The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-01-25
A MEXICAN SPORT. "
Twenty Thousand People Wit
ness a Brutal Bull Fight.
The Mexican Capitals Society
Turn Out in Large Numbers.

A dispatch from the City Of Mexico to the
New York Times gives the following details
Of an exhibition of so-called "sport," which
was attended in great numbers by all classes
of Mexican society, special arrangements
and preparations having been made for the
affair:
The swell society of the capital turned out
by thousands yesterday to attest their appre,
citation of Louis Mazzantini, the famous bull
fighter, who was announced for benefit at
the plaza. More than 10000 people were
present, and among them Govern
ment officials, diplomats and ialr
ladies from other climes than Mexico.
Immediately after the entry OF the Judges
a trumpeter announced that the enter
tainment would begin, which brought
forth loud applause From the bull
fighters quarters there issued q horseman in
Spanish costume mounted on magnificent
black animal He was accompanied by a
child equally we'll mounted and attired IN
dress OF various colors, and came to obtain
from the Judge the key of the door
of the place within which the bulls
were inclosed This is an old Spanish
custom and is followed in all OF MAJ
zantinis fights The key was thrown to him,
and he then returned to the other end OF the
ring and placed himself at the head OF the
bull fighters, who then entered three abreast
There were seven, exclusive of Mazzantini
and the picadores.
At signal the first bull, a Spanish animal,
entered the arena. He ran with Streamers
flowing from his sides, which were fatened
with steels MaZzantini met him and made
several passes in front of him with his cape,
which elected considerable approval from
the SPECTATORS The bull then attacked one
of the horses twice without displacing the
L. HIrI mo
the picador lost his grip, but
astonished the spectators by grabbing the
streamers from the bulls side while the horse
was being gored. Already the people cried
for the banderillos, which consist of highly
decorated sticks with barbed steel points,
which have to be placed close together i'll the
bulls's shoulders. Mazzantini soon dis
matched the animal and made a speech to
the spectators.
The second bull which entered was per-
fectly black. He made rapid strides to the
middle of the ring, and surveyed his enemies.
The Mexicans admired this animal, and
many remarked that it would be lively
one. The first onslaught on the horses was
well met by the first picader, but imme-
diately another horse and rider were
tumbled, and the horse was led out
ing on the ground After him another was
brought. There were three horses in the ring
now, which the bull failed to throw, owing
to the strong efforts Of their riders. The
horses, however, each time received q
horn in either side. The banderillos
were later on well placed in this bull
by Regeratilla, Gala, and Mazzantini. The
latter met with very narrow escape at this
time, being chased entirely across the ring,
and saved from coming to grief by his
brother. This formed the only incident of
the fight with this bull, who died from one
thrust of Mazzantini's sword.
The performance with the next bull was
enlivened by Corito, who executed the
"Salto Ia Garoche." This is done with a
long pole, by means of which the bull fighter
leaps over the bull as the latter charges
at him. 1t was very we'll executed
yesterday. Two horses were pre-
yiouslY frightfully gored by the bull. and one
rider would undoubtedly have been hurt had
it not been for Mazzantini, who always
stations himself near the picadores to
avoid ary accident that may occur
while the bull is charging a horse.
Mazzantini later on acted as banderlilo,
placing four barbs. or two pairs, in one bull,
and then created tremendous excitement by
performing the difficult feat Of placing only
one barb and with the other hand withdraw
ing the barbs he had previously sunk in the
bulls shoulder.
Mocmion, q Spanish bull fighter Of Her
mosillo, who was severely wounded recently
at this ring, was introduced to the spectators
by Mazzantini, and his crippled appearance,
with only one serviceable arm, enlisted great
sympathy and brought showers OF silver dol
lars from all parts Of the ring
Roman Lopez, one of Mazzantini's assist
ants, while worrying a bull with his cape,
slipped and fell, and although the bull at
tackled him he miraculously escaped. This
same bull gored every horse, killing three OF
those that entered the ring. Mazzantini.
before killing him. walked over to where
Poniciona Diaz, the great Mexican bull
fighter, sat and saluted him with few
words, Offering his compliments to the
latters health, bravery and good fortune.
He then killed the animal beautifully, the
SPECTATORS growing wild with enthusiasm.
This incident was made still NOR. exciting
by Poniciona Diaz jumping into the arena
and embracing Mazzantini very cordially