The Washington critic., 1890-05-13

moreans managed to squeeze themselves
into the space, aud Notwithstanding
that fact everybody and his neighbor
were comfortable, owing to the excel
lent arrangement of the ushers and
other inside help. Outside of the great
tents was vast multitude of
people surging forward in their efforts
TO get tickets. Twenty minutes before
the performance commenced II was
found necessary TO stop the sale of
tickets, and it Is estimated that at least
10000 disappointed ones were turned
away.
Once inside, what a marvel of human
skill, ingenuity and enterprise. Never
before has the show business
reached such climax of perfection and
bigness. After tour among the animals
and other wonders, back to your seat and
then the grand eutree Chariots,
glittering in their golden sheen, trained
elephants, gaily caparisoned and
prancing steeds, steel clad and knightly
riders, camels, dromedaries, Andalu
sion bulls, strange animals, pretty
female riders and many other pictur.
esque features in a dazzling march.
After this, on two stages and in two
arenas, comes the display of in.
dividual talent in every possible
line. There were trained stations, in.
telligent seals, Arabian steeds driven
tandem, two herds of ponderous ele.
plants performing wonderful tricks
trained sheep, an educated bear and a
baby elephant, which attracted much
attention. These were followed by
acrobatic horizontal bar and other
feats of muscle and skill. The high-wire
performance of Nicholas Cerellos, a IL.
year Cuban, was heartily applauded
There were chariot races, Jockey races,
a lady Jockey hurdle race, the inimita-
BILE monkey race, dogs coursing, camel
and elephant races. All the novelties
exhibited in former circuses were there
with numerous startling and wonderful
additions. The appearance of Miss
Rosetta De La Plat, the wonderful
bare back rider, for the first time in
this country, was greeted with pro-
longed applause.
But the best part. of the great per.
formance is yet TO come-"Nero; or
the Fall of Rome, without doubt the
greatest spectacular performance ever
attempted anywhere or by any one. For
these royal scenes Messrs. Barnum &,
Bailey have unselfishly given up space
enough TO seat 10000 additional specta-
tors. Handsome scenery represent the
outer walls and gates of Ancient Rome
and the people of that historic city
assemble and make preparations
for the celebration of Nero's tri.
umph while the band plays inspiring
music, The above scene
is drawn bsck and Nero's palace, out
lined against the blue sky, is exposed to
view. The great religious procession,
comprising hundreds of men and women
in faDciful costumes, and the chorus of
over 100 voices, follow.
Then came Nero's triumphal process
sion (but Nero never had such an army
in ye olden time, it would seem). The
chariots, the mailed knights, slaves
bearing couches on which reclined
beautiful women, pretty dancing girls
in cay costumes, and finally Nero's tri
umphal car, drawn by four white horses
and guarded by slaves. What grand
sight to be exhibited under canvas or
anywhere else. Slowly the great
pageant wound It's glittering and rain.
bow colored length around until it
formed picturesque whirlpool aud
then striking tableau before Neros
palace,
Next came the exciting races,
ana then the crowning act,
the sensational burning of the city and
Nero's eXultation over its destruction.
Under the red glare of the burning
buildings and the soft calcium light
illumination the many-colored costumes
and glittering shields and arms present
a sight that is utterly indescribable.
The last scene of the Fall of Rome
is without doubt the best, but MANY
Baltimoreans missed the grand sight last
night by leaving their seats and flocking
around the stages and in the walks be- :
fore il took place The citizens of
Washington who attend should remain
In their seats until the close, or they will
miss something rare
For the great army of 1000 perform.
ers II tents covering II acres of ground
are used, besides 400 horses.
The combined greatest shows on
earth will be here to morrow, and will
give two performances, one in the after
noon and the other at night, on the
grounds corner of North Capitol and M
streets. They will also perform on
Thursday. The grand and winding
street parade will start to morrow morn.
ing at 3 o'clock and proceed over the
following route: Capitol to II, to New
Jersey avenue, to @ street north, to
First street, to Pennsylvania avenue,
to Twenty third street, to X street to
New York avenue, to M street, to
grounds. Advance tickets at Brentano's.