The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-26

Some $4,000 people celebrated circus
day yesterday by attending the two per-
formances given by the Adam Forepaugh
and Sells Brothers combined shows at
North Capitol and L Streets, and undoubt-
eddy every member of the vast audiences
is willing TO testify today that the tented
attraction is the best seen in this city in
many years. There was dearth OF moth
ing that might 20 to make tent show en-
ioyable, and there was no lack of the
charm OF the old-time pleasures combined
with the glitter ard glare of the modern
canvas hippcdrome. From menagerie TO
sdeshow all was it should be, and the
giories of the colored poster were for once
outdone by the actual realization. For
nearly three hours during each perform
ance the delighted crowds witnessed and
applauded wonder after wonder and were
happy. They had come expecting little
and had received more than suthciency.
Not three rings. but four, were piled
to amuse and amaze the audiences. The
far famed trio of circles of canvas and
dirt are seldom found outside the adver-
tisihg matter, but here there were three,
with an additional platform whereon some
wondrous feats were exhibited. So the
band played, the horses capered, the gilt
TEL vi baIEltS Was every hiltAt- anu INT
crowds laughed and applauded until eX-
hausted. II is something of note that not
one Objectionable feature occurred to mar
the pleasure of the day, and the showmen
now in the city exhibit an intelligent
knowledge of the art of handling crowds.
The menageric is all that could be de-
sired. There are no closed wagons and
the row of three-score vehicles conta rs
everything from a monkey to hippopo,a-
mus, while camels, elephants, and zebras
are abundant in the open spaces. The
main tent is the largest ever erected IN
this city by any show and easily seats
l5,0CO people. Here, after really good
band concert, which al.eviates the tedious
ness of the wait, the spectator is treated
10 many surprises in divers ways. TIE
old, Old tiresome features found in crcuses
which have come and gone are missing
and clean. enjoyable acts substituted.
The opening pageant introduces an array
of gallant knights and ladies', together
with long lines of handsomely capariso.ei
horses, glittering chariots and solemn pa
rades of elephants, camels and other ami
mails. Last, but lot east, came the
clowns, Of whom there are fifteen, and
each lunnier than the last.
The Introductory feature of the long pro-
gramme of acrobatic acts was double
someIsaulting contest between a dozen
athletes who whirled through the air over
the backs of elephants and horses and
gained great applause by their daring.
One of the prettiest features of the per-
formanoe is the classic posing of the Jack
son family, who reproduce famous groups
of statuary and scenes from American
history. Miss Emma Stickney performed
some clever feats on the slack wire which
attracted generous applause. Lowande
danced on rope suspended from the top
of the tent. while Miss Cline and Miss
Adair did some thrilling things on the
high wire.
Stirk and Anita caused comment by SEN
sational double trapeze performances in
midair. Miss Donavin and Miss Dot Adair
proved themselves experts on the flying
rings. The Damman sisters and Miss
Braehard were graceful in posing on run
ming globes, while Miss Bonnie caused con-
sternation by swings from the top of the
tent to the sawdust. The famous Spauld-
hugs and the great Kelly were remarkably
clever on the revolving trapeze. 4 troupe
OF eight performing elephants showed that
they were as intelligent as some human
beings and danced, stood on their heads,
and walked on their hind legs at the bid
ding Of the trainer.
The Misses Docksill, Meers, Stickney,
Ashton, and Carrea gave exhibitions of
~
their SIKH on bare backed horses Miss
Cline introduced her horses, Brilliant"
and The Maid" who are trained to dance
anything taught in an academy. Richard
Dockrill showed the Intelligence Of his
horses, Sultan" and The Gar" while |
William German exhibited his cake-walk- |
ing horse. The pony circus, under the
direction of Frank Melville, delighted the
and the miniature horses are
well trained.
Messrs. Lowe and Kincade gave an ex-
hibition of driving tandem fours The
Melrose family gave an enjoyable per-
on bicycles. Bryan, Lozell, and
Garnell did some thrilling turns on the
aerial bars. Joseph Kelly turned somer-
saults from the top of the tent to the |
ground. Carrea exhibited some perilous |
cloud swings and the La Noles showed
what they could do OF revolving ladders
Adair and Wilton. head baiancers; Josie
Ashton. on the flying rings; Brochard the
the three Potters on the
trapeze; Reed andMcCree and the Davenes, |
nett in clever burlesque on Roman gla- |
iiators. were all interesting
Probably the most wonderful thing on |
The programme was Captain Woodwsrd's |
trained seals and sea lions which exhibit |
almost human intelligence. singing so'os. |
forming brass band, juggling with balls, |
reading, and acting like human |
beings. William German. Frances Reed |
Oscar Lowande, and William De Waite !
give exhibitions in trick riding which ex- |
ute applause.
Merit and Adair, the Carl Damman |
troupe of acrobats, the Kennard brothers
tumblers; the Millette troupe of athletes
the Davenes, the four Potters, on the high
trapeze, and Bryan, WeitzeI. and ZorelIa |
on the aerial bars. were all startling and
created much enthusiasm
The thrilling hippodrome races wound
up the performance, which was one of the
best ever witnessed in Washington.
The performance will be repeated at I
p. N. and p. m. today.