The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-12-06
WAS BADLY BITTEN
An Unexpected Finale to a
Show.
ATTACKED BY AN APE.
Professor SamweIPs Terrible Expert.
ence with Vicious Animal
i'm a Theater.

A performance not down on the pro-
eramme took place at the Wigwam Theater
last night
The bill announced that Professor Thomas
Samwell. the animal trainer. and his won-
derful aggregation of trained animals would
perform at that place for the first time.
The performance was Unexpectedly in
terrupted when large ape attacked the pro-
lessor and bit both him and his wife so badly
that both are patients at the Receiving
Hospital.
Acting upon the suggestion of some
friends Professor Samwell purchased five
apes. four of which were small. but he could
not resist the temptation Of purchasing also
large Sumatra ape. of unprepossesslng APP
pearance and vicious temper.
The animals he secured two years ago,
and since that time the professor has de-
voted most OF his time to teaching the
creatures various tricks with which 10
amuse his audiences.
AS matter of course the apes were pun
ished at times when they did not perform
correctly, but never attempted TO resist
chastisement until three weeks ago.
At that time Professor Samwell gave an
exhibition at San Jose and had occasion to
chastise the "Chinaman." as he designated
the large Sumatra ape, for IN Sdemeanor
his apeshp had committed.
The animal waited for an opportunity,
and before the close Of the show he found
H.
When the attention of the professor was
temporarily distracted he attacked his task
master and bit him severely In the right
hand.
The animal was with great difficulty COM
PEELED to loosen his teeth, and after being
severely beaten was returned to his cage !;
but the show came TO an abrupt termina-
ton.
Ever since the occurrence the ape has de-
yeloped vicious temper and number of
times attempted to attack his master, de-
spite the fact that he was frequently chas.
tisPd.
The professor and his wife, with their
animals, made their first appearance last
night. and they were greeted by crowded
house.
Among tho tricks which the monkeys
were to go through were exhibitions of rid
ing on the backs OF dogs and ponies. shoot
lug AT one another and dying like Napo-
Icons grenadleTs, and various other accom-
plishments were to be displayed.
Toward the close OF the performance the
large Snmatra ape was to appear on the
stage. upon which he was drawn by two
dogs attached to a small carriage.
All went well until 1t was time for the
large ape 10 appear. when he became ugly
and refused to obey his master.
The animal was finally compelled to
enter the vehicle and was driven on tie
stage.
According to programme wheel attached
TO the miniature carriage was 10 become de-
tached and upset it with its occupant, who
was expected to express his disgust at the
mIshap as only an ape can do.
The apparatus failed TO work, however,
and Professor Samwell stopped down to
remove the wheel, when the animal saw its
opportunity and suddenly attacked him
with great feroeity.
The enraged animal repeatedly sunk its
teeth into its masters left hand and arm.
lacerating the flesh in terrible manner.
Ii was some minutes before assistance
could be rendered by Mrs. Samweil, who
finally succeeded in prying open the animals
jaws, while some stagehands securely fast
ened il with chains.
AT the sight of the unexpected occurrence
panic nearly resulted among the aud ence
Professor Samwell fell to the stage in a pool
OF blood which gushed from his wounds.
While the audience fearing that the frenZied
animal might attack them rushed toward
the doors.
After quiet had been restored the man.
ager announced that the show would be
closed for the night and the audience left
quietly.
Professor Samwell and his wife were at
once taken TO a neigh boring drugstore
where their wounds were Temporarily
dressed. after which they were taken to
the Receiving Hospital in the patrol-wagon.
Inc physicians found that tie professor
had sustained Injuries which may necessi-
tale the amputation of his left hand.
Inc flesh and tendons covering the wrist
had been torn nearly to shreds where the
animal lad bitten him, while the wounds
further NJ the arm extended to the face.
Alter his injuries had been dressed he
was put to bed in the mems ward.
Mrs. Samwell was more fortunate than
her husband and escaped with a painful
oIte In the right hand. which was dressed,
after which she was sent to her home
The physician considers Professor Sam
wells Injuries serious, as biood-posonipg
may result from the bites.