The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1888-08-23

self to the ground, and If unable to
rise, one OF the assistants ends his suf-
fering by piercing his brain with
dagger. If the horse is not seriously
injured at the first charge, the OPEN
ings made in his body by the horns of
the bull are stopped with hemp, and he
is placed in position for second
charge. This portion of the perform
ance is so horrible that if performed
in English-speaking countries it would
make men faint. Yet women and even
children witness it in Spain with every
indication of pleasure.
The position of the picadors during
the charges of the bull are most pre-
carious. They have many narrow es-
capes, and are sometimes lifted in the
air and alight on the back of the bull.
One close call occurred recently. A
picador was thrown to the ground, but
escaped by lying perfectly still and
feigning death, while the bull shifted
over him, and finally walked away.
AFTER THE DEATH.
After the death of the first horse. the
governor calls in a second picador, who
receives the charge of the bull. Some
times single bull kills a dozen horses
before he tires. Occasionally he retires
from the attack with the long spear
stuck deep in his neck and waving in
the air as he walks.
Two of the most expert of torreadors
now take barb-shaped arrows, to which
long ribbons are attached. Standing
in the centre of the ring, one of the
men attracts the bull, who charges on
him. AS the animal lowers it's head to
| toss him, he reaches over the horns,
and with lightning agility he pushes
the barbs into the flesh, one on each
side of the neck, jumps to one side and
runs for the barrier with the bull in
full pursuit. This feat sometimes re-
suits in the man being gored
to death, but if successful he is
loudly applauded. After the strength of
the bull is still more exhausted by the
harrassing of the torreadors, the final
act of the tragedy begins. Mazzantini,
the pride of the ladies, appear. Salvos
of applause welcome him. He is
second only to the King in the estima-
ton of Spaniards, and of the two he
doubtless receives the greater homage.
He is the pet of the populace. To OBJ
tain smile from him is an honor.
With a proud and lofty mien he steps
upon the scene. Bowing condescend-
ing to all he prepares for his bloody
work. Draping his mantle over his
sword he advances and fiaunts it in the
face of the bull. The laws of the bull
ring require him to stand facing the
bull when he makes the final stroke,
and the stroke must be delivered in
a certain spot. The bulls head must
be lowered as in a charge. When in
this position there is an opening about
the size of silver dollar between the
first bone of the spinal column and the
base of the skull. This spot is about
six inches down in the thick flesh and
muscles of the bulls neck and the blow
must be delivered with unerring pre-.
cision to penetrate this oriice.
The bull makes several charges at
Mazzantini, who dexterously jumps
aside. but when he gets the brute in
the right position, his sword flashes
out of the mantle and sinks to the hill
in the neck of the bull. The anima
drops to his knees, trembles an instant
and then falls prone to the ground; the
spinal column is severed and the rush
of blood from the mouth shows that the
iugular vein is also reached. Mazzan
TIM stands bowling to the bull, kissing
his hand to him and bidding him las
farewell. The excited audience vel
themselves hoafse Flowers. cigars ant
presents of all kinds are thrown to the
successful matador. In their wild en-
thusiasln the audience throw silk hats
coats and even shoes to their idol.
A failure to kill the bull according t.
the code is received with great dis
appreciation. Kissing, bowling, cat
calls and even throwing of oranges i
indulged in. This latter act is as in
sulting to Spaniard as over-ripe eggs
are to an American actor. The rabbi
are only kept from violence by tn,
presence Of soldiery.
The performance lasts from thre,
o'clock until seven. About six bull
are killed during the interval, and tn
number of horses and men sacrificed
depends on their luck and agility. Tn
three great bull-fighters of Spain ar
Mazzantini, Frascuelo and Lagurtigo
Mazzantini was paid $4,000 to go t.
Mexico last summer and appear a
thirty performances.-N Y. Nail an,