The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-05-08
THE BiRNuM CIRCUS.
The Fame of which Mr.. Bailey and tho
GreAtP. 7. are Ambitious.

Barnum and Bailey have in uniting
their experience and energy brought
together an organization that is not only
worthy the two greatest showmen ofthe
age, but should be looked upon with
pride by every citizen Of this country,
for IT is the largest, most novel and best
appointed exhibition in existence.
Under the management Of Mr.. James A.
Bailey no harm can come to the reputa-
ton Of P. I. Barnum. The ideas OF the
two men are entirely in harmony. Both
are anxious to leave a record as having
provided pure amusement, full ofeduca-
tional interest and Us extensive in
quantity as it is possible to transport.
The policy Of these gentlemen is to
secure the best OF everything regardless
OF cost. Each artist employed has a per.
feet reputation and has been feature in |
their particular line. This applies to |
every department and every article in |
their exposition. II is their rule that |
the best is at all times the cheapest.
Both partners have equal interest and
devote three millions of their money to
their grand exhibition. The fortune OF
the veteran Snowman is estimated ut ten
millions while that OF Mr.. Bailey is not
much less. Their real estate investments
have made them for them more money
than the show business. Both might
retire were it not for their desire to
elevate their profession and perpetuate
their names Us the amusement benefaC-
tors OF the world.
The great fire completely destroyed all
their property. The only relic is a sim
gle wagon and that is retained with the
show as sort OF relic. The red paint is
scorched and blistered, yet the name OF
p. II. Brrnum still shows through the
Scared sides. To-day with everything
new, bright and glittering in splendor
the Barnum & Bailey banner floats over
the best and largest show ever given in
this or any other country. To transport
this immense aggregation one hundred
railway cars, each seventy feet in length,
are required The Superintendent OF
this department is a practical railway
gentleman named Byron Rose. He has
competent crew, who have been select
ed and picked from the various railroads
OF this country. Each cur is fitted with
air brakes, patent couplers, platforms and
other latest improvements. The people
have fine accommodations that equal
those found in the Pullman sleepers.
Each car has porter that attends 10 the
wants of the people. AS each person
has compartment they make it as neat
rs possible and fit it up with such nick
naCks us only the def hands OF the Ia
dies can make. Drawers, wall pockets,
any ornaments, adOrn each room. En-
ter any OF these cars during the quiet OF
the day and the cleanliness will be such
rs to command surprise. The ticking OF
the score of clocks shows the fondness
of the circus performer for this useful
article. The ladies and those who are
married have car to themselves. Each
room is rs private and sacred MS if in
their own homes. Even the animals are
looked after 80 far rs their comfort is
concerned. As for the horses, their cars
would create the envy Of the emigrant
bound West. "0ur managers are not
selfish men" said George o. Starr, their
representative; "Afr. Bailey is humane
man, who believes in providing comfort
for his employees and stock. The result
is that he wins the friendship and love
of his people. They work as much for
his interest as possible, knowing that he
is anxious for their welfare. You will
see no drunkards with this show simply
because they have plenty to eat; coffee,
tea, milk and ice water can be had ut all
hours. No one is overworked, so that
stimulants are not required"
Sometimes tits necessary to make long
runs on Sunday. Then a quiet spot is
selected near the bank OF some small
river. The cook tents are erected and
good substantial meals provided for all.
Horses are taken from their cars, fed
and watered. 1t is q sight well worth
seeing. 1t takes over half mile OF rope
upon which to fasten the horses. Even
then they stand side to side and close
together. A child could walk upon their
broad backs for all that long distance
and never have fear OF falling between.
DIR. FaQuer, an old Virginian, has charge
OF the horses.
Those who see the immense spread OF
canvas will wonder how it is possible to
erect it in such short time. Over this
department nresides Mr.. Charles Nc
Lean. He is man OF vast experience,
and can always place his various tents
so Us to provide comfort for the most
people. To support the canvas houses
over ! 800 poles are required. There is
cloth enough, ropes of all sizes, chains
and flags to fit out navy almost as large
Us America has at present.
The hotel with its portable ranges and
complete outfit for feeding eight hun
dred people, is in charge Of Mr.. Jas.
Robbins. -Four meals are provided each
day. 1t requires $500 pounds OF meat,
eight hundred pounds OF bread, eight
barrels OF potatoes, two hundred pounds
OF fish and other articles in like proper
ton to feed this army OF amusement
makers.
Once upon the lot, the preparations
for the gorgeous street parade COM
meuce. The watchful eyes Of Mr.. Bailey
and his assistant, Mr.. Frank Hyatt, see
that everything is in proper order. II
anything is wrong Mr.. Peter Halstead,
the boss OF the repair shop, is at once
notified, Blacksmiths, harness and
wagon makers all are with the show, |
and have portable canvass shops. Mr..
Henry Barnum in the meantime has
seen that all the feed and articles re-
Quired have been properly weighed and
placed upon the ground. DR.. Jas. Faquer
goes through his numerous charges and
makes an examination, on which he
bases his daily report. Mr.. William
Smith sees that the grooms have attend
ed to the horses. Mrs. Charles White,
who has the care and constructiOn OF the
wardrobe, aided by her son Willie, sees
that everything is in proper condition.
When it is taken into consideration that
there are not less than three thou
sand costumes, the task is by no means
an easy one.
A drum and fife corps heads the
procession. Beautiful horses draw gold
and crystal chariots filled with allegori-
cal designs. Five bands of music with
players in superb costumes make melody
Tor the marching host. Ladies and gem
tlemen by the dozen dressed in neat
English habits ride upon prancing
steeds.