The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-09
PARIS AND THE COMMUNE.
BRILLIANT FIRST NIGHT OF THE
GREAT FALL DISPLAY.
Five Til ousand People Revel in Realistic
Scenes From Stirring Epoch in
French History-The Performance
Magnificent in Every Detail.


ience and faultless presentation are sufli-
Gent, then the Sphinx have all the en-
couragement necessary in continuing the
grand spectacle OF the "Fall OF Paris"
After indeiatigabe efforts on the part OF
the members, they have succeeded in pre-
senting to the public an open air spectacle
unrivalled in this section of the country.
n Few people realized or had proper con-
ception OF the undertaking, and the brill.
liant scene that opened before them on
their entrance was as beautiful as it was
unexpected. Miniature Paris is spread out
before the audience, which is supposed to
be seated on Mount Naerion, Partisan
suburb. A genuine Partisan would glad
den at the familiar sights that greet him.
In the center facing the spectators, is
the Arch Of Triumph, back of which is the
Place de Ia Concorde with its Monolith,
the gardens and Palace OF the Tuilleries,
the Hotel de Vile and the Jardin Mabille;
on the left isthe Column Nendome, the
Grand opera-house, the Church OF the
Aladelaine, Legislative hall and the
Bourse; on the right is the river Seine,
sweeping majostically through the city,
with its numerous bridges aud arches, en-
nirclng in its embrace the Church OF
- otre Dame and the Palace OF Justice,
and further on the Church OF St. Clotldc,
the Pantheon, Hotel dies lnvalldcs; in the
center the Column of the Bastie is seen in
the distance, with many other noted
buildings.
As it was to be expected in the gay capi-
tai, the scene opens with a holiday and re-
joicing over recent French victories. The
crowds moved TO and fro through the
streets aud gardens, the maneuyres Of the
military were given amid the enthusiastic
applause of the audience. The gay mask
ers and dancers drew crowds Of spectators,
while three diminitve black Zouaves gave
an inimitable shuttle and dance. The en-
tertaining and wonderful finger whistling
by Mr.. Dennis was n striking feature.
But serious and depressing news is fast
travelling toward these happy people. The
sudden arrival OF two imperial couriers
opens scene second. They bring the
startling information that Napoleon has
surrendered and il prisoner In
the hands OF the Germans. The
dispatches are formally presen ed
to Gen. TfOchu with great military
ceremony. The news flies instantaneous
~, and but a short while elapscs before
the entcrprsing newsboys are selling eX-
tras by the hundreds They read, and
Emperor Napolean, who was but n few
hours before their ideal Of hope, is now 6
dcspiscd and cxecmicd traitor. Revolt IL
in the air, "dowu with the empire IL th,
cry on all sides, and imperial ilags ar,
torn from their stalls aud the tri colon
raised amid shouts.
This scene was dramatically rendered
and veritablc Partisan mob was bcior,
the audience.
The climax Of scene second wai
reached with the prccipitat'
flight OF the empress IN private car
riage followed by a hOoting and kissing
mob. Misrue is the order Of the ia,
-s1hich eliminates with the bombardmen
OF the city hy the bcsieging Germans tn
realism OF this scene was striking. Til,
bombs and explosives that fell within tn
city presented an animated scene OF mimi
warfare. The defence by the .ua.ds an,
the onslaughts OF the German troop.
was well executed. The sharpshooting o
both sides was fast aud furious and tn
prostrated soldiers bore evidence 81 /,
effectiveness. The white Gag was finall
raised and Paris had surrendered 10 III
conqucring Zoe.
Thesix,h scene opens with the triumpha
entry Of Emperor William and staff. bril-
liant In their flashing uniforms and wit
n battalion OF soldiers who pass In rcyic'
before his Majesty. NJ. Theirs aud ia
French ministry arrive and present
Prince Bismarck the indemnity bond
after which the German troops eyacuaI
the city.
The rise Of the Commune, natural col
sequence Of the thorough dissatisfaction
the people, followed quickly. The red ca
aud flag are now the insignia OF the pee
pie, and the mania for destruction h'
seized them. The Madeleine Is sackc'
the archbishop Of Paris Is executed. II
amazons take part aud with burning tore
set fire 20 the magnificent buildings. II
column Vendomc, surmountcd by Il
bronze figure OF Napoleon, is dragged fro
its pedestal.
Tho realistic conhagration, in which Il
walls Of the Tuillcrics fall. the Hotel ,
4 Vile Is consumed and hundreds OF bull
ings are laid In ruins. IL a marvellous piece
mechanical work. The flames aud smOl
shoot upward, forming an impressive sect
Of fiery destruction. At this point q
beautiful display Of fireworks commcnc,
which many, leaving before the tin
missed the sight Of. II was in itself
splendid exhibition Of pyroicchnics
e.. Paris Law in smoke and ruins ~ the lar
estimated at about 5000, slow
left the grounds. For an intelligent u
dcrs,anding Of the rapid action, study
b. the librctto Is recommended, for, even
those familiar with the outlines Of I
drama, .hcrc arc many incidents that q
unfamiliar.
That the Sphinx are to be congratulate
on their successful opening, needs no r.
Grafton. With the able assistance Of {
Chickasaw Guards, the Merchants Ioua,
and Schorr Zouayc', the Turner's u
Mrnnachor, they have succeeded In
they attempted.
With q cost Of $4,000 for tho ilSt ri
duclion, with only an actual sullscnpli
OF 5000, il was sufficient 10 dscOur
most organizations from further ste
But the Sphinx have fought their v
against odds and obstacles 0i all kinds.
The active workers have been Meas
II. Galloway, the able president, l.
Ienbric, secretary, and author Of the ~
drama itself; T. T.. Hopkins, treasurer a
efficient stage manager, aud George IL
ling, chief OF the executive committee.
The Fall Of Paris will he q fixture
n week on the bluli, and nightly prcscr
tions will be given. A second visit will
doubt follow by all who were present
night, and the financial success OF
display should bc counted on ~ !
tainiy.
Insurance on country gins and cour
-. . ...a.t.tgv NNfsn~ A ilafNu