The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-14
BULL FIGHTING in HAVANA.
The Famous Matador MaZzsntini Seen
in the Arena by an American.

The Famous Matador MaZzsDtini Seen
in the Arena by an American.
If noted actor or rrima donna visits
Havana the probabilities are that n cold
receptions is in store, but let a noted mata-
dor arrive and the whole city turns out
to pay him homage. At the pres mt time
the great matador Mazzantini il holding
Havana spel,bound When h, arrived
at the Hotel Inglaterra q crowd larger
than the renowned ex-pugilist John L.,
ever attracted sur irded the b1ilding
and filed the square. They peered
through the window bars to see IL he ate
like ordinary human beings. He did eat
and drink just like other mortals, only
more. Posters confronted you. W whichever
way you turned, informing the public
that on Sunday. Feb. 13, the renowned
Mazzantini would kill six wild and vicious
bulls. Tickets we're on sale at the hotels,
cafes and many other places. There Is u
certain force In the atmosphere here that
incites one to want to sec bull fight A
Spaniard likes to see blood run. provided
it is not his. Americans are usually cure
with one dose. The price of admission
varies. A seat In the sun can be had for
$3.50; one In the shade costs 50; reserved
seat is "a.
The "Plaza de Toros,' where the fl9ht
takes place. ut is RsyfH, across the bay from
the city, ard reached by ferry. The
building is a circular affair, open at the
top, and seats are arranged in tiers SINH
lar to a circus. The arena Is perhaps 100
feet OF more in diameter. A high board
fence separates the Enclosure from pas
sageway in front of the spectators seats.
A band of music entertains you while you
whit
Four squads of soldiers, about 100 In
all are posted In different sections to pre-
serve order Sonora and senorita are
there with their lorgnettes and fans, some
having lunches and bottle of wine for a
brscer. Tho seating capacity OF the place
is perhaps five or six thousand. At 3
O'Clock the seats are full and the usual
uneasiness, when a crowd Is waiting for
performance o begin, Is apparent In
stead of whistling 80 attrat attention ever
one Kisses, making sounds very much like
O rattIesnake. This sounds uncomfortable
at first, bat one gets accustomed to IL very
soon.
At half past one of the human par
Elephants comes out and addresses func-
tionary, 1 believe the president of the
association, who manages the affair. lie
replies in substance: "The hour has ar
rived, and the public, who are Just but
exacting, expect full satisfaction for their
money.
The man I'm antiquated uniform retirss
and at once the procession enters the
arena. First comes the great Mazzantini,
powerful, athletic specimen Of physi-
cal manhood, fully six feet tall and well
proportional. He Is followed by two
plead ores on horseback carrying lances,
and four baudsrillas, l believe they sre
called, on foot. These are all uniformed
in gilt and spangles, very much rs they
have been for centuries back. A half
dozen attendants, whose duty Is 10 drag
out the dead and dying animals follow
In the rear. After each has taken his po-
sitlou the double doors adjoining the en-
trance from which the procession startsd
are opened.
In second there appears out of the
darkness n magnificent specimen of
puil. His head is erect, his horns are long
and pointed. He looks mountain Of
strength and courage, which he is. Ono
glance at the strange scene before him
and no is of for tho nearest man 20 his
left. The footmen sees him coming and
he spreads his fright colored cloth TO the
right. The brute charges at tsQd Is
surprised TO find nothing substantial I'm
It. The man lodges ana the bull wheels
around TO charge again. lie Il confront d
by a picadore who thrusis his lance into
the animals shoulder. This eniages
him. lie is attracted by other bright
cloths waved at him. lie charges first
at one, then another. lilo Is undecided
which way to tuTn. An tner torsimtn
al tproRchts with ltncs directed a his
read but this time tho icadors f-iis To
st.p tLe iull. tn1 lorss ann rid,r co
down. Tie man falls ON the side tppasltl
bull. be - protected. hut tbs uoor
hurse recrivrs tho lull's terrible hofns.
full ! ngt". in his al'com n
ihe crowd now cheer. ib,y see the