Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-09-21
CLEAN AND CRED|1AB[E
WE'RE THE PERFORMANCES GIVEN
YESTERDAY BY THE WAL
LACE SHOWS
AT THE OLD FAIR GROUNDS.
The Attendance Was Large in Spite
of the Discouraging COndftfons-A
differing Street Pageant shortly
After Noon-An Excellent Menag-
erie-Features of the Big Ring
Shows,


The Wallace shows exhibited at the
old fair grounds yesterday, giving two
clean and creditabIe performances.
Coming during the week following the
State fair, and upon a day when the
air was raw and damp and a drilling
rain falling, the attendance was large
under the circumstances. 1t is seldom
that a. tent show pleases everybody,
but there were fewer expressions OF
dissatisfaction among those who as
sembled under the big canvas yester-
day, than are generally heard. A
commendable feature OF the Wallace
shows was the absence of the gamblers
and fairs who are too frequently
hangers-on at such attractions.
The special trains arrived over the
Ohio River road from ParkerSburg,
and the transportation OF the tents,
wagons, and other paraphernalia to the
fair grounds consumed SO much time
that it was after noon when the
parade passed through the streets.
1t was a glittering pageant, which at
tracted much favorable notice. A
striking feature was the horses. Wal
lace's name in the show business has
been a synonym for excellence in live
stock. 1t is seldom that so many mag
nffcert specimens OF ahOrsetiesh are
assembled under the ownership OF one
man. The equine show alone possesses
magnetic interest for horse fanciers.
Prof. Bronson's band of twenty-eight
pieces is another feature worthy or
special mention. 1t is superior to most
circus bands, and the peer OF any. Inc
music is of a higher class than is usual
ly heard in tent exhibitions. The band
gave a concert for one hour before the
exhibition opened last night, and at
tracted a big crowd.
OF the ring show it may be said In a
general way that it was surprisingly
gooi. Of course there was the usual
amount Of equestrianism and the saw
dust and the clowns, without which no
circus would be complete. The marvel
Gus acrobatic Japs furnished their share
Of the entertainment, and the hippo
drome races contributed their exciting
features for the ladies and children.
There were special features which
alone well repaid those who attended.
programme was given by the famous
Nelson family of acrobats. They con-
sist Of father and eight children, and
their work is little short of marvellous.
The Nelson's received an ovation at each
performance.
The Strirk family of bicyclists gave
splendid exhibition Of daring and
skillful riding, and the roller skating
was a comedy feature which was much
enjoyed a new comedy acrobatic act
was given by the three Fortunes broth
ers, who were secured in Paris by Mr..
Wallace Their knockabout tumbling
and horizontal bar work kept the audi
ences in the constant fear that some
of them would have their necks broken
or would be crushed to death. Nile.
French's ascent and descent of the
spiral enclosed in globe was novelty
and genuine surprise.
Quite in keeping with the beauty,
breed and general excellence OF the
horses were the exhibitions of animal
intelligence. In this respect at least
the wallace shows excel their competi-
tors. In the concert Prof. D'Almas
dogs and monkeys gave an exhibition
which might well serve as feature in
any show. 1t is a remarkable exhibi-
ton of animal intelligence. Prof.
D'Alma's proteges are so finely trained
and so obedient to his Nommands that
their work seems almost that of human
beings. Lii Kerslake's group of edu-
Gated pigs also did many apparently in
credible things. The performing ele-
plant, boar-hound and monkey was a
novel and very pleasing feature.
From the Introductory pageant to the
finale in the concert there is not a dull
feature in the Wallace shows, and the
performances are such as may be wit
messed without any danger of offense
to the morals. The attches are courte-
GUS and obliging The management Of
fers inducements in the different COM
petitions, notably in the cake walk and
standing Roman chariot races, in the
shape of cash prizes, which brings forth
the best endeavors of the performers.