The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1901-08-29
A great rivalry had for som. year,

."AoSiPh" ShSus inou, unu tno puD-
lie was greatly surprised, just before
the opening of the season, to find
that, according to q newspaper re-
port, the latter had also quietly and
unostentatiously imported a sacred
white elephant known as the Light
Of Asia" which, from the descriptions
Of the few favored scribes who had
seen it, was marvel of beauty and
color. Rumors were also circulated
that Barnum's white elephant was not
genuine, but only diseased or lep-
rous elephant with "blaze" of
cream color down its trunk. and dis
colored or spotted legs, while the
Philadelphia shownan's animal was
of snowy whiteness, without spot or
blemish. Public sentiment ran high.
especially in Philadelphia, where the
shows were to exhibit Simultaneous
ly. While public opinion was divided as
to the genuineness of these sacred"
animals, it may be well to say that
the Barnum animal was as good n
specimen of the genuine white ele-
|phant as could be procured. while the
Philadelphia elephant, pretty MS a
picture and superbly snow white in
color, was supposed to be a lively
"fake."
While on exhibition, this "Lieht of
Asia was almost entirely covered
with q black velvet-spangled cloth.
and the trunk had been manipulated
in such a way that visitors could
touch it. and as no coloring matter
came off on their hands, l presume
that part of the body had in some
way been "sized" or enameled.
During the performance the white
elephant would he introduced and
stripped of its velvet trapings on the
Elevated stage between the two rings,
while learned professor" descanted
eloquently on opposition in general
and the genuineness Of this white
elephant In particular. So well was this
part of the programme carried ou.
that popular opinion was at least
divided regarding the genu-
lneness of the competing white ele-
plants. Long afterwards the "lec-
turer" told me that this white ele-
plant. having learned to recognize
and like him, would endeavor to sa-
lutte him by rubbing up against him
after the manner Of elephants. Had
the animal succeeded, the effect would
have been to leave white marks on the
black coat of the lecturer, who had
nil he could do to continue his lec-
ture and at the same time dodge the
friendly advance Of the white ele-
phant. About the middle of the sea-
son. after getting all the benefit they
could out OF, the white elephant war,
Barnum and his rival came to an am.
Icable understanding, and divided ter
rftory with each other, and the "Light
Of Asia" was withdrawn.
The following winter II was given
but that the animal had taken cold
Ind died In Philadelphia, but there are
plenty Of showmen who aver that the
animal is as lively and healthy as
EVER. though wearing black instead of
chalky white. A. somewhat signifi-
can't fact regarding this fake was
that during the previous sum-
mer its owners had been ANNOYED
on arrival in various towns to
ind an opposition sideshow, with its
'anvas already up. It belonged to an
whose sole attraction
was q yellow horse. No one had ever
heard Of yellow horse before, and
The farmers for miles around came in
md eagerly paid ten cents to see
his wonder. The animal wns not
beautiful, but was GER
'ainly bright yellow, as were also
he hands of his master. In fact,
here was no doubt but that its own
er had rubbed the animal we'll with
Yellow ochre. The proprietor of the
Light of Asia" paid the show n Wis.,
{ and laughed heartily at the decep-
ion. After looking at the horse a
title while he remarked to its own
n: swell. II you can turn gray
,orse yellow. you should be able to
urn an elephant white" What hap
'ened afterward I am unable to say,
,ut, singular TO relate, the following
'pring, when the Light Of Asia" was
imported" special trainer was
brought with it from Siam who gave
he animal his exclusive care and at.
ention. This trainer was an Eng.
ishman. and many Of the circus at
aches thought they had seen the man
the yellow horse.
In 1883, while passing down the
'owery in New York, I heard my name
oudly shouted. Turning around I |
net - AagiSsh shownaa who was
ust tAea 0soaeing - q the many
lime A1009As then established in
hat thoroagAfass.
"Coms inside, Mr.. Coup" said ne,
'nnd I will show you my latest"
"Your latest what?" said I.
"Fake," he answered. "These freaks
want too much money, and are near |
played out, anyway, SO I'm making |
resh ones now"
The place was packed with people
nd an enormous banner on the out
ide depicted o savage looking wild