Daily Texarkana Democrat., 1893-08-22
WORLDS FAIR LETTER.
Bright and Sparkling Account of In
teresting Events at the Fair.

p
teresting Events at the Fair.
w. ID. BoYCE CECoRREsPoNDENCEB BUREAU |
COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION, Aug. 21, 1898.
Savage rites of savage men chilled
the blood of 10000 persons ON the
eastern bank of the south pond Thurs
day night. Four Quackahl Indians on
float fifty feet from the bank went
through performance which will last
as long as memory in the minds of
those who witnessed it. The Indians,
with heavy twine strings fastened
through slits in their bare backs,
raced around the narrow platform
driven by two other Indians who
seemed to take wild pleasure in the
act. Little rlvulets of blood trickled
from the cuts down the bronzed
backs. Around and around they ran,
leaping, twisting and diving till it
seemed to the horror-stricken specta-
tors that each instant would see the
flesh torn from the bodies. Then
came the acme of savage enjoyment.
Two sturdy natives stepped out from
the crowd that bordered the edge of
the float. Advancing, each seized one
of the men who had been subjected to
the torture. The drivers braced them
selves for a strain. Great ridges of
flesh stood out on the backs of the In
dians. Fresh jets Of blood spurted in
red streaks. The Pickering red light
cast an unearthly shadow on the
grewsome scene. Women ON the
shore shut their eyes, while men turn
ed away their heads. Then came an
other sharp pull from the drivers and
another wrench by the men who were
holding their comrades. 1t was more
than even an Indians stolcal nature
could stand and low moan escaped
the lips of the tortued. Meanwhile
circle of old women and medicine men
surrounded the writhing, struggling
four. The steady drone of the toEs-
toms, the shrill rattle of gourds and
the monotonous chant which told of
valiant deeds in war and the case in
cited the braves to further effort. At
last it was done. One final tear and
the cords gave way, while the releas-
ed flesh fell back into Its normal posi-
ton.
Freed from the tortue one of the
men seemed to 60 wild. A heavy ma
tive rope was twlned under his arms
and about his shoulders, and he con-
tinued the dance. Ever with him one
of his friends held the thongs which
bound him. AT times he would make
desperate efforts to free himself.
Grinding his teeth and emitting gut
tural growls, he sprung at everything
within reach. Then another friend
came to help hold the fanatic, who by
this time was beside himself. The
combined strength of his captors suf-
feed to keep him quiet for time, but
he was only outstanding his strength
for a last effort. This opportunity
came soon. Selling q favorable mo-
ment, he broke away and with sin
gle bound reached the interpreter,
George Hunt, who was standing at
one side. Before the Quackahl could
be restrained he had sunk his teeth
deep into Hunts arm. He held on
until a number of Indians pulled him
away. This aot seemed to pacify the
dancer and he became quiet.
The torture of sun dance was origi-
nally devised to test the courage Of
young braves who desired to 90 on
the warpath. 1t is to be regretted,
however, that the Worlds Fair direct
ors permit such barbarous perform
ances to be given within the fair en-
closure. Torture dances are given ev-
cry night on the plaisance and should
be stopped at once.
For the first time since the fair was
opened the south side of the grounds
Thursday night had its share ofillum-
nation. Thousands of gay-colored
Chinese lanterns swung from trees
and posts around the anthropological
building. The caravels kept open
houses. From every part of their rig.
ging hung many colored lights. The
yard arms and short masts were re-
splendant with brightness and band
stationed near at hand discoursed
music during the evening. Illumina-
ted launches hoated in the south pond
and on every side were life and color.
Every Thursday evening hereafter
the south side will be illuminated,
and IL is the purpose of Mr.. Millet
and his associates to make the "bach
yard" Of the grounds as attractive as
any other potion OF the Jackson park.
An interesting feature oflast Thurs
day evenings entertainment was a