Connecticut western news., 1883-01-10
SECRETS OF THE CIRCUS.
interesting Talk with u Gymnast-HOv the Perpendicular Leap is Performed.

interesting Talk with Gymnast-HOw the
 Perpendicular Leap is Performed. Lulu, the gymnast has been inter- viewed by reporter and gives us little sketch of his exploits. Lulu it is known, appeared for number of years as a female and was so believed to be. He says:-" My sex was always a matter of speculation, but my appearance was in favor of the theory that was woman 1; and no one could assert that I was not. When I was younger my face was of an essentially feminine type. I maintained sSs disguise under all circumstances; even my intimate acquaintances were deceived. My hair, which was very light, was allowed to grow long, and was put up in curl papers every night; as regularly as the locks of the most finical maiden. My dresses were marvels of art and-if may say 1.-the envy of women. I received all sorts of atten- tions from men. No favorite equestrienne ever received more notes or flowers. Once was asked to act as bridesmaid at wedding, and as I could not refuse, I went through the ceremony, blushing when it was proper and looking demure and sorry just at the right moments. But the greatest trial ever had was in i fighting off German baron who wanted to marry me. He attended my perform ances night after night, sent me flowers and messages and made use of every opportunity he could to express his devotion. He followed me from town to town, and it was with difficulty that got rid of his attentions at last"
 How was your perpendicular leap made?"
 "By means of a mechanical device," replied the gymnast, twirling his nous tache. "It is necessary to have innova- tions i1i all forms of amusement. The world grows tired of old tricks. stood in full view of the spectators on an iron plate about foot in diameter, which was attached to a spindle running down through framework. This spindle was thrown up distance of seven feet above the stage by means of rubber springs, carrying the plate with it. The springs were powerful enough to send my body through the air like shot. Another set of rubber bands jerked the spindle back as quickly as it shot out, so that the motion both ways was too quick for sight. On reaching my distance I caught hold of ropes.
 tIt was necessary to pose my body so that it would be in line with the median line of the spindle. Otherwise I would 1 receive severe shock, be thrown in the l wrong direction and miss the ropes. The least delay in releasing the spring after the signal is given increases the danger.
 "One night at Dublin the machine was imperfect and the spring became released before I was ready, trowing me on my head and shoulders in the ochestra circle. There was great up roar in the house. When they carried me out they thought I was dead. This performance is so dangerous, in fact, that no other gymnast has ever under taken it.
 "What sensations do you experience ?" "I feel as if the earth had suddenly fallen from under me. But there is really no time for thought. I am at the ropes ill an instant"
 "How are you able to grasp the ropes?"
 "By instinct. can see nothing" | "What induced you to give up this performance
 "I grew too stout. One day my body was almost telescoped by the shock. I then set to work to devise & machine that would enable me to distribute the force over my whole body. The result was the catapult, after several months spent in making experiments. An iron plane about fifteen feet long is suspend ed on an axle on slight angle. Rub- Der springs are made to act so as to throw the plane forward suddenly into position nearly perpendicular. This movement throws my body, which is ly ing at full length at the upper end of the plane, so that I describe an arc and anght in net about sixteen feet from the machine. My first performance on the catapult was given three years ago at Blackpool, England.
 "I was nearly killed two or three times, although had experimented for months with weights and stuffed figures, could not tell how far the machine would thow me or in what position I would alight 1 The first time was thrown Host all sense of what was doing or where I was go- ing. was utterly helplesss and came down into the net on my head and face. I My head was so cut and bruised that my hair came out in bunches."