Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-04-09

NO "a.

had injured several of his keepers, had killed
n few dogs who had ventured within his reach,
AMI had attacked and hurt several others of
his own species. Last spring he became
| savage in the winter quarters of the menag-
erie at Bridgeport, broke loose and made
havoc among the other animals. and was only
subdued after great difficulty. While the
circus was performing in Madison Square
Garden last spring he struck keeper named
Morgan, who passed within reach of his trunk
and knocked him senseless. Then the ugly
brute reached for the unconscious man with
his trunk. drew him craftily inside his rope,
and was about to trample him as he had done
his London trainer, when Col. Arstingstall
came into the stable Just IN time TO save the
mans life. Since then the employees of the
show have lived in constant dread of the ami
NAL, and it was a usual thing on the road
when Pilot showed any signs of temper for all
to bolt but Newman, who has always been
able to subdue him.
For the last week Pilot has been in a vicious
mood. and Gypsy was kept with him in order
as the readers of The Times were made
aware yesterday, he suddenly attacked the
elephant Albert, without warning, and knock
ed him TO the ground as they were being led
to water. Newman secured him after a
struggle, and had chained him in his place,
when the big brute turned on him and gave
him "A grip with his trunk which almost
squeezed the br, ath out OF him, following up
his attack by knocking several teeth out of
his trainers mouth, almost breaking his jaw,
and stunning him completely Fortunately
Newman fell ont of the animals reach, and as
the beast was chained he was unable to follow
up the attack, though he strained at his chain
and beloved fiercely in his efforts to reach
the PROSTATE man. This outbreak was to
serious to be passed over lightly, and Pilot
was set apart for punishment. Visitors at
the show were kept at a distance from him,
and he was chained apart from the other
elephants. All day the fit of viciousness was
upon him. and he stood swaying from side to
side with his malicious little eyes glaring
vengeance at every one who approached him.
Occasionally he would attempt to pull up the
iron stake to which he was attached by lean
ing back upon his launches and then making
a rush to the end of his chain. He tore down
l6 inch posts which were within his reach,
battered down chimney, and attempted to
beat in the brick walls of Madison Square
Garden, and his angry belowngs were heard
for many blocks around. lie manifested
particular spite against Newman, and with
irightful screams attempted TO get at him
whenever he came in sight.
After the show closed on Wednesday night
preparations were made for the subjugation
of the beast. Elephants are brought to terms
when they manifest viciousness by being
thrown and tlrashed until they squeal. When
an elephant squeals, he is subdued and will
give no further trouble for the time being at
ter he is Jet up. Sometimes they will under
go fearful punishment before thus crying
enough, and in severe cases il has been neces-
sary to burn them with red-hot irons, as a
- wan hat t, lat ala hap
up before he is subdued would be apt to re-
suit fatally to somebody. Pilot was chained
with his head to the wall, and he made des-
perate struggle before being thrown. Fritz
and Gipsy were crowded close up on either
side, so that he could not turn to use his
trunk, and attempts were made to get moose
around his fore feet. But as often as the
rope was put on his feet he would reach down
with his trunk and tear it away. The keepers
of the 20 other elephants, each took up his
station by the side of his own particular
charge to soothe them, least Pilots believing
should start them into panic. The unruly
elephant resisted all efforts to throw him for
three hours, and at last rope was got
around his trunk and over his tusks and an
other put about his fore feet. A score of
men pulled on each rope, getting a purchase
around beam, and finally, after a desperate
struggle, the huge beast was thrown to the
ground, screaming with rage, with a crash
that shook the building. Although he was
overcome he refused to give in, and under
went his punishment with savage snorts.
''He is hopeless case, said Mr., Bailey,
''and it is really dangerous to keep him
about any longer. You had better kill him
Accordingly, Col. Arstingsall procured a
large navy revolver, carving As calibre
ball. He approached the head of the ele-
phant, which was secured to u stanchion, and
the beast made a desperate and savage at
tempt 20 break loose, and reach him. Ar
stingstall placed the muzzle of the revolver
close to Pilots breast, between the front legs
and pnlled the trigger. The brute never
finched. Then Colonel Arstingstall shot
him again in the same place, and again un-
der the left eye, and Pilot died without any
further struggle, and his bright spirit fed
The other elephants maintained their usual
composure, with the exception of Gipsey,
who had been Pilots companion for several
years. She refused to be comforted and ate
nothing all day yesterday. and her grief was
really pathetic when 'home they brought
on