere are contributing whatever is
novel and attractive and at the same time
purchasable.
The new Worlds Fair, Mr. Barnum' s
new show, is to consist of museum. me-
nagerie, circus, and the leading features OF
the hippodrome. The menagerie includes
larger number of animals than were ever
before collected in travelling show:
Mr., Barnum also contemplate exhibiting
many objects of centennial interest. Nher
he was asked to name one or two as al
index to the chracter of the others. he re
piled: We'll, L am going to produce-hu
no Observation-Disclosures the good of my
furnishing brains for the other show III en-
There's nothing they'd like better than tt
get hint of what I'm going to do"
Eleven hundred persons will be needed
to conduct the exhibition, and it will in
clude $50 horses, 81 cages of wild animal.
double as many as ever travelled in one
show, land it will take 100 cars, construct.
ed especially for the purpose, to transport
the show along its route.
Mr.. Barnum will exhibit at Philadel
phia during small portion of the season
rnd will afterward visit the principal places
between Bangor, Maine, and Kansas City
AS sole proprietor, manager and direct
or, he will accompany the exhibition, AM
will be assisted be Messrs. Smith, Nathan
June and Bailey, the men whom h
bought out last year. His son in-law, Mr.
5. II. Hurd, who is now the receiver O
the Third Avenue Savings Bank, wi
join the show as soon as he is liberate
from his present duties.
Toward the close of the season the en-
tire enterprise will be transported t
Europe for tour of Great Britain, Ger
many, and perhaps France. Several sal
ing vessels and at least one steamer will b
required to transport the properties an
attaches.
Il am expected in England, and will b
well received there" said Mr.. Barnum
adding, Why do you know that l hav
got more personal friends in London tina
| have in New York. Germany knows III
also, and, believe, is ripe for me.