Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-05-31
Elephants in a Stampede.

There was stampede at the winter
quarters of the Barnum & Bailey circus
in Bridgeport, Conn, Sunday. Thirty
elephants of the show went on ram
page, and for time that portion of the
city was in terror,
When the circus train arrived in the
city Saturday night, the cars containing
the elephants were placed on the tracks
near the winter quarters.
Sunday morning, when the unloading
Of the animals began, one herd of ele-
plants, 13 in number, was placed near
the buildings, and short distance
away the remainder were herded to-
gethcr in charge of q keeper.
Without warning one of the elephants
in the smaller herd began loud trum-
peting, and started in the direction of
the winter quarters. The others fol-
lowed. The crowd of men and boys
who were watching the unloading of
the animals fled in terror.
The few keepers were powerless to
stop the animals, once they started, and
oil they could do was to watch the
clouds of dust and the forms Of the ele-
plants as they hurried along toward
their old quarters.
The larger herd, containing seven
teen elephants, became restless when
the others started. The trumpeting
seemeed to be II call for them to join
them on the way to their old home.
The keepers endeavored to control
their charges, but prod as much as they
could with their sharp spears they
could not keep them under control,
and in a short time the thirty were
hurrying across the field surrounding
the winter quarters,
The distance they had to pass was
short. There was no obstruction until
they reached the high fence surround
ing the winter quarters, but they went
through that without difficulty and
across the yard to the long, low build
ings where they had passed the win
ter.
The door leading to the stalls of the
elephants was closed. The first of the
hurrying animals dashed it aside as
though it was made Of paper and pass
ed into the stalls. All of the thirty fol-
lowed and went to their places as
though they were obeying their keep
ers. For long time after they reach
ed the buildings the trumpeting col-
TIM ed.
]. A. Bailey was in a private car
when the news of the outbreak reached
him. He hurried to the winter quar-
ters. and consultation with Head
Keeper Mcdonald followed.
The disposition of the animals was un-
known, and caution was taken in the manner
in which he started to secure control Of tn ;
herd.
plan to feed them where they were would
not be countenanced by Keeper Mcdonald
He was determined to quell the rebellion at
once.
The big elephant Mandarin was selected as
the subject.
The sharp spear of the keeper was fastened
| into the trunk of tho elephant, and, without
opposition, the docile animal followed along.
Other keepers took charge OF the remainder
of the herd and no further trouble was ex-
perienoed in taking them to the tents and Sc
| curing them.
When the trick horses were being unloaded
thew also showed disposition to break away
and return to their old quarters, but the at
tendants were on the lookout and turned
them in another direction.
One of the things in the pathway OF the
herd of hungry elephants was huge box
containing the statue of the late P. T. Barnun,
which is to be placed at Seaside Park in a
short time.
II was Knocked over but when raised to
position later in the day was found to have
escaped injury.