The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-01-17
BID IF $35,OO0
 GETS THE CIRCUS Thompson Buys the Sells &
 Downs Show
SAID TO BE A BARGAIN
Prominent Shows From Various Parts of the Country Were Repre- sented-circus Quarterlng in
 Birmingham for Winter.

The Sells & Downs circus quarters at Smiths park was sold under the hammer yesterday morning to c. H. Thompson of Boston for sS5,OOO
 The entire aggregation will remain here until early in April. when it will go on the road under the new title of the 'erhompson Shows"
 The show interests of the United States were well represented at the sale, among those in attendance being several promi- nent circus people.
 The sale started at 10 a. and the first bid was made by MT. Thompson, and s15,oOO was the amount cried. As MT. Thompson made this bid he was greeted with a merry Ina, ha," from the laughing hyena, followed by storm of misses from positively the greatest and most interesting den of snakes ever shown by any one man before any audi ence"-in the language of Auctioneer W. T. Parker. Nevertheless, despite these Interruptions, the bidding went on rap idly, 5000 at time, until the offer had reached the sum of s3OO0O. As MT. Par ker stopped for breath, Pedro, the trained African neugala. was heard whistling T don't like no cheap man." This spurred W. L. Main of the Walter Main shows to raise the bid to $SS.OOO.
 A Lull.
 For moment there was hull in the bidding, and the "only quartette of its ri,1 4t.ta pense that would appa1l the layishness of an oriental potentate, composed of the only singing male lions and female tigers incapuvity," were heard warbling in close harmony, "Aint it funny, when you look for money all you get is sympathy This so touched the heart of Mir. Thomp- son that he immediately bid sS5,OOO, and seventeen minutes after the sale opened MT Thompson was the sole proprietor of what will be known as "the greatest show extant," If not Ion earth"
 Although the purchase price is consd- cred by the profession very reasonable, 1t is estimated 1t will take in the neigh borhood of an additional s40,OOO to com plete the show for the road. This amount will be expended in mechanics wages and betterments. Carpenters and black smiths will begin work next Monday. Advertisements for skilled people in va rious lines have already been inserted in the local papers.
 The circus will be ready for business not later than the first week in April, 1t is said. and an extra force of men will be employed in Birmingham. It is prob able that the show will open in Birming- ham.
 The Invoice.
 The bill of sale includes the whole outfit which is composed of the following: Sixty six head of bay horses, 30 head of train ed ring and hippodrome horses, 3 trained ring ponies and mules, large dens, 15. pages 22 baggage wagons, caliope, 3 band wagons, tableaus, elephants, lions, camels, hyenas, 1 tiger, jaguar, 1 African neugala. elk, lama, l peccary, gilden babboon, 1S monkeys, cocka- toos, stock cars, coaches flat cars, Roman chAriots, snakes in nlckled den, full harness and trappngs and full parade wardrobe, plumes and robes
 The following shows were represented at the sale; The Walter Main shows, Geneva, O.. the Wallace shows. Peru, Ind; the Norris 6 Rae shows Santa Cruz, Cal; Frank E. Robbins, Brooklyn. N. Y.; M. L. Clark, Alexander La.; Haag shows, Shreveport, La; Van Amberg shows, Atlanta; John Durham, Fairbault, Minn.; Barnum & Bailey Bridgeport, Conn., Robinson Bros Ohio Hagenbecks shows and Bostock Wild Animal shows
 Good Bargain.
 In speaking of the transaction MT. Thompson. who is stopping at the St. Nicholas, said: T consired that I have obtained very good bargain. The reason for that is, the aggregation being. as we say in the north away down south and Birmingham is, you know, quite a dis tance southlI was in position to buy it cheaper.
 Tt Is my intention to open early in April and I shall do every thing possible to expedite matters. I am thinking seri- ously of opening in this city.
 This is a good town, and there is plan ty of money here so I don't think 1t will be bad idea. I originally intended talk ing my show west. but from what have seen of this town and it's people have decided to stay here. have received nothing but the most gracious treatment and fully understand what is meant by southern hospitality. have advertised for'l local people and shall be in position to give them employment for at least two months remodeling my newly ac- quired possessions. I like the people, the city and the good-fellowship shown, and l am sure I will enjoy the time spent here even though I shall be very busy" J -------s----
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