The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1898-11-30
QUEER IDEAS OF FUN.
SRvAGeS WHO LAUGH ONLY WHEN
SOME ONE IS HURT

!.
Torture scra Thcm Into n Frenzy
of Mcrrir,rut--r'cnr nj ruuishmcnts
Tint Evahc Wells of Gicc.
The laugh. which is now so closely
associated with good humor and kindly
feeling, originally implied nothing OF
the sort. II expressed almost the reverse
IL was the crow nf triumph over fallen
foe.
Such is its nature still among savages
aud barbarous peoples, and its unexpect.
ed manifestations are occasionally very
startling. Dancing on tho body Of
prostrate 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 infioting of CHASTITY
wound ms some poor wretch runs the
gantlct makes them yell with glec. The
things that shock OF horrify or disgust
the civilized man are about the only
things worth laughing at frori saw
ages point of view.
With the exception, therefore, OF
rough practical jokes, which may posi-
bly, wrinkle his stolid features with
moinentary grin, the barbarian has no
appreciation Of civilized humor. He
can { 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 burlesquc performance. When
the American part of the audience
laughed the delegation from Chinatown
sat with faces absolutely blank, but tho
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 ia him.
self TO be the next victim does not spoil
the fun of a cruel spectacle for bar
barian thoroughbred Here Is an in
stance:
A number of Siamese who had been
engaged in bloody revolt were cap
tured red handed and sentenced to mill
tary execution A platoon Of soldiers
was drawn up with loaded muskets, be-
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 fired, the
victims, torn by the storm Of bullets,
leaped into the air with violent contor-
tions and fell dead. And this to the
poor wretches who were about to go
through the same experience seemed SO
fine q show aud so excruciatingly funny
that they were fairly convulsed with
laughter.
Such Is the humor Of snvages, and
such doubtless were the beginnings of
mirth the world over. Strange as II
may seem, there are many hints Of this
barbarous origin in the fun Of the most
highly civilized. We no longer laugh
at really tragic occurrences, IL is true,
for other and moro humane emotions
are too strongly excited.
But IL we chance to see ridiculous
mishap which does not quite rise to the
dignity Of tragedy-nn accident by
which some one Is greatly Inconvenience.
cd and annoyed without being seriously
injured-the remnant Of the savage
breaks loose in us, and we laugh till the
tears come.
Why else are we amused when w
see well dressed man thrown sprawl
ing in the mud or deluged with dirty
water from an upper window or driver
up tree by O cross dog or an ugly bull
Why else do we SO keenly enjoy tht
agony Of man who has accidentally
pounded his finger nail, instead Of tn,
tack he was driving into the carpet. o.
laugh at the unfortunate who blindl,
steps ON stray barrel hoop which flip
up and slaps him in the facet Instances
might be multiplied without limit.
1t is noticeable that children Otter
laugh at things which do not ANUS
adults, but, on the contrary, shock ant
pain them. That IL because the child
finer sensibilities are as yet imperfect.
developed. He is still near the savag
state. There is very prevalent senti
ment to the contrary, but this is tn
fact.
In proportion as men become trul,
civilized, however, their sense Of hume
becomes refined. and they revolt at an,
suggestion of brutality. Yet 1t is worth
of remark that the gentlest among u
are frequently amused at picture or
story representing things the actual oc
currence Of which would shock US great
ly.-Boston Post.