Daily Kennebec journal., 1883-06-29

One Of the Best Shows that
Ever Exhibited In Augusta.

rourtn OF July with Its noise and celebration
sinks into insignifcance in comparison. Fore
paugh's great circus with its brilliant pageant,
acres of tents and mammoth menagerie of
animals, drew more people into the city than
have been seen here before for many month.
Hotels overfowed with guests, restaurants
did thriving and lucrative trade and livery
stables were overrun with business. In the
morning wall of disappointment arose as
people awoke only to find the heavens over
east and the rain pattering down. rainy
and dismal day and repetition of last year, s
circus-day was Immediately prophesied. But
fortunately about o'clock the rain ceased
and the day all things considered was a very
favorable one, although many people, no
doubt, were deferred from attending BY
the expectation that a bad day would
ensue. A drizzle fell at times but it
inconvenienced people but little. IS the
three railway trains freighted with the
great show bowled into the station shortly
after o'clock, hundreds of people, notwith-
standing the rain, gathered around to witness
the ponderous elephants and perchance of
the other animals as they were taken to the
grounds.
At an early hour almost in advance of the
first glimmer of day in the east, teams began
to roll in from the country, and from FIVE
O'Clock until ten a continual stream of people
poured into the city, many coming twenty
five and some even fifty miles to visit the
great exhibition. Gardiner and Hallow ell
furnished large delegations.
The streets we're crowded in the forenoon.
Water street was perfect jam of people.
From Bridge street to Market Square the
sidewalks were well-nigh impossible and
windows along the route of the procession
were nearly all occupied. The procession
was all that had been claimed for it
and was the largest and most magnificent
ever seen in this city. At one time it extend
ed from the foot of Green street to the
corner of State and Bridge streets. The
pageant was led by an elegant barouche
drawn by four magnificent horses and con-
tanned the manager of the show.
Following this came a band discoursing
sweet strains of music. Trotting behind
were five dapper little ponies jingling sweet
toned bells. They were accompanied by
seven thoroughbred horses led by grooms
Five elephants drawing a car of animals
ly unmindful of the crowds. mammoth
chariot blazing with gold and overed With num-
erous carved representations of wild beasts
attracted much attention. miniature cart
containg clown and pulled by two jackasses
was surrounded and followed by a troop of
urchins, for whom it possessed much attrac-
ton. An interesting feature of the exhibit
was a cavalcade of knights arrayed in scin-
tillating armors and helmets, and seated on
elegantly caparisoned horses. Four camels
with their characteristic gait strobe along.
hauling vehicle on which rested a boat oc-
cupied by party of five. .fantastically dressed,
who bowed and smirked in a ludicrous
manner. Much astonishment was manifest
ed to see great tawny lion repOsing
on the top of chariot and attended by a
lady. The representation Of CIeopatra's barge
was fully equal to expectations. Cleopatra, the
Egyptian queen, was shown. seated in the
barge amid luxurious surroundings, beneath a
velvet canopy, and attended by a train of
servitors and slaves The Hindoo snake charm
er Nala Eamajante was the center Of all eyes.
She was seated on an elegant chariot. her
h al xvifh of hvsh shv hIaok
locks. One of the finest features of the en-
tire procession was the representation of
L lila Rookh taking her departure for Delhi.
The princess seated 10 an elegant howdah
resting on the back of ponderous elephant,
made a very pretty picture. She was
companed by her attendants seated on two
smaller sized elephants. The cage containing
a man surrounded by troop of fierce tigers
attracted much notice. There were three
teams of elephants in the procession. and for
many these great beasts as they
stalked along were the most interesting part
of the exhibition. Many wagons containing
animals and ornamented with beautiful paint
ings, went to make up the procession and
added much to the effect and display Of the
pageant. The rear was brought up by a
steam caliope which in no uncertain manner
discoursed popular airs along the route.
Three bands of music were included in the
procession. The music was exceptionally
fine.
In the afternoon the mammoth tent, which
it is asserted has seating capacity of $4,000
people. was occupied by about 5000, the
number in attendance being much less than
it otherwise would have been had the weather
been propitious. In front of the tent the street
was filed with carriages of every variety, and
the fruit vender and itinerant peddler drove a
hourishng trade. Entering the outer tent after
passing the multitude of side shows, one
beholds a great and varied array of rare spec
linens of the animal creation, brought to-
gether after strenuous endeavors from the
most distant parts Of the earth. At the
left of the main entrance, lions, tigers,
hippopotami and hyenas were arranged,
while ON the opposite side were various other
wonders of the animal creation. included
in which were many bears and seals. The