Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1888-04-13
THE FALL OF BABYLON.
Most Magnificent spectacle 0Ivop
In Modern TimeA
rhs Order of Cincinpatua and Its
Work for the Beneft and
Advantage of Cip-
cinnntI.

The orioT Of CiuainuAtus, eoUposed Of
leading oitissns of Cincinnati, win ro-
produce as their extensive grounds the
celebrated historical spectacle, "The Fail
Of Babylon" which was brought out by
them two yoaro ago "a tentative effort
In the amusement world. This baro an-
nOuncemont IN u strong forecast OF the
grandeur aud magnihoonce with which
this Order will prepare every detail OF
this great coming event az ono of the
great attractions for the Centennial year.
The successes which they have enjoyed
thus far have demonstrated that the de-
mand is iuoreasing for the graphic rep
reoontationA of the great opsohs of his
tory, aud that both as a source Of enter
tainUent and practical incubation Of
historic lessons, the speotacles which
thoy have hitherto granted, have been
useful beyond all description.
The Order of CincinnRtus was Ostab-
lished tor the benefit and advantage OF
the buHinsss interests of Cincinnati, and
II may be said with no little truth that
in the continued and increasing pros
pority OF this city, tho tributary land
and people ind a returning recompenso.
The tirst means which this oTdor took
70 draw the attention and presence Of
strRngorp was an annual celebration in
the form of parade, the features of
which woro q arnasquerading or sllegorical
representation Of historical characters
and costumes in every sphere of life. 1t
became apparent, however, after three
seasons, that together with the very
praiseworthy object OF entertaining the
htrangorS who came 10 the city to Wow
sud enjoy the program me of tho Order,
tho higher object Of instruction and edi-
fication could he introduced with stiu
greater advantages OF all around.
The "Fsll of Babylon" was prepared
40 an experiment, and upon q magni-
tudo which called forth many doubts rs
- ths eI Ipedloncy and success of 10 dor
ing n venture. The BignRl triumph
which awaited tuo energy and onter-
pEiSo Of the Order CincinnEtus has al
ready been told. The newor and greater
npectacle of Rome Undor Nero" was
prepared aud given 10 the public last
summer for tho tfth anniversary of
this Order, and ut an expense Of ono hum
dred and twenty thousand dollars. For
six successive weeks this second spec
tacle drew from 1000 to 10000 people
nightly. LouRge, the historian, states,
In illustrating ths magnitude of the an
Roman tragedy writer, Titus An
dronicus, produced, during the golden
days OF that great ancient empire, tho
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 its yellow Iiber, the
Order of Cinclnnatus produced not only
q character, but one of the most awful
epochs in the annals OF history, upon =
Itage by the side of which that of Titus
Andronicus was plaything and that
nearly twelve hundred characters were
represented thereon at one time.
And now tho announcements goes
forth that upon a stage one-third larger
than last year, with newer and grander
scenery, with q cast in comparison
with which the frat was Insignificant,
this Order will reproduce 1.-The Fall of
Babylon" on 30 colossal q scale as TO far
outdo any similar effort.
Elephants, lions, tigers, oamels, drom-
edaries, horses and every other animal
peculiar to that age and land; chorus,
or ballet, of three hundred agile nymphs
of Terpslchore; royalty, priests, proph-
cts, magicians; warriors in every arm
of tho Babylonisn service; tho
Seven Ages Of Man; sacrificial,
votarial and other scenes, will be repre-
sented in the caEts on the spacious arena
to be constructed, the whole to con-
cludo 40 before with the siege, sack and
destruction OF that city, with all its
thrilling details and realistic effects.
| Tho organization of this order Is not q
! matter OF public concern, but 1t Is
known that the membership Is limited
and full, that 1t comprises the energy,
brains and enterprise OF the city. That
It hzs unlimited resources, and that
ehers iR no income or revenue derived
from ths resultB, how muchsoever they
may bo Bwelled shove the expenses,
whlek go to the Order or to any indiyid-
| nal men aber thereof. The whole pro-
ceeds are devoted to the obiactsi 70 en-
tsrtain, instruct and benefit.
In connection herewith too honorable
mention can not 0e made Of John
Rettlg, q Cincinnati boy, tho scenic ar
tist of this order, to whose direction and
sklli the SUCCESS OF the entertainment
before mentioned are to bo largely
credited.
The grounds of the Order OF CInoin-
natus are located at the West End, on
Western avenue,s short distance beyond
ths grounds of the Cincinnati Baseball
| Club, and are reached by several horse
car lines; Clark Street line, BaymIller,
or Sixth Street limo, tho Fairmount
line, the Seventh Street limo and Llbsr-
| ty Street line.