The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-03-02
BOSCO'S BENEFIT.

vi al the successful performers who
stepped into tho arena of Gal]axy's ia
nous circus, mono obtained such a de-
gree OF popular approval as did Signor
Alfredo Bosco and his 8-year-old son AL
fonso. Whether it was due to the clev-
erness of their feats, the daring skill
displayed in the execution of them, or
to general attractive demeanor, Ger
tain it is that from the day of their first
appearance down to the end of the tour
bignor Bosco and his son were received
with genuine enthusiasm such as to
firmly establish them in the favor of the
audience. When, therefore, it became
known that tho last night Of the season
was to be devoted to the benefit of these
popular performers, it was confidently
pr9dicted that the house would be a
bumper.
Tho proprietor, deeming it advisable
on ouch an occasion that some special
novelty should be introduced into the
programme, it was with no small de-
gree of interest that the populace that
morning found the walls placarded with
flaming posters, in the reddest of red
ink, announcing that on this the last
night of the season at Gallaxy's royal
circus and hippodrome, specially set
apart for the benefit of Signor Alfredo
Bosco, that eminent and world rcnown-
ed performer would, for the first and
only time, attempt novel and danger
GUS fcat-to wit. William Tell S historic
and never to be forgotten exploit of
shooting an apple placed upon the head
OF his own son, pistol on this occasion
being substituted for the obsolete how
and arrow.
In private life Signor Alfredo BQscos
name was plain Alfred Green, and he
was as little CT Italian extraction MS any
one possessing the name of Green could
well be. Distinguishing himself as a
young man by marked and intrepid dar-
ing, he had found field for his talents
In tho circus arena. Having married
an opera singer, a son was born to him,
but the act cost tho young mother her
life, to Alfrcdo's indispensable grief.
The child soon became the fathers idol,
MS whole existence becoming wrapped
up Ill that of the boy. 1t was for his
sake that he worked doubly hard at his
profession, OH his behalf that he denied
himself most of the comforts of life.
and for his benefit. and in order that he
might be ever near him. that he reared
the lad i'll his own profession, never ac-
ceptnS an engagement unless the boy
was included in it.
When. therefore, the proprietor Of
GallaXy's suggested to him the per-
fornance of the feat alluded to, it NAV
naturally be supposed that so fond a ia
thcr hesitatcd before committing him
self to it, and when, under strong rep
reservations, he finally consented il
was with no little anxiety and concern.
Not that he mistrustcd his own powers
in the least. He was IL sure shot One
of his staple performances in the ring
was to shoot with IA pistol, while gal
Looping Oh horseback, mt number of
glass balls thrown promiscuously into
the air, and SO accomplished was ho at
this feat that he seldom missed one. and
never two, ont of the number There
fore 1t was not personal considerations
that made him hesitate, hut fear lest
the lad by any untoward movement
Should ]copardiZo the action and cndan-
ger his own precious life. Nor was his
anxiety decreased when. on tho event
ful day, he discovered that tho boy was
far from well.
Its only headache, father the
lad said in response TO his question
ings. Il shall be better tonight!' And
when night came tho anxious father
hung round tho child's neck, secure
from observation, a little medallion nor
trait OF his mother. which he ALWAYS
wore when any feat of Il specially dan
gerous nature was to be undertaken.
y
1t soon became evident that cxpecta
tions would he realized, and that the
canvas OF Gallaxy's monster tent would
that night cover an audience out of all
former precedent. Long before the doors
were opened the entrance was besieged
by crowds eager to obtain the best seats.
and an hour before the time of com
menccment the place was filled to its
utmost capacity. Well might all con
cerned view the scene with satisfaction
The performance comprised all the
feats that invariably find n place in the
programme of circus. the big event be-
ing reserved for the conclusion of the
entertainment. Everything went off
well, and Inc delighted audience ap-
plaudcd all that came before it. wisely
determining not to miss the other good
things iii the mcnu for the sake of an
especial dish. The graceful evolutions
of the lady performers, the equestrian
feats Of the Goltlcnen riders, the (ar-
ing soncia&,;lts. the Quihbles and Quips
oil the funny clowns. all came III for
their due snare OF praise
vt longt!i The piece de resistance was