The record-union., 1893-09-08
HEROIC DAYS REVIVED.
Auspicious Opening Of the Circus
Maximus Last Night
Gladiatorial Combats and GrBco-
Roman Games Galore-C@sar's
Triumphal Entry.

~ SOO eAAO BICdG SDOCbdC4Os 4hO oN NAAAOAi
profited by the Roman attraction by
reason of the fact that every body had to
go through it to get into the amphi-
theater, and besides the Roman show did
not commence until 9 o'clock, thus Civ
ing them ample time to see the exhibits.
The Circus Maximus came up fully to
expectations. The only fault that could
found was that it, like all first night pro-
ductions, consumed more time than 1t
should have. This evening, however,
things will run more smoothly and the
show will not take up more than an hour.
The immense amphitheater seated over
5000 people, who waited somewhat i'm
patiently for the games to begin.
Suddenly the massive looking doors at
the north end of the arena creaked and
swung open, and a priest-like figure,
staff in hand, stepped out about twenty
feet, and, bowling to the audience, turned
and stood facing the doors through which
he had just passed. There was blare of
trumpets, the doors changed and swung
open again, and the triumphal entry of
the Emperor Caesar was in progress.
The mounted heralds headed the line,
followed by company Of Roman sol
dlers IN glltterlng armor. Then came the
musicians and others in the following
prisoners in chains with mounted guard,
laureled victors, pretor, lictors, sacrf-
cial OK led by a slave, sacrifants, Sena-
tors, Emperor's car drawn by four white
horses led by slaves, cymbal girls on each
side OF Emperor's car, girl dancers, Men
diani, Retiarii and Myrmillones (gladia-
tors, runners, wrestlers, boxers, leapers,
discus throwers, javelin men, director OF
the games, mounted swordsmen, a char
lot drawn by four black horses, a chariot
drawn by four white horses.
1t was indeed gorgeous spectacle-the
most impressive and the grandest proba-
bly, ever witnessed in Sacramento. Over
$50 souls were in that march, and when
the entire body lined up across the big
arena, btacing Caesars stand, there ap-
peared to be thousand of them.
The music ceased, and all eyes turned
toward the Roman Emperor as he rose
majestically from his gilded chair and
surveyed the glittering army before him.
His face indicated that he was pleased
with what he beheld. Then leaning for
ward he addressed his people briefly, re-
ferring to their deeds on the field, and in
forming them that the games now to be
lnaugurated were in celebration of their
victories.
As the Emperor ceased speaking every
hand in the vast line went up, and Long
live C@sarW burst from over 800 throats.
Instantly the band struck up another
march, and the soldiers, gladiators and
athletes marched through the big bronze
doors and disappeared.
The spectators were just starting in to
buzz about the grandeur of the parade
when they were Interrupted by the clatter
of hoots, and looking to the arena again
beheld mounted herald dashing out to
the center of the inclosure Suddenly
wheeling his horse he stopped and gave
bugle blast, after which he galloped OH
the arena. This was the signal for the
coming of the vestal virgins. They
marched up to C8sars stand singing an
ode and then marched out again.
The herald reappeared and announced
the opening of the games. y band of
heet-tooted runners appeared immedi-
ately, and, after salutiDg their Emperor
were taken charge OF by the Magister
ArenGe. They were lined up abreast of
each other, and at a signal from the
Magister darted off like phantoms. They
circled the big arena at a swift gait, each
doing his utmost to win. Gradually one
of them was seen to forge ahead, and he
held the advantage to the finishing mark.
The winner was escorted up to C8sar's
stand, where he was crowned.
The mounted herald appeared AGAIN
and announced the coming of the leap
ers. After their performance the wrest-
lers appeared, and they were followed by
the strong.armed discus throwers.
Next came the javelin throwers, who
pierced a target fifty feet away. Then
thirty-two dancing girls appeared and
delighted the audience with the dance
of the Four Seasons" Miss Maud Cas-
well in charming terpsichorean solo
followed them.
a shout went up from the spectators as
the doors swung open and the gladiators
appeared. They lined up before Caesar
and sang an ode to him. After this they
off nd =.
more were supposed to be killed off. The
slaves carried off the dead as fast as thew
fell.
The feature of the evening was the
single combat which followed between
the Captains of the two companies of
mendiani. The combat was so realistic
that many of the spectators grew alarmed
a mounted tournament came next. and
was followed by cOmbats between bodies
OF retlaril met and trident mem and myr-
millones Short swOrdsmen). These COM
bats were quite as realistic as were the
fights between the mendiani, and worked
the audience up to high pitch of excite
ment.
The entertainments closed with a chariot
race, which was highly interesting.
IN THE PAVILION.
The Pavilion for the first time since
the opening of the fair looked like old
times last night, for previous to the Ro-
man show throngs wended their way
through the exhibits. At S o'clock Hon
John Boggs, President of the State Aori-
cultural Society, delivered his annual ad-
dress in the art gallery. The address will
be found in full in another column.
The band as usual furnished some
charming selections. Leader Neale an
nounces the following programme for
this evening:
March Globe and Fagler So,,-o
Overture Light Cavalry y'.............. .Snppe
lOtpourri, "Nachtlager', ',....... T-rentizfsT
Grand selection, "Martha -Iflotoyv
introduction and Bridal Chorus from "Lo-
Dance Polonaise" ScharwentIa
EotpouIrl ..-.---. ....--.-....- Students Songs
Waltz, Thousand and One Nights @traI]ss
Medley overture, The Last OF the Ho-
stIls Braham
At $40 o'clock the cornet solo bv Mas
ter Leake will be performed. and at 10
O'Clock euphonium solo will be given
by Walter IL. COlverd. To-night's is a
particularly fine programme. A grand
musical treat is also promised for to-rnor-
row evening.
GOVERNORS DAY.
The fair directors held meeting last
night, and decided 10 set next Thursday
aside for Governors Day" Governor
Markham and his entire staff have been
invited and Will be in attendance.
The Speed Programme Committee re-
ported to the board that arrangements
had all been completed for the great race
between the tour-year-old cracks, Ade-
laide McGregor and Orphina. Those who
profess to know anything about horses
say this will be the greatest race that has
been seen in years. The race takes place
on the last day of the meeting.