Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-07-02

1t kept many at home, who. had the weather
been propitious, would have started out early
in the morning. Under foot there was moth
with mire. Rain, moisture and mud made
matters disagreeable for all, and il was with
difficulty that the stalwart horses connected
with the great show, pulled the heavy wag-
ons. Shortly after three O'Clock the first
train made its appearance, and the others
soon followed after The drove of urchins
was promptly on hand to witness the unload
ing as were also many men and even women,
all of whom had missed their morning doze
to get the first glimpse of the wonders of the
great show. The elephans ,csmels, antelopes,
etc, were not taken from the cars until af-
ter O'Clock. All could be seen without
money and without price by the spectators,
with the exception Of the sacred white ele-
plant which was covered with cloth. Jum-
DO lowered high above his fellow elephants,
and the small boy tagged at his heels The
other animals were enclosed in cages.
The genuine circus crowd jammed the
streets to witness the parade, and afterwards
attended the show Nothing draws the coun-
try people into the city like tented show,
and thousands Of strangers were here
during the day. The family car
riage, loaded to its utmost capacity, with
grown folks and the chidren,was everywhere
present, while the young man with his sweet
heart in t0p-buggy, vas frequent sight
Even the members of the Salvation Army
condescended to gaze at the parade.
The procession was not what it would have
been had the weather been propitous. None
of the performers representing characters,
occupied their places on the chariots and
several other features were necessarily omit
ted. But taken as a whole the street show
waslgood. The first chariot, blazing with
gilt, and occupied by band, came rumbllng
down Rine's Hill at 9. 80 o'clock. A chime of
bells was next in line. An
other golden chariot containing
a mammoth globe representing moth
er earth, and drawn by eight magnificent gray
horses, followed. A drum corps in tall con-
vevance made loud music. Sixteen camels.
several of them white, plodded along with
their rolling gait, while herd of
l6 ponderous eleghants logged forward,
faithfully following their keepers. There
were four large ones each one of which had
two of youger growth chained to its side.
Six midget pennies drew big gilt shoe over
which clambered the many children tina,
worried the "old woman that lived in the
shoe" Six more ponies drew golden pea
cock and corruscating chariot bore repre-
sentation of Neptune and his steeds, and a
second sustained a golden elephant. A CALI
ope brought up the rear, giving vent to its
shrill music. The usual route OF procession
was followed.
The afternoon exhibition opened at
o'clock, the doors being opened an hour ear
lier, when the throng began to pour in
Luckily the weather was favorable, and
although the heavens were overcast no rain
fell The great tents which were pitched on
field south of the State grounds covering
eight acres of ground. The usual army OF
shouting fruit and peanut vendors were al
hand, making as much din as possible.
The mensgerie consisted of congre'
CATION of nearly every beast or bird that car
be mentioned, and deeply interested large
number. There were l6 open dens of wild
animals, with a keeper in each; 30 racing
dromedaries, and several sacred camels. The
elephant pavilion drew much attention. One
of the most attractive and int resting features
of the entire show was the Congress OF
Nations" consisting of native Nubians, Zu
lus, real cannibals, sioux Indians, Aztecs
Flat Heads. Africans, Wild Men. Cow Boys
Afghan warriors, Burmese, Nautch dancing
girls. Todas people, high and low-caste Hin
docs. Burmese priests and musicians, al
surrounding the Sacred White Elephant
which was an object of much curiosity to all
The circus performance commenced at :
o'clock There were two rings, each Il
feet across, and an elevated stage 60xS0 feet
There were eight clowns convulsing the assem-
blace with laughter and mirth by their ludi
crous Limitations and funny savings
The Dig n1ppouEoine Will houia" NA"i io'
standing double-team, hurdle, male and fe'
male hockey, foot, animal, and obstacle races,
was highly entertaining. One of the most
remarkable performances ever seen under
canvas, or. in fact, anywhere else, was that
of man upon a spring wire, with balanc'
ing-pole. who actually turned several back
ward and forward somersaults from feet TO feet.
a-Damaian.i, the Hindoo female snake
charmer. created wonder and surprise by the
manner in which she handled and caressed
the great Shiny serpents which writhed and
twisted about her body with perfect freedom.
There was large band of acrobats, trapeze
performers and tumblers, aud their move
ments were truly wonderful. Miss Ismamo-
to accomplished the feat of mounting and
descending ladder in her bare feet the rungs
of which were sword blades. with the edges
uppermost. Tatalia. the mid-air contortionist,
was marvel. The trick elephant, 1 ON Thumb
although a dwarf. displayed almost human
intelligence and did many wonderful tricks.
Owing to the condition of the ground
the horses and heavier animals moved
with difficulty. The show has had Dad
..l.. ,h,s f.r for every day since its en-