Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-03-31
THE FALL OF BABYLON.
Most Magnificent Spectacle Given
In Modern Times.
The Order of Cincinnatus and Its
Work for the Benefit and
Advantage OF Gin
ciunati.

leading citizens of Cincinnati, will re-
produce at their extensive grounds the
celebrated historical spectacle, "Tbe Fall
of Babylon" which was brought out by
them two years ago as tentative effort
in the amusement world. This bare an
nouncement is a strong forecast of the
grandeur and magniticence with which
this Order will prepare every detail of
this great coming event as one of the
great attractions for the Centennial year.
The successes which they have enjoyed
thus far have demonstrated that the de-
mani is increasing for the graphic rep
resen tations of the great epochs OF his
tory, and that both as a source OF eater
tainment and a practical incubation OF
historic lessons, the spectacles which
they have hitherto granted, have been
useful beyond all description.
The Order of Cincinnatus was estao-
lished for the benefit and advantage OF
the business interests of Cincinnati, and
1t NAV be said with no little truth that
in the continued and increasing pros
perlty of this city. the tributary land
and people find returning recompense.
The first means which this Order took
to draw the attention and presence OF
strangers was an annual celebration In
the form of q parade, the features of
which were masQuerading or categorical
representation of historical characters
and costumes in every sphere of life. 1t
became apparent, however, after three
seasons, that together with the yery
praiseworthy object of entertaining the
strangers who came to the city to view
and enjoy the progra m me OF the Order,
the higher object OF instruction and edi-
fication could be introduced with still
greater advantages of all around.
The .Fall OF Babylon" was prepared
as an experiment, and upon q magni-
tude which called forth many douo BITS as
to the exp diency and success Of SO dar-
ing a venture. The signal triumph
which awaited the energy and enter
prise of the Order Cincinnatus has al
ready been told. The newer and greater
sp ctacle of "Rome Under Nero" was
prepared and given 10 the public last
Summer. for the ffth anniversary of
this Order, and at an expense of one hum
bred and twenty thousand dollars. For
six successive weeks this second spec
tacle drew from 1000 to 10000 people
nightly. Louage, the historian. states.
In illustrating the magnitude OF the an
cient Roman stage, that the great
Roman tragedy writer, Titus An
dronicus, produced, during the golden
days of that great ancient empire, the
play of "Clytemnaestra," with the un-
precedented caste of seven hundred
characters upon the stage, but 1t remains
for the recording angel of history to
write down that in this great modern
metropolis, upon it's yellow Iiber. the
Order of Cinclnnatus produced not only
a character, but one of the most awful
epochs in the annals of history, upon
stage by the side of which that OF Titus
Androncus was a plaything and that
nearly twelve hundred characters were
represented thereon at one time.
And now the announcement goes
forth that upon a stage one-third larger
than last year, with newer and grander
scenery, with a cast in comparison
this Order will reproduce "The Fall OF
Babylon" on so colossal scale as to far
Guido any similar effort.
Elephants, lions. tigers, camels, drom-
edaries. horses and every other animal
peculiar to that age and land; a chorus,
or ballet. of three hundred agile nymphs
of Terpsichore; royalty, priests. proph-
cts, magicians; warriors in every arm
of the Babylopian service; the
Seven Ages of Man; sacrificial,
votarial and other scenes, will be repre-
S9nte0 In the caSUS on the Spurious arena
to be constructed, the whole to con-
clude as before with the siege, sack and
destruction Of that city, with all its
thrilling details and realistic effects.
The organization Of this order is not q
matter OF public concern, but it is
known that the mem bership Is limited
and full, that 1t comprises the energy,
brains and enterprise of the city. That
1t has unlimited resources, and that
there is no income or revenue derived
from the results, how muchsoeyer they
NAV he sweiled above the expenses.
which go to the Order or TO any individ-
ual member thereof. The Whole pro-
ceeds are devoted to the objects: to en-
terrain, instruct aud benefit.
In connection herewith too honorable
mention can not be made OF John
Rettig, a Cincinnati boy, the scenic ar
tist of this Order, to whose direction and
skill the success of the entertainment
before mentioned are to be largely
credited.
The grounds of the Order Of CIncin-
natus are located at the West End, on
Western avenue.s short distance beyond
tho grounds of the Cincinnati Baseball
Club, and are reached bv several horse
car lines; Clark Street line, BaymIller.
or Sixth Street line, the Paramount
line, the Seventh Street line and Liber-
ty Street line.