Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1894-08-23
BOSCO'S BENEFIT.

OF all the successful performers who
stepped into the arena of Gallaxy's fa-
nous circus, none obtained such 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 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
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 q
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
ous feat-to wit. William Tell IS 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 Bosco's
name was plain Alfred Green, and he
was as little CT Italian extraction as any
one possessing the name Of Gree1Acould
well be. Distinguishing himself as a
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. It 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
formance of the feat alluded to, it may
naturally be supposed that so fond ia
ther hesitated before committing him
self to it, and when, under strong rep
reservations, he finally consented i
was with 40 little anxiety and concern
Not that he mistrusted his own power
in the least. He was a sure shot. On,
of his staple performances in the rinl
was to shoot with pistol, while gal
Looping on horseback, at a number o
glass balls thrown promiscuously int
the air, and so accomplished was he a
this feat that he seldom missed one. an,
never two, out of the number. There
fore it was not personal consideration
! that made him hesitate, but fear les
J the lad by any untoward movemen
: should jeopardize the action and endan
ger his own precious life. Nor was hi
anxiety decreased when, on the event
full day, he discovered that the boy wa
far from we'll.
ITS only a headache, father" tn
J lad said, in response to his question
ings. II shall be better tonight" An
when night came the anxious fathe
hung round the child's neck, secur
from observation, little medallion poi
I trait Of his mother, which he alway
: wore when any feat of specially dar
a gerous nature was to be undertaken.
It soon became evident that expecta
a tions would be realized, and that th
canvas Of Gallaxy's monster tent woul
that night cover an audience out of a
former precedent. Long before Che dool
were opened the entrance was besiege
a by crowds eager to obtain the best seat
i and an hour before the time of cen
i mencement the place was filled to il
utmost capacity. Well might all COZ
!, cerned view the scene with satisfaction
a The performance comprised all th
v feats that invariably find place in th
programme Of circus. the big event b.
ing reserved for the conclusion of til
q entertainment. Everything went O
l. well, and the delighted audience al
e plauded all that came before it, wisel
determining not to miss the other goo
s things in the menu for the sake of a
especial dish. The graceful evolution
u of the lady performers, the equestria
eats of the gentlemen riders, the dal
ing somersaults, the quibbles and quiz
o of the funny clowns, all came in fc
e their due share of praise.
At length the piece de resistance wt
reached, and amid the enlivening strair
of the band and the enthusiastic chez
Of tho audience Bosco came forward
7 leading by the hand his little son. a
= soon as the applause had subsided, Il
performer motioned the lad to his plac
An apple was then brought and ostei
/ tatiously placed, by an attendant, upc
is the child's head, and then, under Il
20 glare Of powerful light, the unusu
paleness Of the boys pretty face VI
plainly discernible-especially to Il
% eager eyes Of his anxious father. Wi
an outward GOODNESS, in strong contra
d to the beatings Of a tender heart With
,r the performer loaded his pistol an
!. raised it, amid the breathless excit
ment of the expectant audience.
A pull of the trigger, sharp clio
and murmur of disappointment to
that the weapon had missed fire, Not