The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1894-02-13
BOSCO'S BENEFIT.

Of all the successful performers who
stepped into the arena of Gallaxy's ia
nous circus, none obtained such n de-
gree of popular approval as did Signor
Alfredo Bosco and his S-year-old son AL
fonso. Whether it was due to the cley-
erness of their feats, the daring skill
displayed in the execution of them, or
to a 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 a genuine enthusiasm 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 a
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
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 renown-
ed performer would, for the first and
only time, attempt a novel and danger
Gus feat-to wit. William Tells historic
n never to be forgotten exploit of
shooting an apple placed upon the head
OF his own son. a pistol on this occasion
being substituted for the obsolete bow
and arrow.
In private life Signor Alfredo Bosco's
name was plain Alfred Green, and he
was as little CT Italian extraction as my
n possessing the name of Green could
well be. Distinguishing himself as a
young man by marked and intrepid dar-
ing, he had found a field for his talents
IN the circus arena. Having married
an opera singer, a son vas born to him,
but the act cost the young mother her
life, to Altredos inexpressible grief.
The child soon became the fathers dol.
MS 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,
ana TOR his benefit. and in order that he
might be ever near him. that he reared
the lad In his own profession, never ac-
ceptmg an engagement unless the boy
was included in it.
When, therefore. the proprietor Ct
Galaxy S suggested to linn the per-
torrance OF the feat alluded to, it NAV
naturally lie supposed that so fond a ia
Their hesitated before committing him.
self to it. and when, under strong rep
resentations, he finally consented it
was with no little anxiety and concern.
Nor~that he mistrusted his own powers
In the least. He was "A su1o shot. One
or his staple performances in the ring
was to shoot with a pistol, while gal
Looping on horseback. at a number of
glass balls thrown prOmiscuouslv 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 1t 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 W precious life. Nor was his
anxiety decreased when, on the event
full day, he discovered that the boy was
far from we'll.
Its only a headache, father.' the
lad said, in response to his question:
lngs. II 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 a specially dan
gerous nature was to be undertaken.
u
1t soon became evident hat expecta- !
tions 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
were opened the entrance was besieged !
by crowds eager to obtain the best seats,
and ar hour before the time of com
mencement the place was filed to its
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 APP
plauded all that came before it. wisely
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 s~omelsaults, the bubbles and quips !
of the funny clowns, all came in for
their due share of praise.
At length the piece de resistance was
reached, and amid the enlivening strains
of the band aud 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. !