Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-11-13

|
traffic. Ii is nothing uncommon t.
| see from four to six clear headed
| stalWart bluecOatS in the midst of the
| tangle, quietly but firmly and witt
| unerring precision ensuring the safet,
| and the rights of all. In parts of the
| tity where danger is increased by tho
presence OF trOlley-cars one freuuentl,
sees policeman leave his usual posi-.
| ton to afford personal conduct through
especially dangerous places. TIL,
| slght of one of those SliStening blacl
helmets, with its silvery, spear-shape pei
crown, is ever the sign of reliable in.
formation and safety
Our visit to the Aquarium was a dis
appointment; for, although specimens
of crawling reptiles, swimming fishes
rare marine curiosities, with flying
birds and drolly active apes are
numerous and excellent, yet many de-
/ PaftilehtS are now vacant Some of
the larger marine specimens i'm
particular which inspired horror and
gratli1ed scientific curiosity in Years
gene by, are no longer to be SEN.
WIN strong desire to experience
the difference between an Amrjcan and
German circus. we attended an eve
nlhg performance at Circus Rusch
rms is permanent institution. estab.
llshed on the north bank of the Spreo
opposite the National Museum. The
seats. which resemble those in a
theatre, are substantial and comfort
able, except that they are apt to NAV
very 'kiddish'' trick on one who 10
green ! turned seat down and es-
sayed to occupy it While gazing OFT
across the arena. As a result, I near
ly sat upon the floor; Tor. as soon az
one Of these seats is relieved of ALI
downward pressure, a spring shuts il
up behind the wOuld-be occupant. TIL.
arrangement of the TERED" seats is cir
cular about single ring Opposite our
position was the actors entrance above
Which was space devoted to special
features in the later portions Of the
performance. Before this upper space
nung a screen. upon which, as we ell
tered. an agent or an enterprising COM
merclal firm was throwing large adver-
tIseinentS by means OF magic Ian
tern.
There were no trapeZe performances
Instead of our usual paraphernala of
swings, rings, and ropes. some orna-
mental structure occupied the lofty
height above the ring. This suspended
structure was surrounded by strong
circular fence of perpendicular iron or
steel bars. some ten feet or more m
height. At signal this fence was
lowered to the ring and it's parts
thoroughly secured. From behind the
scenes a snarl was heard, and soon an
array of formidable animals Skulked
INTO the ring. driven by man with q
whip. Within the cage, seats had been
arranged about the circumference; and
these were occupied by the animals,
sitting upon their Launches. When all
We're in. the gate was secured; and the
man was alone with his whip and his
select society. This consisted of one
small-sized bear, two dogs. five tigers.
and nine lions and lioneSSeS. None of
the lions and tigers seemed TO be in 4
benevolent frame of mind: but al
though they struck at the man several
times with apparent viciousness. no
very serious act of hostility was at
tempted. One tiger made a wicked at
tack upon another: perhaps it was 4
part of the play; but he was classified
until he had resumed his place. The
caused them to perform a number of
tricks. to the extent of leaping upon
himself. He also lay down in a bed
Of lions and tigers which squirmed an
snarled under, around and over him.
When this charming exhibition was
over the animals were driven back to
the regions whence they came, one
lion. who seemed old and rheumatic
;v-;r 4,
many q snarl of impotent protest under
the repeated strokes Of the lash. The
cage was then returned to its elevated
position.
In the ring there were remarkable
performances by thirty-two trained
horses. Sixteen occupied the ring at a
tme--the first set bay, the second coal
black.
The humorous features of the circus.
including the work of the clowns. was
of n high order. The element of SILL
ness, which is not unknown in some
cirruses. was here supplanted by pure
fun. The repartee contained nothing
coarse but was full of genuine humor
The horsemanship was generally ex-
cellent. One actress. arrayed like an
English hOrsewOman. while standing
upon the back of q galloplng Steed,
gave an exhibition Of the progressive
effect of champagne-drink which
was n ludicrOus as it was difficult.
A heavy machine, occupied by the
usual number of passengers. was driv-
en- over n young man five times. He
placed hands and feet in turn in the
track of the wheels. which passed over
them. .Afterward he lay face down.
ward upon the ground and the ma
chine passed over his back between the
waist line and the shoulder.
A strong wooden framework cor
responding with the guage of
the machine had been bolted to the
floor. to prevent all possibility Of the
automobile swerving from it's intended
course It is. supposed by many that
| this frame was so adjusted as to re-
| lieve the actor Of most Of the weight.