Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-01-09
Winning the Race.

The Chicago Inter- ocean Publishes
the following story told in letter from
its correspondent at New York
A few years ago, when p. I. Barnum
was about to open his hippodrome in
this city, among others who applied for
position as "driver" to one of the
fourth hand Roman chariots was fine.
looking young girl of eighteen, about
medium height, with a lovely blonde
complexion, light brown hair fecked
with gold, and blue eyes. She attracted
Mr.. Barnum's attention at once, though
more even for her manners than ap.
pearance, which were very modest, and
ladylike. On being questioned, she
refused to say anything about herself,
and when finding she was fair must
clan and q good German scholar, she
was asked why she did not teach, or
get position as companion 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 COM
pany.
As is generally known, hippodrome
racing is q dangerous amusement, and
while there is great excitement in
watching 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 con-
test, have heard dreadful crash, seen
20 IN kka ls~A
plunge about in mad confusion, lis.
tened to oaths and wild screams, and
watched the form of q woman extricated
and carried off.
These fearful accidents usually re-
suit from the wild state of excitement
into which both horses and drivers get
when entered for a race and striving
for prize which is usually offered.
Knowing their risk, it is with difficulty
that women with sufficient nerve and
physical strength can be found to
drive, and when they are they com.
mand high wages. When, then, this
young girl. who was known in the ring
as Mile. Louise, offered her services,
it was with surprise that they saw the
courage and skill with which she
handled the ribbons"
Night after night she went through
her part triumphantly, and grew to be
great favorite with the public, es.
pecially as she frequently came out
ahead, the horses understanding her SC
perfectly that they obeyed every infec.
ton of her voice.
On q certain memorable evening
there was present among the spectators
appointment young lawyer Of the city,
= man of good looks, bearing and
means, and who at that time was con-
Quoting lawsuit Of the company
which led him frequently to the Office
of the business manager, which was in
the building. On this occasion the two
were chatting together when Mile.
Louise entered. The lawyer remarked
upon her good looks. YES" said
the manager, "but she is more than
od-looking. She is thoroughly good,
and lives like nun. There has never
been one word of scandal connected
with her name. She gets more flowers
and love letters than any Other woman
in the company; but she never takes
any notice of either, and won't even
take them home with her."
"Where does she come from ?" asked
the lawyer
"That is more than any one has
found ont yet. She is lady, of that
I am sure, and have heard her speak
in both French aud German; but don't
cast your eye in that direction, my
young friend, or you will get Skinned
like the rest" - s-
Nevertheless the man of legal lore
became anxious to know what naanne,
Of woman she was, and finally got into
the habit of dropping in nearly every
evening to take a look at her. For 8
long time she seemed oblivious to his
presence, though she could not help
noticing him, as he always stood in the
same place, but one evening as she
6pnun into k1n =