Morris tribune., 1898-12-31
QUEER IDEAS OF FUN.
sAvAGeS WHO LAUGH ONLY WHEN
SOME ONE is HURT.

The WrtthtmRa OF Victim UndeI
Torture Send Them Into "a Frenzy
of Northumberland PunIshment
That Evoke Yslla OF GIee.
The laugh, which is now SO closely
associated with good humor and kindl,
feeling, originally implied nothing O
the sort. 1t expressed almost the reverse
TWAS the crow of triumph over Taller
foe.
Such 10 Its nature still among savagea
and barbarous peoples, and it's unexpeot
ed manifestations are occasionally very
startling. Dancing on the body of /
PROSTATE enemy is to them hilarious
business. The writing of victim un
der torture is the funniest thing imagi
nable. A new device for torment is
clever jest. The inflioting of CHASTITY
wound as some poor wretch runs the
gantlet makes them yell with glee. The
things that shock or horrify or disgust
the civilized man are about the only
things worth laughing at from saw.
ages point of view.
With the exception, therefore, Of
rough practical jokes, which may posi-.
bly, wrinkle his stolid features with a
momentary grin, the barbarian has no
appreciation of civilized humor. He
can't see where the fun comes in il no.
body is hurt
This was cUriOusly illustrated not long
ago when a considerable number of
Cinnamon went to New York theater
to see a burlesque performance When
the American part of the audience
laughed, the delegation from Chinatown
sat with faces absolutely blank, but the
moment any hint of brutality, tragedy
or tears appeared on the stage their
heavy features lighted and were wreath
ed in smiles. 1t was strange thing to
witness, but it was all in perfect keep
ing with the cruel instincts of their
race.
Even the knowledge that he is him
self to be the next victim does not spoil
the fun of cruel spectacle for bar
barian thoroughbred. Here is an iu-
stance:
A number of Siamese who had been
engaged in bloody revolt vera cap
tured red handed and sentenced to mill.
tary execution. A platoon of soldiers
fore whom the doomed men were led
out in squads of FIVE Or six to be shot,
while those who were waiting their
turn stood by, under guard, looking on.
When the first volley was fred, the
victims, torn by the storm of bullets,
leaped into the air with violent contor-
lions and fell dead And this to the
poor wretches who were about to go
through the same experience seemed SO
ine show and SO overwhelmingly funny
chat they were fairly convulsed with
laughter.
Such is the humor of savages, and
such doubtless were the beginnings of
mirth the world over. Strange as it
nay seem, there are many hints of this
oarbarous origin in the fun Of the most
highly civilized. We no longer laugh
1t really tragic occurrences, it is true,
'or other and more humane emotions
ire too strongly excited.
But if we chance to see ridiculous
nishap which does not quite rise to the
Lightly of tragedy-an accident by
which some one is greatly Inconvenience
ID and annoyed without being seriously
remnant of the savage
breaks loose in us, and we laugh till the
ears come.
Why else are we amused when we
Zee well dressed man thrown sprawl
ng in the mud or deluged with dirty |
water from an upper window Or driven !
Up tree by a cross dog or an ugly bull2 |
Why else do we SO keenly enjoy the |
Lgony Of a man who has accidentally |
pounded his finger nail, instead of the
ack he was driving into the carpet, or
augh at the unfortunate who blindly |
teps on stray barrel hoop which f1ips
Up and siaps him in the face? Instances
night be multiplied without limit
It is noticeable that children often
augh at things which do not. amuse
dults, but, ON the contrary, shock and |
lain them. That is because the child's |
iner sensibilities are as yet imperfectly |
developed. He is still near the savage |
tate. There is very prevalent senti-
nent to the contrary, but this is the
act.
In proportion as men become truly
civilized, however, their sense of humor
'eco11es refined, and they revolt at any
of brutality. Yet it is worthy
f remark that the geDtlest among us
re frequently amused at a picture or a
tory representing things the actual &C.
urrence of which would shock as great
y.-Boston Post