The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1898-10-12
QUEER IDEAS OF FUN,
SAVAGES WHO LAUGH ONLY WHEN
SOME ONE is HURT.

The Wrlthtngs of II Victim Under
Torture Send Them Into Frenzy
of Northumberland Punishments
That Evoke XeIis OF GIer.
The laugh, which is now SO closely
associated with good humor and kindly
feeling, originally implied nothing of
tho sort ltoXpressod almost tho reverse
1t was the crow of triumph over fallen
foe.
Such is its nature still among sayages
and barharous peoples. and its unexpect-
cd manifestations are occasionally very
startling. Dancing on the body of
prostrato enemy is to them hilarious
business. The writhing of victim I'M
der torture is the funniest thing imagi-
nable. \ now device for torment is "A
clever jest The inilietiug of CHASTITY
wound as somo poor wretch runs the
gauntlet makes them yell with glee. The
things that shock or horrify or disgust
the civilized man ara about the only
things worth laughing at from say.
ages point of view.
With tho exception, therefore, Of
rough practical jokes, which may posi-
bly, wrinkle his stolid features with
momentary grin, the barbarian has no
appreciation of civilized humor. He
can't see where the fun comes in if 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
tho 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
cd in smiles. It was strange thing to
witness, but it was all in perfect keep
ing with the cruel instincts of thoir
race
Even tho knowledge that no is him
self to be the next victim does not spoil
the fun of cruel spectacle for bar
harian thoroughbred Here is an in-
stance.
4 number of Siamese who had been
engaged i'll II bloody revolt were cap
tured red handed and sentenced to mill
tary execution. A platoon of soldiers
was drawn up with loaded musllets, be-
fore whom the doomed men were led
out i'll squads Of five or six to be shot,
whilo those who wero waiting their
turn stood by, under guard, looking on.
Whom the first volley was fired, the
victims, torn by tho storm of bullets,
loaped into the air with violent oontor-
tions and fell dead And this to tho
poor wrotohcs who wero about to 20
through the same experience seemed so
fine show and SO overwhelmingly funny
that they were fairly convulsod with
laughter.
Such il tho humor of sayages, and
such doubtless were tho beginnings of
mirth tho world over. Strange as it
may seem, there are many hints of this
barharous origin in the fun of the most
highly civilized We no longer laugh
at really tragic occurrences, it is true.
for other and more humane emotions
arc too strongly excited.
But il wo chance to SEQ ridiculous
mishap which does not quite riso to tho
dignity Of tragedy--an accident by
which Somo one is greatly inconvenience
cd and annoyed without being seriously
injurcd-tho remnant of tho savage
breaks loose in us and we laugh till the
tears come.
Why else are we amused when we
SEQ II well dressed man thrown sprawl
ing in tho mud or deluged with dirty
water from an upper window on driven
up n tree by IL cross dog or an ugly bull?
Why else do we SO keenly enjoy the
agony Of man who has accidentally
pounded his finger nail, instead of tho
tack he was driving into tho carpet or
laugh Mt the unfortunate who hlindly
steps ON stray barrel hoop which flips
up and slaps him III tho face? Instances
might be multiplied without limit.
1t is noticeable that children often
laugh at things which do not amuse
adults, but, ON the contrary, shock and
pain them, 1hat.is because the child's
finer sonsibilities are ms yet imporfectly
developed. lie is still near the savage
state. There is "A very prevalent senti
ment to the contrary, but this is the
fact.
In proportion rs men become truly
civilized, however, their sense Of humor
becomes refined, and they revolt at any
suggestion of brutality. Yet it is worthy
of remark that tho gentlest among us
are frequently amused at picture or
story representing things the actual &C.
currencc of which would shock MS great
ly.-Baston Pest