New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-04-03
MIR. B4RXUM ARRESTED.


THE CASE or THE ELLIOTT CHILDREN IN COURT
CGsEs.
p. T. Barnum, the well-known Snowman, bis
partners, James l.. Hutcbison and j. A. Bailey.
and James Elliott, the father of the children now
performing on uucycles and bicycles at the Madi-
son Square Garden, arrested yesterday MOI n
ing by Rourdsman Campbell OF the Jefferson Mar
kut Police COurt Squad. The warrant was issued
by Justice Duty at the Instance OF the Society Tor
the Prevention OF Cruelty TO Children, the charge
being n violation of the law IN permitting the puD-
lie performances by p" the Elliott children with
which the public has become well acquainted.
Authority for this action was found IN section ~
OF the Penal Code and in other laws relating to tue
protection of children.
At o'clock Eibridge 7 Gerry, president Of the
society, entered the court, speedily followed by
DIR. Barnum AMI the other Defendants accompanied
by their counsel, Howe ~ Humniel Mr.. Howe said
he would waive an examination and requested That
the papers be sont TO the Special Sessions without
delay, ~ he wished 1t TO he disposed OF either TO-
day or tomorrow. Mr.. Gerry thought that bail
should be- liked. The Justice said 5000 IN each case
would do, and accepted Mr.. Barnum as surety Tor
the total amount.
In order to submit the matter TO the observation
OF those thought best able to Judge of It's true ner-
its. n private exhibition given by the Elliott
children at the close OF the afternoon performance
at tho Circus in the presence OF about 400 invited
guests. This audience included many prominent
physicians. police iustices aad journalists. Among
those present were Drs. Lewis A. SayTe, Isaac I.
Taylor FOrdyce Barker, John II. Hinton. James l..
Little, w. +. Mitend0rf IL. l.. Repney Professor OF
Anatomy at tie University OF the City OF New
York &. Fayette Taylor, William Frederick Hol-
comb, Alexander b. Mott. o. III. Presby, John 7.
Garrlsh, Henry G0ldrhwait aud George ). C0nant;
Judges Brady, Gliderseeve and COwIng; Police
Justices Gardner kilbreth, White, Smith and FORD.
Alter all were seated Mr. Barnum stepped upon the
platform and SAID:
We propose to give you an exhibition of the
skill OF hese children in ridIng upon the unlcycle
aud bicycle, and ii at It's conclusion any of the gen
temen present regard it as injurious to the health
or morals Of Of the performers, ! desire to
their lives. Mr.. Gerry objects to the
performance simply because somebody thinks
it demands too much exeriOn. The law forblds
singing, dancing and acrO0atic performances ana
contend this comes under neither of these fea-
lures Mr. Elliott states that the children owe
their health and strength TO those machines"
The band struck up IA lively ar and the four OF
the older children came upon the plat.
form with wheels measuring about two feet
in diameter strapped to their feet
With IA very slight movement of the body they
began to glide gracefully around the stage, carry
ing dextrously fans, parasols or whips. and tracing
graceful figures with their swift wheels
a Reformed resting on nasTs biSTees WE
wonderful skill. A table five feet in diameter was
placed IN the centre of the stage, and four chdren
with their machines rode about its surface with
great ease. After three of the children had with
drawn the top OF the table was set In motion by
springs aud The boy who remained upon its surface
by rapidly propellIng the wheels of his bicycle In
an opposite direction able To MAINTAIN the same
relative position.
Al the close OF the performance an informal meet
ing of the physicians present was held, ana reso-
luton declaring that the performances was neither
morally nor physically detrimental the the chlIdren
was adOpted. DR.. Sayro said that he regarded what
he saw a very graceful and healthy exercise.
Several physicians stated tx they would Ike to
have their children learn to ride the machines.
Professor Renney declared the performance to be
healthy and worthy OF cncOuragement