Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-06-12
DUTCH MARY KILLED.
snoorIxc AN EIEpHANr

The huge body Of an elephant was
stretched on the ground yesterday
morning behind the buisalo-stables in
the rear OF the arsenal in Central Park.
Near 10 a Persian cow with sleek black
sides was tcthorcd and her frolickmg
young calf was grazing. The elephant
vss known a. Dutch Mary. an African
elephant only eight years old, belonging
70 Barnam, Bailey & Hutchinson. she
had been in this country only two
years. but was an intelligent and docile
animal and great iavorite in the cir
Gus. She advanced rapidly in her
circus education, and seemed 70 en-
10Y the display OF her intelligence as
much as those who saw her. While
garnum's circus was at the Madison
Square Garden in March, Dutch Mary
slipped and fell heavily while perform
one Of the pedestal tricks. She didn
appear much injured at the time, but the
keeper discovered the next day that some
thing was wrong, and the animal was
taken ont Of the regular programme for
treatment. Instead Of recovering she
became worse. and when the circus left
the Garden Dutch Mary was placed
with another elephant which was also
indisposed under the care Of Superin-
tendeat Conklin, Of the Central-Park
Geological Gardens.
In a few days it was discovered by
Mr.. Conklin that Mary was unable TO
use her hind legs freely and there were
Indications Of paralysis. lie consulted
with DR.. A. F. Liautard, dean Of the
American Veterinary College, who had
been requested by Mr.. Bailey TO look
after the health Of the elephant. and
who made calls on his patient every
day. They agreed on the symptoms
Of paralysis, and course OF treat
ment was determined on, involving
mainly the use Of strycnine, which was
employed TO counterfeit the disease.
Three powders Of two grains each were
given Dutch Mary daily. Each one
was sufficient to kill healthy man, but
the elephant, whose weight was nearly
two tons. took them without any ap-
parent bad effect. For time she APP
peared to improve; her appetite in
creased wonderfully and she gained in
flesh. But the use Of her hind legs
gradually became less and less, and a
month ago they gave out entirely and
she was unable TO get on her feet.
Electricity was employed, but the
current from half a dozen batteries
seemed too weak TO penetrate her
tough hide. DR.. Liautard suggested
that II they could secure connection
with an electric-light circuit il might
produce the desired result, but on
further examination ii was ascertained
that the paralysis was probably due to
n fracture Of the vertebra caused by
her fall, and in that case Mary was be-
yond recovery. She suffered no pain.
and she was removed from her COM
panion to the buffalo-stables. The
stryehnine treatment was kept up, and
her appetite continued good, but for
two weeks she has remained in one pos
ture. stretched on her left side, recog-
MIXING everything that was going on
around her and devouring large guam
titles Of fresh-cut grass.
Poor old girl 4" said Superintendent
Conklin yesterday morning, as ne ex-
planned the Affections of the amin a.
awe can't do anything for her, and |
expect that we will have TO put an end
TO her soon. il is too bad, Molly"
Molly looked up at him with bright
black eye, and then twisted her trunk
around the arm Of DIR. Liautard, who
had just come up, and now patted her
on the head.
at will have to be DONE" said he.
81 have just received letter from Mr..
Bailey, who tells me, if | think there
is no hope, she had better be killed. |
hate to do it, though
Superintendent Conklin gave it as his
opinion that there was no chance Of re-
covery. A keeper was sent to the
arsenal and returned presently, bring
ing q Winchester repeating-rille loaded
with half-onee conical balls. The park
policeman drove back the crowd that
collected, though line Of wagons and
another crowd collected on a drive at
some distance. The Persian COW looked
alarmed at these precautions, but her
calf became curious and had to be
driven away. The buffalees 10 the
stables took alarm and looked on Wild
ly, but Dutch Mary put out her trunk
and ran it over the barrel Of the rifle
and the doctor and superintendent
turned away their heads.
"Aim in a straight line right along
side Of her eye, Pete" said Mr.. Conk-
lin. a. so as TO reach the BRAIN
The sick elephant Of sudden lifted
her head and sent out trumpet-like
roar Of alarm. Then her head fell back
against the stable wall, so that it was
necessary 10 pry her huge body away
from the wall. She seemed to realize
her danger and her eyes showed alarm,
but she was helpless after her first ex-
eTtion. The keeper took his aim stand
ing within a few feet of her head.
There was a loud report. and Dutch
Mary lifted her head with bright
red spot in the centre Of 1t where
the ball had entered, and uttered
terrific roar after roar that startled all
the animals in the gardens. The COW
began 10 below and the builaloes
plunged in their stables, while the
lions and tigers walked to and fro in
their cages short distance away and
reared in response. This efiert only
lasted . moment when the elephant
head sank down again exhausted. The
bullet had not reached fatal spot.
Another fash and report and another
red spot was imprinted on the huge
head . little lower than the first. The
eyes Of Dutch Mary glared furiously.
A stream Of blood spurted from hei
trunk as she filled the air with piercing
roars. With tremendous effort she
raised herself on her fore feet--nC
longer docile, but thrashing her head
fereely 10 and fro with the effort q
reaching some one with her trunk
which cailed in the air like serpent
For . moment il seemed as il she woult
lit her whole body TO her feet once more
but the strain was too great. Her erie
dsepensd into . groan, and she fell bacl