The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-08-25
THE PIKE IS FASCINATING.
ENSNARING AND EXPENSIVE
BY PAUL COOK.

, begin to look after the wounded, and the
supply train comes hurrying along bear.
ing the fugitive Boer families. This show
plays to vast audiences in the afternoon
and evening. In fact, 1t seems to be one
of the most profitable concessions at the
fair.
But to return to the Pike. You will be
particularly impressed by the ability of
the various "barkers," or ''spielers." as
they are called down South. These are
the gentlemen with ninmble tongues and
a scant regard for the truth, who set
forth the attractions of their shows in
such persuasive manner that it is hard
to resist their appeal. A great many of
them try TO create the impression that
there Is something very wicked about
their shows. They hint of beautiful wom-
en- scantily gowned, or artists models in
interesting poses, and of wondrous Dances
never seen before, but all this is merely
lure to catch the unwary There is
nothing immoral about the Pike. It is
the properest place you ever saw. And
the nearest approach to a risque perform
ance is reached by some of the Oriental
dancing girls when they give their east
ern wriggles.
But the .spielers" are a pleasant lot
and they make you laugh. even when you
know that they are talking only for a
salary. Most of them are sharp fellows
who combine a shrewd wit with a ready
flow of language. and some of them are
young college men, who are quite success
full at the new business. In fact, college
boys are conspicuous about the fair and
the Pike, especially. A former college
mate of the writer conducted him safely
down the shutes as helsman. and there
are numbers of other young fellows who
are variously occupied at the big show
But the star barker Of the Pike is to
be found In Asia. If you go to st. Louis
you should not fail to hear his discourse.
The young collegian who officiates at
ireland Is also a most entertaining
speaker.
The curio vendors are very much in
evidence along the Pike. There are hum
dreds of little establishments for selling
everything under the sun, and their pro-
prietors are at times quite persistent.
They are always ready to haggle over the
bargain, so that If you hesitate about
purchasing you are apt to reap the ben
eft of a substantial reduction in price
There are so many of these stands 1t is
barely possible that they are not doing
a rushing business.
And there are some real beauties along
the Pike One or two are to be found in
the Palais de Cotume, and scattered
about In the various shows. There are
| several oriental bells that merit the
name on exhibition, but the handsomest
womtn we-the editorial we-saw on the
Quoted a shop in "Constantinople." She
was dazzling. although she appeared to
be approaching middle age.
| You will observe that the Pike is a
land of illusions. Nearly all the good
shows are of this character, and some Of
them are marvels of ingenuity. BY
clever and intricate mechanism the
showmen can make you think in every
conceivable place, including He'll, and
the illusion is at times remarkably beau
| tiful, especially in Creation" The Pike
| SHoWldu OWES iiuSu " cicCtiiCityt III IL
| is to this fluid that he Is indebted for his
successful tricks that astonish the multi
tudes of people and bring many dollars
to his pockets. Electricity is used as the
motive power in nearly all the shows
and is employed in producing the light
/ effects, without which two-thirds of the
showmen would be helpless.
If you go to st. Louis you will of curse
endeaver to educate yourself by visiting
the various exhibit buildings, but when
| you are weary of art and the fruits of
industry wend you away to the Pike a
pocket full of money and turn yourself
| loose. You will not regret 1t.