The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-02-14
BOSCO'S BENEFIT.

VI all the successful performers who
stepped into the arena of Gallaxy's IA
nous circus, none obtained such a de-
gree of popular approval as did Signor
Alfredo Bosco and his S-year-old son AL
fonso. Whether it was due to the clev-
erness of their feats, the daring ekill
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
Signor Bosco and his son were received
with genuine enth usiasm such as to
firmly establish them in the favor of the
audience. When, therefore, it became
known that the last night of the season
was to be devoted to the benefit of these
popular performers, it was confidently
predicted that the house would be
bumper.
The proprietor, deeming it advisable
on such 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
hight of the season at Gallaxy's royal
circls and hippodrome, specially set
apg t for the benefit of Signor Alfredo
Bosco, that eminent and world renown-
ed performer would, for the first and
only time, attempt novel and danger
GUS feat-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 bow
and arrow.
In private life Signor Alfredo Boscos
name was plain Alfred Green, and he
was as little CT Italian extraction as any
one possessing the name of Green could
well be. Distinguishing himself as
young man by marked and intrepid dar-
ing, he had found field for his talents
in the circus arena. Having married
an opera singer, a son was born to him,
but the act cost the young mother her
life, to Alfredo's inexpressible grief.
The child soon became the fathers idol,
his whole existence becoming wrapped
up in that of the boy. 1t was for his
sake that he worked doubly hard at his
profession, on 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 in his own profession, never &C
cepting an engagement unless the boy
was included in it.
When, therefore, the proprietor of
Gallaxy's suggested to him the per-
.f fLo
naturally be supposed that so fond ia
Their hesitated before committing him
self to it, and when, under strong rep
reservations, he finally consented it
was with no little anxiety and concern.
Not that he mistrusted his own powers
in the least. He was sure shot. One
of his staple performances in the ring
was to shoot with a pistol, while gal
Looping on horseback, at a number of
glass balls thrown promiscuously into
the air, and SO accomplished was he at
this feat that he seldom missed one, and
never two, out Of the number. There
fore it was not personal considerations
that made him hesitate, but fear lest
the lad by any untoward movement
should jeopardize the action and endan-
ger his own precious life. Nor was his
anxiety decreased when, on the event
full day, he discovered that the boy was
far from well.
ITS only headache, father" the
lad said, in response to his question
tngs. shall be better tonight!'' And
when night came the anxious father
hung round the child's neck, secure
from observation, a little medallion por-
trait of his mother, which he always
wore when any feat of specially dan
gerous nature was to be undertaken.
n 4 n
1t soon became evident that expecta-
lions would be 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 4
were opened the entrance was besieged
by crowds eager to obtain the best seats,
and an hour before the time of COM
mencement 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 a place in the
programme of circus, the big event be-
ing reserved for the conclusion of the
entertainment. Everything went off
well, and the delighted audience ap-
plauded all that came before it, wisely
determining not to miss the other good
things in the menu for the sake of an
especial dish. The graceful evolutions
OF the lady performers, the equestrian
feats of the gentlemen riders, the dar-
ing somersaults, the bubbles and quips |
OF the funny clowns, all came in for
their due share of praise
AT length tho piece de resistance was
reached, and amid the enlivening strains |
OF the band and the enthusiastic cheers
OF the audience Bosco came forward, |
leading by the hand his little son. AS
soon as the applause had subsidized. the
performer motioned the lad to his place.
An apple was then brought and osten-
tatiously placed, by an attendant, upon
the child's head, and then, under the
glare OF powerful light, the unusual
paleness OF the boys pretty face was
plainly scernible-especially to the
eager eyes of mis- anxious father. With
an outward GOODNESS, in strong contrast
to the beatings of tender heart within,
the performer loaded his pistol and
saIa