The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-08-04
FIRE WORKS TO BURN
Exhibition Last Night a Beauti-
full Scenic Effect.
TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE
Were on the Grounds and En-
joyed the Sights

Last night some 10000 people crowded
and jammed themselves into the grand
stand at the fair grounds, while in the
track and along the railing many more
ttood to see Pains wonderful Battle Of
Manila" as portrayed in fire. The perfor-
nance was advertised to commence at $50.
Long before that hour, however, every con-
oe'vab!e conveyance that had wheels was
hauling the throng to the grounds. Ex-
press wagons were converted into carry
ais; hacks, buggies, buckboards and
street cars managed after two hours TO
get the people to the grounds Many gave
up in despair waiting for some means OF
reaching the grounds and finally set out
and walked.
Inc exhibition was certainly the finest
pyrotechnic display ever seen in Wichita.
81 bordered on the sublime with its varied
colored lights and rockets. The perfor-
nance opened with a grand illumination
OF the grounds with powerful lights scat
tered along the grounds in front Of the
hay Of Manila. The smoke from the
lights quickly cleared and the effect Of
~
Cheered and cheered, and enjoyed the
magnificent spectacle. Following tnis a
balloon of considerable dimensions foatea
skyward, which was lighted with a very
strong magnesium light, which after the
balloon had reached a great height ex-
ploded, throwing out streaks Of light of
many cOlors. Then came a device which
looked Ike a whlrlgig. 1t threw SPARKS
Of amber and yellow in the greatest PFC
fusion while revolving. In the center was
magnificent purple stud of light, which
made the whrlgig or windmill apparatus
more beautiful than ever. There we're
several other unique displays Of lesser
magnitude, but they an were very pretty
and received the plaudits of the great
crowd of spectators.
The feature that caused much merri-
ment, especially to the younger people
was a wire outline of a man, covered with
jets of fire, who gave an exhibition on
the turning pole. He did about every
thing that any frst-class gymnast could
have done. including the giant swing
While all these exhibitions were taking
place just in front Of the ocean or scenery,
behind it, continually, skyrockets and
Roman candles of large proportions were
being thrown high into the heavens. Al
the different colors known TO mankind
were being used. They would soar high
ever the grand-stand and then break,
making a most wonderful Is Uon as beau
tlful effect.
The American flag was next seen. It
was the American jack, and while not as
large as was expected. it was another
sensa alton to the many previous ones which
had been given before. Then came The
grand climax of the evening. 1t was the
battle between Admiral Dewey and Ad-
miral MontijO. It was splendid. FIRST
the Reina Christina put out slowly toward
the Olympia, which came forward moro
rapidly, amid A deafening crash of bombs,
ehells and torpedoes. The crowd gave
vent to their feelings with yell after yell
Of approval when the firing from the
olympia became terrific. At last the Reina
Christina caught on fire and fell. leaving
nothing but the hui kand some spars and
wooden work standing. Al this time the
Olympia kept advancing. Finally The
other Spanish gunboat got a hot shot and
81. too, caught on fire and feI to the sea
level. BY this time the Olympia had got
opposite the fort, and then began another
terrific bombardment on the fort. AFler
several minutes of continual firing the
fort went up in fire from one Of the shots
After the battle the picture of Admiral
Dewey was given in colors. 1t was the
grand climax of the evening, and the
crowd went wild. showing most conclu-
s.vely who is the idol of the Americans.
il was a splendid likeness and the throng
recognized him Immediately and rent the
air with Their hurrhs. The evening per
Torrance, which was magnificent one,
closed with a tableau of fire saying Good
night"
The immense audience was greatly
pleased and went home weI satisfied with
the Battle of Manila" even though they
were inconvenienced in getting to see j..