Middletown transcript., 1893-08-26

-sfpN& Ill 4 l Dduk Oi t1e SOutsi
| MS%N pond Thursd a y
E night. Four Quac:
| E5A kahl Indians on a
| M2S&W ss8&SA. float fifty feet from
SSDT&agcyW1&E5 the bank went
/ S3YsHN [aRP$ through perfor-
7HFs9 nance which will
last as long as memory in the minds of
those who witness 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 rivulets 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 spectators that each in
slant would see the flesh torn from the
bodies. Then came the acme of savage
enjoyment. Two sturdy natives stepped
of the float. Advancing, each seized one
Of the men who had been subject to the
torture The drivers. braced themselves
for strain. Great ridges Of flesh stood
out OH the backs of the Indians. 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
turned away their heads. Then came
another sharp pull from the drivers and
another wrench by the men who were
holding their comrades. Itwas more than
an Indians stoical nature could stand and
low moan escaped the lips of the Tor
iured. Meanwhile circle of old women
ing, struggling four. The steady drone of
the tomtoms, the shrill rattle of gourds and
the monotonous chant which told of
valiant deeds III war and the case melted
the braves to further effort. Atlast it was
done. One final tear and the cords gave
way, while the released flesh fell back into
its normal position.
Freed from the torture, one of the men
seemed TO go wild-A heavy native ropa
was twined under his arms and about his
shoulders, and he continued the dance.
Ever with him one of his friends held the
thongs which bound him. At times he
would make desperate efforts to free him
self. Grinding his teeth and emitting gut
tural growls, hesprung at everything with
in reach. Then another friend came to
help hold the fanatic, who by this time was
beside himself The combined strength
of his captors sufficed to keep him quiet
for time, but he was only outstanding his
strength for last effort. His opportunity
came soon. Selling favorable moment,
he broke away and with single 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 number of Indians pulled him
away. This act seemed to pacify the dam
Ger and he became quiet.
The torture or sun dance was originally
devised to test the courage young braves
who desired to go on the war path. 1t is to
be regretted, however, that the Worlds
Fair directors permit such barbarous per-
formances to be given within the fairs en-
closures. Tortur dances are given every
night on the piaisance 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 of illumi-
nation. Thousands of gay-colored Chinese
lanters swung from trees and posts around
the anthropological building. The cara
vels kept open house. From every part OF
their rigging hung many colored lights.
The yard arms and short masts were re-
splendent with brightness and band
stationed near at hand discoursed music
during the evening. Illuminated launches
fioated in the south pond and on every side
were life and color. Every Thursday even
ing hereafter the south side will be illumi-
mated. and it is the purpose of Mr.. Millet
and his associates to make the "bask yard"
of the grounds as attractive as any other
portion of jackson park.
An interesting feature of last Thursday
evenings entertainment was Soudanese
sword dance. Five Bedouins from the des-
ert of Sahara took part in it. They were
led by on old sheik, Prince Meeroali Haaf.
GOSH, who in his own country is the ruler
of large tribe. Mock duels were given
with some brilliant passages at arms. The
weapons we're Arabian cimaters. With
lightning rapidity the Bedouins whirled
their swords above their heads and around
their bodies until the FURNISHED steel app
cared as circle of light. In one parl of
the performances, the sheik defended him
self against the combined attacks of his
four companions. Beset on all sides and
with only his rawhide shield as a guard,
be easily kept his assailants at bay and fin
new feature introduced was series ofplan-
tation melodies sung by the J. Augustus
Caroline Jubilee society. consisting of ten
colored performers. Their music was app;
reciated by the crowd and they were fire.
auentiy eneored,
A force Of workmen now have posses.
sion OF that part OF Jackson park where
las You Like TT will be produced on
poets day, August 25th, and have begun
preparing for the event. The grounds have
already been staked ont Now that the
cas-. has been arranged the work will be
rapidly pushed. Al the production of the
play Henry Lee viii read as q prologue to
the production an original poem by q
Chicago journalist The following named