The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-07-04
CIRCUS DAY IN HELENA.
Thirteen Thousand People Visit John
Robinson's Numerous Shows at
Two Performances.
But They Saw Neither tho Balloon
Ascension or the Parachute
Drop.
Fortunately There Was m Absence Of
Swindlers and Faklrs-Thousands OF
Visitors in Town.

John Robinson's show and the Fourth of
ought to satisfy the average mans greed for
entertainment. The town turned out .
very large part Of its population yesterday
to greet the appearance of the ''saw-dust
scented canvas-tented circus.'' Hundreds
Of people from the adjacent country lent
their presence to the occasion. The gather
ing was rather picturesque. Cowboys rude
from ranches miles away to arrive in town
before the parade. They were in the full
costume Of their occupation. They walked
about the streets with spurs ringing on the
walks and with gaily decorated garments.
Gaudy silk handkerchiefs were about their
necks and their hats were decorated with
shining buttons. Chinatown was depopu-
lated during the entire afternoon. The
best feature of the day was the absence of
bunco men and fakirs from the scene. Not
an arrest was made, nor is it learned that
anyone was robbed or ''flim-fammed" out
of money. The credit for this is largely due
to Marshal T. j. Cronin. He served notice
that he would arrest the first fakir found
working his game and the result was that
none attempted it. It did not take them long
to learn that the authorities run this town.
The circus parade was witnessed by thous-
ands Of people who occupied all available
walk. It was a very good array OF gaily
costumed ladies and gentlemen. band
wagons and animals. The only incident
was caused by the appearance OF the eie-
plants on upper Main street. They fright
ened a horse attached to beer wagon,
into the street. The arrangements at the
circus grounds were excellent. The audi
enoe Of 5000 people in the afternoon was
we'll cared for by the employees and ushers.
In the evening the 8, 900 people who attended
were treated in the same way. The balloon
ascension and parachute jump advertised
did not take place. The expectation of this
feature attracted many people, and they
were badly disappointed. People have
learned to expect advertising fakes from cir
GUS managers, but an imposition Of this size
deserves nothing but condemnation. The
menagerie was we'll filled with an excellent
collection of animals, many of them being
rare specimens. The entertainment in the
big tent was very good. The bareback rid
ing by Josie and William DeMott was ex-
ceedingly clever, introducing several en-
tirely new features. The beautiful trick
horses attracted great attention and the ex-
hibition of ponies was the finest ever seen
in Helena. The drive of thirty ponies was
pretty feature of the entertainment. The
programme contained nothing particularly
new, as it was made up of the usual dog
show, bicycle riding, trapeze work, etc.
The costumes were new and bright, adding
good deal of effect to the production. The
races at the conclusion of the programme
were very good, arousing at times the en-
thusiasm of the audience. When the per-
Torrance was nearly finished, hard
shower came up. The water soaked through
the big tent and the audience was we'll
ducked before the storm finished.
The members of the press are indebted to
the kindness of Press Agent Koh.
lund and to the veteran manager,
John Lowlow, for courtesies extended.