Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-10-01
CARRIED ACROSS NIAGARA,

rode across Niagara Falls three times on
the back of Blondin on tight rope. He
says he would not do it again, but that he
did not suffer from fear. To a representa-.
tive of the Chicago NeaUs he said
"In the year 1858 joined Blondin in Bos-
ton. He was of the Francona troupe, in
Guiding Martinetti and the famous Ravels.
I was their scenic artist and painted scenes
with Whitewash brush. We disbanded in
Cincinnati, and there it occurred to Blondin
to cross Niagara on tight rope, and / went
to the falls with him. We had no end OF
trouble getting the necessary permits to
extend the ropes. Blondin only spoke g
little English; that was one difficulty, but
finally we succeeded in getting them from
Porter, who owned the American side, and
tho rest was easy. Blondin wanted to carry
the rope from Terrapin Tower and across
to Davis Hotel, which would have led over
to Horseshoe Falls, through the mist and
spray of the great cataract. They objected,
because Blondin was sure to fall, they said.
The spray would keep the rope damp, and
l, who had engaged to 60 on his back, was
very glad of it. Finally we stretched the
rope from Whites pleasure ground across
to the Clifton House. Not far away from
the place there is now suspension bridge.
There was 1000 feet of rope. 1t took US
nearly five months to stretch the rope and
to get the guy lines in place.
ut was 250 feet above water at its lowest
point, which was fifty feet below the highest
in other words, there was grade of fifty
feet in each 1000 feet. 1t was advertised
through the papers that I was to ride on his
back, and I was the subject Of all kinds Of
attacks and criticisms. | was ready to back
out, but Blondin began to taunt me, and l
got into that corner of pride and vainglori-
BUSINESS which nothing could escape from.
Meantime Blondin had coached me as to
what should do. I YVES to put my weight
on his shoulders by my arms and clasp his
body about with my legs. But could not
put my weight on his legs; that would en-.
the weight on his shoulders. In July, 1860,
dn's back, and he began the descent from
the Canadian side on the rope. By reason
Of the fact that I had to bear my weight on
with main strength, TO support myself, fre-
quent rests were necessary. told Blondin
when I wanted to rest, and then | dropped
down on the rope on one foot and waited
till my arms were relieved, when ] would
spring up again, using only my arms to lit
and hold myself in place. There was a
great crowd there. did not see them at
first. I do not remember what l thought.
From my place on Blondin's back / could
look out to the other shore, and see below
me the stunted pines thrusting their sharp
points up from the edge of the foaming
water, ready to split us if wefel. Iremem-
her, too, that was anxious to get over, and
recall, too, that the great rope before us
made swings from side to side. We after.
wards knew that the rope swung forty feet
at the centre, and felt the necessity OF pre-
serving my selfpossession, and did it.
'There was forty feet length betWeenn
the guy on one side and those of the other
that it was impossible to make steady. 1t
was the middle span. Below US $50 feet
roared the river, and over it we swung from
side to side. Still moving on steadily, how
ever, Blondin never trembled. When he
had gone about ten feet on this middle
span somebody on the American side pulled
the outer guy line. We afterwards found
out that it was done Intentionally and the
rope was stopped in its swing, Blondin stop
ped and his pole went from side to side in
the vain effort to enable him to secure his
balance. At one time it was up and down
on the right side. at another up and down
on the left, and recall now with wonder
that I was only curious to know whether he
would succeed in getting control of myself
or not. didn't feel any fear. Failing in
getting his balance, he started to run across
the horrible span, and we safely reached
the point where the guy rope came from the
American shore. Then to steady himself
Blondin put his foot on the guy rope and
tried to stop, but the guy line broke, and
with dash of speed he ran swiftly twenty
five feet further to the rope. There he re-
covered his balance and whispered loud ::
'Descendez vous.' The perspiration stood
out on his neck and shoulders in great beads
and we balanced ourselves on the swaying
rope. Presently he said 'Allons,' and [
raised myself to his shoulders and we went
on in safety and without accident towards
the shore.
st was not until we landed that appreciated
what had been done. Then it occurred to me
that the man who pulled the guy line was one
of those who bet that the feat could never be &C.
complished, and my indignation mastered any re-
dictionary feeling of fear. You see many thou
sand dollars we're bet upon the ability of Blondin
to carry man over and human cupidity stops at
no sacrifice. Then there were the congratulations
and the praises of pluck and the rest of it, so that
in my foolish boyish elation l forgot everything
else. I do remember, as We approached the shore,
the wonderful tableau of the 100 900 people who
stood gazing at US. remember one man seizins
me in his arms and lifting me high in the air
saying, Thank God, this thing is over' From
the other side there was cheer and then we
were thrown into q carriage and drawn to the In
ternational hotel by the people
II crossed again, twice, the last time under the
patronage Of the Prince of Wales. He congratu-
lated us personally and gave US each purse o
$1OO.-NeU York World.