Durango semi-weekly herald., 1904-01-28
,vio DESCRIPTION OF
BULL AND LION FIGHT.
ey William E. Curtis.


gerle had a beast that was uncontroi-
liable 1t has killed two or three OF
Its keepers, and the police authorities
had warned the proprietor OF the show
that II must be shot. The latter con
ceiye1 the Idea OF making specula
ton out OF the death OF his lion, and
arranged with the manager OF the bull
ring at Seville. who advertised an un-
usual performance for the next Sun
day. Anything in the way OF blood
shed or ferocity will interest a Span
lard. but l presume that II the exhi-
bition had taken place In New York
or Chicago. or In any other town in
the United States, Just as many peo-
Jie would have fought for seats In the
ampitheater. Indeed. the public was
70 eager to see the struggle between
the two beasts that the thousands who
were unable TO get tickets overpow-
cred the doorkeepcrs and the police
and burst into the galleries without
paying admission fees.
The cage of the lion was hauled in
TO the arena by pair of mules, which
were unhitched and driven out again.
pulling a long string, and when the
lion saw that lie was free he cautious
ly sprang TO the ground and looked
around curlously. After the audience
had been allowed to watch his move
ments for time and began to shout
Tor the bull pair of doors flew open.
aud beautiful white monster with a
long pair OF horns came Bnortlng and
smiling into the ring. He was one OF
the finest bulls brought out that sea
son, and was bred upon the ranch of
the Duke OF Veragua, near Toledo. He
ran first one way and then the other.
trying to find some way to get out.
but every avenue of escape was closed
and then he began to look about for
other dangers He perceived the lion
very soon. and must have wondered.
The latter had been watching him ever
since he came through the door, but
neither seemed anxious to make the
others acquaintance. and each kept
his own side of the inclosure while
the mob in the galleries shouted at
them.
After a little the curiosity of the
lion got the better of his dignity, and
he moved slowly toward the bull.
3centing danger, Taurus lowered his
head and began TO paw the gravel,
while the spectators could see the hot
breath pour like steam from his nos
trils. He stood his ground. however,
even when the lion sprang at him
and buried his teeth in the back OF
ha TO HG
the two animals seemed to be n strug
Cling mass OF ferocity. but neither ut
cred n sound The lion held his grip
while the blood poured in streams
down. the white shoulders of the bull.
The latter, however. began to work
gradually around until he got his
horns under the body of his enemy.
anu with a desperate effort attempt
20 throw him The bowels of the lion
were scattered over the gravel; he re-
lnHed his grip and gave fearful howl
while the bull gored him again and
lgaln until he fell like lump upon
ground. The bull. dripping with
blood, took few steps backward
and awaited second attack. but II
lid not come, The lion endeavored
20 rise, but could only drag his
iaunches, The horns OF the bull had
TORN him open, and pierced mis- lungs.
md ii was evident that his spine had
been injured. for his hind legs seem
ID paralyzed,
Raising his massive head he ut
cred long, wild howl of despair
which aroused the bun to action and,
lowering his horns, he lcnped from the
houd-stained spot where he had been
standing and plunged his horns again
into the body of the king of beasts.
The bull stood for moment over the
body of his antagonist, trembling with
excitement and weakness. then began
to back away slowly. 1t was evident
that he was exhausted. but he was
still upon his feet, while the lion had
rolled helplessly over. and his tawny
name lay on the gravel.
The audience. craZed with excite
ment, claimed n victory for the bull.
and he deserved 1t, and the mayor OF
Seville, who had presided over the
bloody spectacle. gave orders that the
gates should be opened Slowly and
with the dignity of a victor, his hide
still dripping crimson. the handsome
animal found his way through the
gates and was watered and fed. A
bullet from revolver put an end to
the sufferings OF the lion, and his car
cass was dragged out of the arena.
Cock fighting is another of the ma
tional sports of Spain to be seen at
its best in Seville. and everybody CON
siders IT an innocent amusement, but
more harm comes to the people from
the lottery than from any other cause.
1t is n government affair, and at least
$50 900 900 year is derived by the
treasury from this source. II has nj.
ways been an important source of rev.
enue. II was introduced into Spain
TWO or three hundred years ago. and
and you might as well talk about sup
pressing lovemaking as SURPRISING a
lottery. although II is largely responsi-
BILE for the poverty of the people. Ev-
erybody buys tickets. The queen her
self. who has never seen bull fight
and loses no occasion to denounce the
national sport. Is a regular patron of
the lottery. and the king buys a tick
Of for every drawing 1 have been