The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1879-10-24
THE ROMANCE OF THE RING.

Mdlle Louise, the Queen Of the Hippodrome
kitty Stokes and Carl Antony.
New York Letter to Chicago Inter ocean,
The prevalent idea regarding circus
people is that they are a coarse, low set,
uneducated, vulgar, without morality
and even decency. Ministers moralize
over them, and make elaborate efforts
to tear the wool from the eyes of the
young, who, dazzled by startling feats
of craftsmanship, gorgeous costuming,
the pounding of the brass band, and the
applause Of the multitude, think it
would be a fine thing to join this glitter
ing thrOng and perpetually 'tmove on. "
Parents, when they take their off
spring to a performance, dwell on the
wickedness concealed beneath the gold
and tinsel, and even the more literally
disposed of the spectators are induced
to think it best to be satisfied with what
they see in the ring, and shut their NOR
al eyes to what they suppose goes on be-
hind the scenes; but those who have
been disinterested visitors "behind the
scenes'' have something different to
say, and while they admit much coarse
ness and roughness, and not infrequent-
wickedness, they will tell of generous
deeds done for sick and unfortunate
comrades; of encouraging words and
friendly aid to new beginners; and of
valiant defense of the lady equestri-
ennes'' when insulted by outsiders !;
more than that, of modest, lady-ike
girls, who lead as umblemished lives
and with greater credit than their sis
tiers in society, where temptations are
not and luxury to be had without deg
radiation. OF two such girls your CORE
spondent has CHANGED to know, and the
history of one, known to your readers in
another role will not be without inter-
est, and carries its own moral as well as
romance.
A few years ago, then, when Barnum
was about to open his hippodrome in
this city, among others who applied for
a position as "driver" to one of the
four-in-hand Roman chariots was fine
looking young girl of 10, about medium
height, with q lovely blonde complexion,
light brown hair, flecked with gold, and
blue eyes. She attracted Mr.. Barnum's
attention at once, though more even
from her manners than appearance,
which were very modest and lady-like.
vi UclIlS QucSLlOucu, SuC IC1uSCu W say
any thing about herself, and when find
ing she was fair musician and a good
German scholar, she was asked why she
did not teach, or get q position as COM
panion to some lady, she replied that no
one would take her without references,
and these she could not furnish. After
giving some specimens of her skill in
driving she was engaged and joined the
company.
As is generally known, hippodrome
racing is dangerous amusement, and,
while there is great excitement in watch
ing these chariots of crimson and gold,
drawn by four spirited steeds, and
driven by young women standing erect
and urging them on with voice and whip,
more than once spectators, when thrilled
with interest at the contest, have heard
. dreadful crash, seen the horses roll
over in the dirt, and plunge about in
mad confusion, listened to oaths and wild
screams, and watched the form of a
woman extricated and carried off.
These fearful acclacnJs usually result
from the wild state of excitement into
which both horses and drivers get when
entered for q race and striving for the
prize which is usually offered. Know