The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1900-08-31
This Monkey Plays Aeronaut,
Mrs. Murphy. from India. Makes
Balloon Ascensions Alone. Then.
When up over 1000 Feet drops
to The Earth With a
Parachute


Parachute
Sunday Chicago Chronicle, July %, 1900.
Mrs. Murphy, a monkey which makes
a balloon ascension and parachute
| Jump and which has been talked OF in
Europe as the smartest member OF
the ape family ever taken into captiyi-
ty, viii make her first appearance in
this city this afternoon. She is sched-
uled for two ascensions and two para
chute jumps every day during the
week. This will also be her first APP
pearance In America. In the chief
cities of Europe Mrs. Murphy created
a sensation and has been much writ
ten and talked about.
-Four years ago this monkey was free
among the giant trees Of India, but
her years OF captivity have not de-
creased her liking for life high above
ground. In the ascension balloon
twenty-five feet in height Is used. 1t
is capable OF carrying LIS pounds.
There are no cables nor ropes to the
balloon and when it starts upward 1t
is at the mercy of the air currents.
The big silk bag is filled with hot air
and it usually ascends to height OF
1000 feet. The parachute jump is
invariably made from the highest al
titude.
This aeronaut monkey uses a trap
exc OF the variety used by the conven-
tional balloonist. Descending from
this is pole two feet in length used
as a grip for the monks hind feet.
Leaving terra tirma, Mrs. Murphy first
says her prayers in comica fashion
and then, as the balloon starts up
ward, she swings with one front paw
on the trapeze. the other waving a
nag. and her hind feet holding TO a
PERPENDICULAR pole. The parachute is
twelve feet in circumference and 1t
usually falls fifty feet before opening.
Once open the descent is very SLOW.
Mrs. Murphy has one bad habit, her
owner says. She prefers to alight in
trees.
HISTORY OF THE MONKEY.
Mrs. Murphy is what is known as a
bonnet monkey. Her owner, Charles
Woodward, never saw simian of like
species which showed the intelligence
OF this one. Mr.. Woodward was for
merly an agentof the English govern
ment in India, holding position of
minor importance. He made frequent
excursions into the interior country,
serving as guide for parties of Lon
don and Berlin animal dealers. On
one of these excursions Mr.. Wood
ward had been authorized to purchase
a collection of monkeys for London
dealer. From natives he bargained
for thirty. Mrs, Murphy was one Of
these and at that time was nearly 2
years OF age. Mr.. Woodward heard
the natives talking about Mrs. Muir
ply, and his attention being particu-
!arly directed toward her he noted her
. kindly disposition. When the con-
sgnment of monkeys were shipped
Mrs. Murphy was not among them.
Mr.. Woodward retained her, and in
the course OF a year had become deeply
Interested in her. Leaving India, he
visited Berlin, where Mrs, Murphy at
tracted much attention, her owner
having taught her many tricks
Less than year ago Woodward con-
ceiyed the idea Of the monkey making
balloon ascension and parachute
jump. Success greeted his efforts, and
the act was the amusement sensation
of all Europe. Last fall and winter
and portion OF this spring Mr.. Wood
ward toured Europe.
HAS MADE MANY AN ASCENSION.
Mrs. Murphy has made in all $50 as
tensions and has never been injured,
although the story of her narrow es-
capes would probably rival those of a
professional aeronaur. Mrs. Murphy
does many tricks and in many ways
appears to show almost human intelli-
gence. Her great pet is small kit
ten, which she careSSes and cares for
as tenderly as mother does her babe.
, Mr.. Woodward started from Berlin
with his monkey two months ago. The
journey to America was made by slow
stages, but even during the ocean voy-
age aud the attending excitement
Mrs Murphy was not sick, st Sans
Souci park yesterday she grinned in a
most comical fashion at the few Wis
itorS who had been let in on the Mrs.
Murphy secret advertised so extensive
ly by the Sans Souci management
THE people OF Harrison county and
West Virginia will witness the wonder
full balloon ascenslOns of this wonder
ful monkey at the great Clarksburg
fair, September 3, 1, ) and 6.-Editor.l