Waterbury Democrat., 1901-05-10
HIS MuRpERous ACT.

l Ill the clfcuS MeuSefle, sWIlH lue SliieL trainer, Badger" who boasts that he isn't afraid of any elephant that ever swung a trunk, were grouped in their quarters on Thursday night when | Charles Thompson, one of the business managers of the circus, came to them with the news of Henry Huffman's s ! death in Peru, Ind. Huffman was killed by Big Charley" the largest elephant in captivity, on Thursday morning. He was for over eight years in charge of the elephant, and was leading him to water, when the monster animal suddenly wound his trunk about the trainers body. pitched him out in the stream. and held him under water with his feet. They all knew Huffman and his charge, and the sad news of the trainers death caused little surprise.
 T knew the big fellow would catch Huff nappin some day. He trusted that beast too far" said one.
 Mike" who with Badger IS thought to know more about elephants than the other and younger trainers, answered.:
 "I wouldn't trust one of those damned hides They're the trickiest beasts that live They know more than all the rest of the animals in the cir GUS put together. They'll fool you for longtime, by allowing you to think they love you, when they are just wait ing for the chance to put you out CT business with swing of that snaky Snout of theirs. 1 told Huff a long time ago that beast would do him Ill the end, but Huff laughed at me long ago considered the elephant as my enemy, and I will always cling to that belief. I don't ever expect to De killed by one of them for that reason. I hate them. though I'm trainer. l rule them by brutality and fear, not by kindness"
 against his favorite animal with sii- ence.
 What do you think of thatT" an- other asked him.
 '.I don't believe word of it. The elephant is one of the most knowing and kindest of beasts alive. There's Big Sid for instance. He killed poor Patsy Forepaugh a year ago. Why! Besause Patsy didn't understand him. He was kind to him when he felt like being so, and when he was out or sorts. he wasn't. No matter how l am feeling, never lose my temper with 'Sid.' I prefer to take it out or a human being. .Sid' is sorry for hay ing killed Patsy. He hasn't forgot it. I bet when that. old beast Is a candi- date for a permanent position in some museum, carrying a ton or two of saw dust under his hide, it will be through remorse for hs killing of Patsy"
 Every one laughed at this statement of Badgers"
 "You don't believe 1t, he continued. "Well, I'll show you that Sid hasn't forgot that incident in his life. Fol low me"
 The rest of the trainers and those interested followed behind-"B Badger" and he led them down the walk to where 'Sid' was busy tossing and munching hay.
 Badger, approached him, put his arms around his trunk, spoke to him kindly. at the same time batting him with his hand. Then he walked out of reach of the oscillating trunk.
 .sThis Is the only time I'm afraid or sSid.'" he explained, .for you'll see what I say burns deep in his hide. I've never learned whether it's anger or real contrition which causes him to act so every time I mention Patsy"
 Probably out of regard to "Sid's" remorse. Badger had never mention ed this knowledge of elephant psychol- ogy to the other trainers, and they ap- peared to be as much interested as the witnesses of the scene not aJtacneu to the circus. nf .sNow watch,'' commanded Badger and he called out to the elephant:
 'Where's Patsy, Sid?"
 The elephants big ears moved wltn the alertness of those of colt at an unfamiliar sound in his head.
 s'Sid' killed Patsy, didn't you, Sid 7
 The animal seemed to understand every word the trainer spoke. Bad ger'' continued repeating the accusa- ton. The elephant tugged at ms chains till it seemed as if they would snap. and then suddenly gave vent to terrible roar that reverberated throughout the whole building. At avery mention of the name of the dead trainer the roar was repeated, till the whole row of elephants was answering him in a like manner, and the man who superintends the advent of the performances in the rings up stairs ran down and commanded the train CTS to stop them, which they did, after much difficulty
 Badger turned to his listeners:
 "There, don't you believe. elephants have memory and that Sid is sorry for his act?'
 They were ogliged to confess they did.
 Now, wait" said Badger" "You'll notice when the show is over up stairs and the people come down to see the elephants that Sid won't eat. I'll bet that beast won't touch mouthful of food for the rest of the night"
 "Sid" was tempted with all sorts of toothsome morsels by the big crowd around him. They held peanuts and candy in their hands before him, but he never stirred or noticed them. The other elephants reached out their trunks and allowed the crowd to pitch the candy into their mouths, which they opened wide for this purpose. But, then, they hadn't killed man and they didn't know reinorSe. Per-