Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1878-06-06
The Circus.

To jewellers in the cities, where amuse-
ment are at discount, and the trouble
lies in deciding what show to patronize,
the advent of circus troupe occasions
little comment and no excitement. Peo-
pie grumble at having the dead walls
defaced with the staring bills and posters
emblazoned with representations Of the
human form dancing on nothing, and up
side down at that; they smile over the
spectacle, on paper, of Middle. La
Something or other riding six horses all
at the same time, with only two legs and
one BODY to do it Without they don't
think of going to see how it is done--that
is, the more respectable portion of them.
In the country it is different,
When community of people is at such
low ebb in the way Of amusements as to
find a walk to the grave yard, Sunday
afternoon, exhilarating, and funeral in
the meeting house diversion, of course a
circus is something to be talked about.
The village paper prints glowing ad
vertisement, embellished with engravings
of the wonderful chariot, drawn by ten
white horses; and then there are the
dancing bears, and the elephants and the
monkeys. And everybody has a lurking
curiosity to see neutrality-suspicious. be-
cause there is Darwinian streak in them,
and they long to know something of their
illustrious ancestry.
For three weeks before the coming OF
the circus the country boys and girls do
without their sticks of candy swhen IA
Their goes to the store" and save up their
pennies to pay their fare into the circus.
"Admittance fifty cents; children under
twelve years, half price," SO reads the
circular.
About that time all the boys and girls
are under twelve years. 1t will be rare
thing to find any children or young peo-
pie over that age. The old folks think
fifty cents lawful high to see one OF these
kicking up shows" and they talk it over
among themselves, and decide that 'sas
Mary Ann is small of her age, which is
fifteen, and as Thomas amt very stout
built for boy of eighteen, they guess
they'll try to get 'em in for half price.
Thomas can scrooch q little, and Mary
Ann don't look more'n ten, with her hair
braided and hanging down her back"
| Good honest souls, who wouldn't be
seen putting counterfeit nickle on the
plate on Sunday, will argue this, and
teach their children lessons in deception
but it is a circus, and q quarter is all il
is worth. - &
A few people there are who consider
circuses immoral, and such close their
blinds on circus days, out can generally
be found peeping out through the Stats al
the procession, though they would stoutly
deny the fact if questioned.
Every girl has to have new dress fol-
the circus. She also must have her hal
smartened up little, for all the beaus
will be there, and ready to treat" the
best-looking girls to peanuts and
lemonade, and perhaps take tn m in to
see the side-shows.
| The circus affords q splendid oppor
tunity for devoted SWANS to escort their
lady-loves abroad and you will see them
by the dozen, in their long-tailed coats,
and well-oiled hair, carrying an umbrella
in one hand, and supporting their hearts
adored on the other arm. And if very de-
voted and, strictly speaking, "meaning
business, " the faithful swain will load her
down with bags of candy and peanuts,
and o japanese fan, and the poor, blush
ing, happy young thing will stagger
along under these burdens of affection,
and if anybody steps on her trail she is