Birmingham state herald., 1896-10-31
R1NaL1Ne,s GREAT CIRCUS.
Nearly 25,OOO People Saw the Perform
 ances Yesterday-It Was Grand.

ances Yesterday-It Was Grand.
 Ringing Brothers circus proved to be strong drawing card yesterday. At both performances, afternoon and evening, the big tent, capable of seating nearly 15,000 people, was filled to its full capacity. A general verdict of satisfaction was given by those who saw the performances. There was nothing that was promised that was not given, and it was given in way that showed the management held sacredly to the rule to advertise nothing that it did not have to offer It is this reputation that has had much to do with the wonderful popularity of the Ringing Brothers as showmen. The coming of the circus to the city this year found the people who are accustomed to patronize such exhibitions ready to give it cordial welcome. The confidence the public had learned to place in the management of the circus was not betrayed by yester- days performances. They were fully up to the expectations created by the adver- tisements, and far superior to the circuses of the past. The best of talent performed the most daring feats ever attempted by human beings. The best talent in the world exhibited the results of the exercise of their talents in the work of numerous trained animals. The world was secured to produce the collection of wild and trained animals exhibited.
 It was very noticeable that the class of patrons of yesterdays two perform ances was of a higher grade than Is cus- tomarily seen at similar entertainments. The reputation of the Ringing Brothers for the4courteous treatment of patrons, which they exact from every employe, and the reputation of the management for the high order of the entertainment, doubtless is accountable for the presence of the hundreds of people who would not be seen at the ordinary circus. Women and children felt free to attend without escort, and many of them availed them- selves of the opportunity.
 With the break of day yesterday morn ing the visitors began to arrive at the show grounds. By the time the parade was ready to form there were thousands of people on hand. A constant stream Of farmers and their families poured into the city from every direction from early morning until noon. When the parade passed along the route over which 1t was scheduled to march the crowds in the streets amounted to jam everywhere, and it required the efforts of a number Of police to keep the passageway clear Street-car traffic was practically sus- pended for half an hour, required for the pageant to pass. The parade proved strong advertisement for the perfor- mances which were to follow, as well as an attractive feature in itself. More wild animals and specialties were shown upon the street free of charge than are to be found in many of the circus menageries.
 The comments upon the parade were highly fattering. It was undoubtedly the largest and best ever given in Birming- ham.
 The performances were given under the largest tent ever stretched on the show grounds. The tent contained three rings and an elevated stage and around them the race course in which the final races were run. There were sixteen series of events on the programme, and in each event performances were going on in the three rings, upon the stage and in midair or upon the race course. It was beWilder- ing to attempt to see everything-it was impossible to see all. But the variety of entertainment was so great that there was all the time something going which would suit the taste of any spectator. The opening pageant introduced the per formers and then they followed in rapid succession for over two hours, giving an entertainment of the highest class of its kind.
 Without exaggeration, the performance far excelled any previous exhibition giv- en in this city.
 Among the special features was the work of the Nelson family, composed of nine members, from full grown men and women down to the tiniest little tots. They appeared in full dress suits and gave an exhibition of acrobatio work which the Ringlings class as unequaled and upon which they lay a standing offer of $10, 900 to any company which can equal 1t. The performance of the trained ele- plants was also remarkable, as was the work of the trained horse, Silver King. The headlong plunge of Mons. Le Fluer from the dome of the tent was one of the marvellous feats of the season. Then there were the living pictures, the daring horseback riding, the ballet dancing, the trained hogs, the trained donkeys and scores of other unusually strong attrac- tions. Throughout the show was refined up-to-date and highly entertaining. The menagerie contained all the wonders in the animal kingdom that were adver- tiSed.
 Ringing Bros. made many friends in Birmingham, and may be sure of a royal welcome in the future.
 % nOundS pranu1atad Sl1pav.