Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1904-06-03
CIRCUS A WONDER.
1t Drew 10000 People In Detroit In Spite
of Rain.

The Detroit Tribune of Tuesday con-
tanned the following command on THE
Greatest Show on Earth" which will be
seen in Alma on Tuesday, June IA;
The circus-the Barnum 81 Bailey
Greatest Show on Earth-has come and
gone. 1t was the greatest circus that
Detroit has ever seen. and the tribute
that the CITY OF the Straits paid to the
creation of Yankee genius was magni-
ficent one. There were 1000 paid
entries to the big show, and the side.
shows were visited by at least 10. 900
more.
There is a magnetism about the word
"circus" that appeals TO young and old
alike. The children are good for DAYS
before the parents growl about the
foolishness of it all-and then at the
last moment hurry off to the coDglomera-
ton Of the varied wonders to be found
under the big canvas tents,
Yesterday saw several innovations in
the circus business. so far as Detroit is
concerned. There was footrest for
every pair Of feet. There was no claw
ing Of muddy shoes on the back Of one
coat or frock. Thirty-two hundred
opera chairs formed the reserved seat
section. The boxes we're divided by
neat ratings and provided with COM
Portable seats. The seats in the body
of the tent were wider than the old
kind and the backs high enough 10 form
real rest when one leaned back. There
were several toilet rooms at intervals,
and many other improvements that the
old-time circus men never thought OF
Introducing.
The costumes of the performers are
also worthy of more than passing notice.
The women performers wore gowns Of
the richest fabrics and the men were
clothed in evening dress. 1t was more
like grand reception than the old-time
circus that brings back recollectiops of
q horde OF people clothed in tights.
For the lover of horses there was
rare treat. Fiery steeds from far off
Arabia stepped proudly into the sawdust
rings and performed their evolutions.
guided by daring and skillful riders.
Ten splendidTrakene stations from the
imperial stables OF Russia were exhibited
by two subjects of the great car. The
chariot races brought back from the
depths Of the past the glory OF Rome.
The exhibition of aerial work was a
continuous, heart thrilling performance.
Men leaped through the air like flying
birds to be caught in safety by their
partners. Two of the performers caused
the hearts OF the Immense audience to
stand still for moment. The time OF
the leap was miscalculated by second
but they fell into the net beneath un.
harmed.
Persons who have been witnessing for
q number OF years elephants climbing
upon pedestals and forming groups OF
various sorts were astounded by the
performances of the q elephants that
occupied the three arenas. There was
a battle scene in which the great pachy-
derms fought with artillery with re-
markable fidelity TO scenes upon an
battle field, some Of them fell as if dead
others were wounded and limped away,
while others picked up an American flag
and covered the PROSTATE form Of their
commander and bore him from the
arena.
The magnificent performance wound
up with three acts that made people
turn away their heads only TO look once
more fascinated The first was Chico,
who rode single bicycle wheel down
long inclined ladder, bearing a man on
mis- shoulders. The second was Nolo
the volitant. who rode down a steep
incline. flew so feet through space and
landed in safety on another incline.
The last thriller was by Aneiliottin the
Frenchman, who loops the loop
with about half the loop missing.
Women shrieked aloud as he sped
through space and then laughed softly
as he bowed again and again to the
plaudits Of the crowd.
Last, but not least, were the clowns.
There were more than a score of them
and the antics Of those grotesque fellows
would make hitching-post laugh, and
who sent both young and old in the
audience away with broad smiles on
their faces and the hope in their hearts