The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-06
A GIGANTIC ENTERPRISE.
SAN FRANCISCO TO THE FRONT.
The Circus Royal and Venetian
Water Carnival
Opens Tonight at the Panorama
Building Corner of Eddy and
Mason Streets.

A transformation has taken place and a
beautiful temple of amusement is the result
of Manager Cliff Phillips enterprise and
earnest conviction that permanent Clr-
Gus and Water Carnival would meet with
the approval and support OF the San Fran
cisco public. This novel home OF the circus
and carnival has cost an enormous amount
of money and required considerable courage
to undertake and carry to successful
termination. But it has been clearly
demonstrated that the people of this city
will support meritorlous show, and Man.
ager Phillips promises that the best attrac-
tions that money can secure will be I'M
ported for the benefit of the amusement
seekers who patroniZe the Circus Royal and
Venetian Water Carnival.
The Water Carnival follows the circus
performance, and for beauty, novelty and
fun outclasses anything ever witnessed in
America. The arena is filled with water
by means of cascade and an electric foun-
tain, and while the water is flowing into
the ring from these sources the calcium is
used with beautiful effect. AS soon as the
water ceases flowing a lake has been formed,
containing some 10000 gallons and about
four feet in depth. Gondolas, floats, etc,
are now put into use and pretty girls are
used to pose as mermaids and fairies of the
Water Queen. Now comes party of
merry-makers, singing Venetian songs to
the tinkle of the guitar. Who are they?
They are the Neapolitan quartet from
Naples, Italy, and late of Irme Kiralfy's
London carnival, "Venice at Olympia"
specially engaged by Manager Phillips.
En- route to California this quartet of art
lists gave a concert in New York. and the
New York Herald said regarding them:
"These strange people deserve more than
passing mention, for they are artists of the
highest ability; the ladies have the strong
est and sweetest soprano voices now in
America"
Probably the greatest attraction ever
visiting the coast is Miss Cora Beckwith,
the champion swimmer of the world.
Wherever she has appeared society has
lioniZed her, and possibly would have
spoiled her but for the brave little lady's
leyelhead. During her natatorial career she
has saved forty-nine persons from watery
grave, and in consequence she holds medals
from three nations. She would never ac-
cept pecuniary rewards. In company with
the late Captain Webb (who lost his life in
the attempt to swim the rapids of Nagara)
she started from Dover, England, and
swan the English channel, landing at
Calais, France, a distance of twenty -one
miles, and as every navigator knows, as
ugly stretch of water as can be found.
She will, unless friends dissuade her, at
tempt to swim the rapids of Niagara the
I'd of next June While at the Circus
Royal and Venetian Water Carnival, Miss
Beckwith will give exhibitions of expert
swimming. diving, etc., introducing many
strange tricks of her own invention.
Another great attraction will be Peter
W. Barlow better known as BILLY" Bar
low, the champion English bareback SOM
ersault rider. Mr.. Barlow was formerly
principal rider for the P. t. Barnum cir
Gus. After leaving the Barnum show he
returned to England. riding for the great
shows of Europe. Manager Phillips, by
the offer OF princely salary, secured his
services, and he left Sanger's Royal Circus
to come to California. San Franciscans
can now witness one of the worlds cham
pion bareback riders.
John L. Stack, one OF the greatest of
triple-bar performers, has been engaged,
as has also Robert Leando, who will
double with Mr.. Stack.
Lolita Miranda, the aerial artistic ,Zayarra,
the high-wire walker, and Messrs. Harry
Conlon, John Rand and Signor Sylvineo.
general tumblers and athletes, will appear
at the opening. Willie Siegrist, the French
pantomimist of the famous Siegrist family,
has been engaged.
The great Rosaries, four in number, aero
bats from the Cirque Nouveau, Paris, came
direct to fill the engagement offered by
Manager Phillips. Their act is considered
one of the strongest known to the profess
sion.
Never was more varied bill offered to
the San Francisco public than can be seen
at the Circus Royal and Venetian Water
Carnival.
Mrs. Shank, the society and manege
positively open her engagement toni ghtx