The Topeka state journal., 1897-07-27
FALL FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR
Not Too Soon to Begin to Consider
Ideas=Here,s One

!
AT Dayton, O., has recently been
! given an open air play representing the
present scenes in Cuba, which Topeka
Fail Festival amusement providers
may study with profit, in view of the
| fact that if the Fall Festival is given
again next year, something new in the
way of a great popular attraction
/ should be offered a Chicago Tlnnas-
| Herald article, dated Dayton, says:
| The originator of Cuba is Henry E.
| FLIGHT, who toured the country with the
| Charity Circus Hospitals in this city
have been beneficiaries to the extent of
| more than $4,000 by his unselfish un-
| dertakings, while thousands upon thou
| sands We're gained similarly and for
charitable purposes in the summer trip
from coast to coast. Mr.. FLIGHT also
originated Day tOnia' and the 'Centen-
niaL'
THE main object of Cuba is to mi
nutely and Vividly depict the tragic up
riSings now enacted upon the unfortu-
nate island of the West Indies. 1t far
surpasSeS anything ever before at
tempted in the spectacular line.
THE city of Havana has been chosen
as the most suitable point for illustra-
ton. 1t was produced from accurat te
photographs secured upon a personal
visit, made especially in the interest of
the production. Moro Castle is repro
duced full size, every detail Of the back
ground receiving careful attention. AS
the curtains are slowly pulled apart
over a stage of vast dimensions, a land
SSelpe OI O6duly Is presented
showing the placid waters of the Bay
of Havana in the foreground and YER
dure clad hills. with graceful palm and
cocoa trees, clear against the sky, in
the background.
Grim looking Moro Castle, on whose
frowaing battlements sentinels walk TO
and fro, stands to the left and the port
of La Punta to the right. Anchored in
Three Friends, the famous flibuster,
also the powerful United States gun
boat Puritan.
The streets present live aspect and
are thronged with a motley crowd of
people. Soon the scene rapidly changes
There is joy among the Spaniards be-
cause of Gen. Weyler's triumph over
the insurgents in the western province
A public demonstration takes place in
honor of the victorious return of the
commander.
THE general arrives and is rendered
popular ovation. The scene is grad
ually transformed into one of martial
splendor as the Spanish troops assemble
at their respective barracks and pre-
pare for a review by Gen. Weyler. This
is a fascinating spectacle, as the army,
headed by brass band of los musi
clans, marches in military review and
begins the festivities, the performers
coming from among the Spaniards,
while their comrades lie around and
chat and smoke. An anvil chorus from
IL Trova tore rendered by 200 muskets
and the largest band in n world be-
sides nine pieces of artillery, is intro
duced.
1.-The festivities are interrupted by the
approach of the insurgents. The Span
ish army is called to arms. Civilians
seek their homes fOr shelter. Cuban pa
triots advance and a thrilling skirnlish
ensues. A bomb is cast into General
Weyler's palace, causing its destruc-
ton.
""Three of the insurgents are captur-
ed and formally executed. Every detail
of this execution, including the relig-
ious ~ es, is carried out. One of the
prisoners is an American citizen, who
displays his identity by unfurlinS the
stars and stripes, and at his death the
Puritan opens fire upon the city. At
this critical moment the insurgents
gain an advantage and force the sol
diers into Havana. Bomhardment de-
stroys the city, reducing it to a heap of
smoking debris. After the conf1agra-
ton the insurgents swarm into the
ruined capital. lower the Spanish flag
from the staff and amid mighty shout
hoist instead the Cuban bars of blue
and white.
"One thousand performers partici-
ate and more than $4,000 yards of seen
ery are used. 1t concludes with an
Ella borate display of fireworks"
1.-THE above presents feasible idea
for an enterta inment at Topeka next
vear which may be given every night
and do away with all the night pa
radeS.