The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-25
MAZZANTINI, THE TORERO.
The Head OF His Profession and the lido
OF the Spanish and Mexican Arenas.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir. Luis
Mazzantini. the great Spanish bull fighter
arrived by ocean steamer few days ago. on
his way to Mexico.
1t was on Sunday afternoon, little more
than four years ago. that. seated In the Romita
bull ring in the City Of Mexico. in the midst
OF a vast crowd OF 10000 people, l saw Luis
Mazzantini. the greatest bull killer. or mdtddor
de toros. in the world. AS he entered the
arena with his cuadriiid. the great throng OF
spectators raised the widest cry OF enthusi-
asm, and as the famous matador made his
bow to the president the entertainment OF
the afternoon commenced. President Diaz
was not there. His Excellency takes little
stock in the recreation Of bull fighting, but
he was represented by Jose Y. Limantour.
the Minister Of Finance. and at that time the
most popular man in Mexico. The newly
elected Vice President, Don Ramon Corral.
was also there.
The bull fight has been so frequently de-
scribed that will not enter on particulars,
but during the afternoon Mazzantini de-
spatohed six bulls with six thrusts, an unusual
feat in bull fighting. for the unfortunate
bull, when he encounters less skilled mata-
dor, will receive as many as Ave or six thrusts
before he bites the dust.
The great stature Of Mazzantin gives him
an enormous advantage in the arena. espe-
cially when he encounters the small Mexican
bull, as II enables him to pick out the exact
spot between the shoulders OF the bull where
he will dir cot his thrust. Many a bull fighter
Ii unable to direct his aim until at close
quarters and the unfortunate beast lowers
his horns In an attempt to lift the matador.
Among the younger matadors Antonio
Fuentes stands preeminent, not only for his
thorough knowledge Of technique. or as they
express 1t in Spain. Ia sueTte supreme. the
knowledge Of killing the bull. but also for the
extreme elegance Of his movements with the
red cloak, Ia cdpd. which Is used TO arrest and
divert the attention OF the bull.
Bull lighting Is an abomi nable sport. but
in Mexico its popularity seems to be on the
Increase. and the idol OF the arena Is for tho
time very fortunate Individual. But public
osker popular a1 very eHe eT Ths
is so thoroughly appreciated by the bull fighter
that he win very often court certain death
In the bull ring in order TO redeem his reputa-
ton for some slip In previous encounter.
When a matador is at the zenith Of his popu-
hy s9stf Tie 1s
in flowers and even their fans as reward for
the hero; But the next moment, in ,conse-
OF popularity will Immediately change. and
at the head Of the diseredted bull lighter:
that they will actually wrench the seats from
their fittings and hurl them into the arena
Many years ago. when Luis Mazzantini
made his fret appearance In the ring In Mex
loo he was the subject OF an unpopular DEM
onstratlon OF this kind, and so Disguised was
the famous Spanish espoda that Us he entered
the train to leave Mexico. he shook the dust
gueda," which may be rendered into English.
y don't want even to take your dust with me
across the ocean"
But In course OF time Mazzantini achieved
great popularity as bull fighter, not only
In Spain. but in all countries where bull fight
ing Is NATIONAL recreation, and he is now
regarded as the most skilful matador In the
world; lie declares that he viii nov retire
from the arena, after he has made this final
tour, He viii then cut OF the top knot. OF
tuft OF hair which designates fororo, and
which is called Ia ooietd, and take his place
with the average citizen In Spain
He has acquired several fortunes, hut has
spent them with great prodgality, after the
manner Of the popular fortrO. but he is stu
regarded as a man Of wealth. and Is reported
to have acquired considerable possessions
in his native land.
Mazzantni is probably the only bull fighter
who moves in the best society. He Is a well
born man and thoroughly educated, and
II is a surprise to many who know him that
he did not choose military career. in which
he would undoubtedly have distinguished
himself, for even in countries where the
bull fight Ia the most popular recreation the
social position Of the matador is not an en-
viable one Under these conditions 1t is
strange that this disgraoeful sport Ia still
tolerated even in Mexico.
NEW YORK. Oct "a ASGLo-MExIcAS