Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1890-08-28
LEAP FOe LIFT.
Rtsked BrcnktnE Eais Neck Rather
Than submit 10 a Curing.

Ahhu cuDhtt 10 n tuytnG.
The clever young comediGn james B.
Msokie tells some amusing stories of his
carly life as public performer. Those
who have seen Mackie's surprising
agility in Bis new musical burlesque by
Thomas Addisan, entitled "orimes'
Cellar Door," would be less astonished
II they knew how once, through sheer
pride, he was compelled TO make "a leap
for life." Since that time he was looked
upon any minor leaps as mere obild's
play. Being IN reminiscent mood the
other night, Mackie told the story of his
leap for life" to GAZETTE reporter:
Before embracing the stage as pro-
fession," said Macbie, as he meditatively
pulled thin cloud OF cigar smoke
into the outer darkness, 81 Travelled io-
several seasons with John Ii. Murray'a
circus. One time performer known to
tho public as 'Signor Volante, the Man
fiy,' was taken Ill, and had to leave the
busineBs. Signor Volante's act was en-
titled The Leap for Life He was
hoisted by rope with foothold to o
little box attached TO the bale ring on
the pole OF the main tent near the round
top. Below him, supported on four up
rights, was net to receive him after his
daring leap. The net was raised about
10 feet from the ground, and the dis.
tance from the roundtop to the net was a
little over go feet.
The signor's act was of course
grent attraction and when he was Obliged
to leave the show, Murray at once
called for volunteer from his company
to take the Man-Fly's place, Offering as
an indueement large increase OF salary.
The older performers shook their heads
at the offer-the risk being too great
but being young end reckless. jumped
at the chance. l have never been mp to
the rcund-top, but the leap looked easy
enough, l thought, and so the public was
NOT informed of Signor Volante's de-
parture, being quietly substituted in
his place.
well, when the time for the great act
arrived that evening, came upon the
aawdust, made my bow, and was hoistea
to the box near the round top. Then for
the first time comprehsnded the poRgni.
tude OF the task had undertaken. Look
Ing down from a height 10 vastly diff
ferent matter from looking up at it, you
know. The tent was packed with up
turned faces, all waiting to see me make
the leap. As I glanced down at the net
1t seemed to be resting fiat on tine ground
and the distance to it seemed to bo 600
instead of 90 feet. My knees went under
me, my head swan, and for O moment
thought should fall off the box. re-
covered myself partially, however, and
then the temptation to slide down the
pole at my back, and quit the business
altogether, presented itself. While was
struggling against this desire the audience
began to grow impatient, and wonder
what was the matter. Then the voice Of
the riugmaster foated up to me.
Ladies aud gentlemen said that in.
spired individual, you must excuse
Signor Volsnte il he appears e little
nervous tonight. His sister, one of the
Doylnes, broke her neck Gan actual fact
as l knew, doing this game act in
Barnum's CIRCUS yesterday afternoon, and
he ~ naturally little upset by this acct
dent
You can imagine the cheering infiu-
enco this announcement exsrtAd over me-
at that moment. l was Ia the act of
cl0tching the pole to descend, when one
of the performers who was watching me
from the dressing tent sung out IN the
tones OF regular tough.
"'Ah, what's the matter with you,
Maokie II you're going 10 do il, do III
'That fixed me. The fear Of being
guyed oysrcame the fear of breaking my
neck. bYsoed up, bent my head over,
and then off l went like O shot. / can't
describe my sensations as tore through
the air. was in deze, and really didn't
know anything until 1-'Msckie,' alian
'5ignor Volante, the Man. fiy'-was stand. |
Ing on the sRwdust again bowing my ac-
knowledgments ct the applause that re-
warded my leap.
II did the act good many times after
that" said Mackie, in conclusion, "but l |
shall never forget as long as l live that
first leap for life.'"