Sacramento daily record-union., 1889-09-09
The mCitr of Jerusalem "

Undoubtedly the most wonderful me-
chanical work ever built can now be seen
al No. 420 J street, real city in miniature
that eclipses the Strasburg clock, Little
world" and all other mechanical produc-
tions. The temples, palaces and prominent
buildings are built up in relief, and the
figures move as in real life.
When the mechanism il started a door
in gateway on the right opens and Christ
with his disciples appear on the road from
CaperDaum to Jerusalem. They march
across the front of the stage and bell is
heard tolling. Then a gate on the left in
the rear ground opens and a funeral pro-
cession advances, carrying a bier upon
their shoulders. The two columns meet
and halt. The miniature pall-bearers ease
the bier from their shoulders to the ground.
Two Pharisees seated in temple straighten
themselves up TO see the miracle which is
about 10 be performed - the raising
of the son of the widow of
Main from the d ad. The youth on
the bier comes to life, rises or his elbow,
gets of the bier and takes a step towards
his approaching mother, who throws her
arms about him. In the meantime those
in the funeral procession have arranged
themselves in various positions to witness
the scene. The carriers then take up the
bier, return through the gate, and, turn
ing, bow to the spectators while the gate is
closing. Then joyful chime OF silver
bells is heard, and the observer sees two
figures striking the bells with hammers.
Next a canary bird in the foreground
stretches his throat and trills as sweet
song as ever real bird gave.
People enter the gates of the city, some
on horseback, others on foot, while many
travel in the old-fashioned chaIiots of the
day. There is a smith working at his forge,
potter turning his wheel to fashion the
clay as he wills, COW drinking at a trough,
while woman draws water from the well.
Carpenters ply the saw, the knife or the ak
and children play at see saw. The move
ments are all wonderfully life-like, even
the motions of the head and neck of q COW
as she stoops TO drink being simulated with
surprising nicely. There are 200 automatic
figures.
The temple, Mount Calvary and other
points of interest are brought out in fine
relief. The foreground is all carved in
solid wood. Herod's temple. the tower of
Antonio, the hall of Herod, the tower of
David aud editices are cut from solid wood,
and so skilifnlly does the canvas Join the
carving that both appear as a single piece.
The machinery weighs 5000 pounds and is
composed of 1000 pieces mostly intricately
Joined together. At times there are 400
wheels revolving, but 50 smoothly do they
perform their functions that they make no
audible sound.
The contriver of this wonderful system
of mechanism is j. b. Miller, of Warsaw.
Ill. For twelve long years he worked to
produce the Automatic City of Jerusa-
lem Mr.. Miller accompanies il where
ever it goes, and his daughter, an accom-
plished and intelligent young lady, is the
lecturer, and explains in lucid sentences all
that goes on about the wonderful show.
The exhibition remains ell this week and
can be seen from 10 to ~ A. NJ and to 10
p NJ, and costs only l5 cents. Children. 10
cents during the day.