The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-11-13
Big CROWDS SEE
PARADE AND CIRCUS
BARNUM & BAILEY GIVE FINISH
ED PERFORMANCE - NOVEL
FEATURES ATTRACT ATTEN-
TION-MENAGERlE GREAT.

Large crowds attended the two per-
formances given by the Barnum & Bailey
show at Smiths park yesterday. The
fact that Birmingham people have had a
number of big days within the past few
weeks which offered opportunities for
them to spend their money and have a
good time generally seems not to have
been felt to any appreciable extent by
the Barnum & Bailey enterprise, which
followed close on the heels of two other
circuses. the Buffalo Bill show, the Ala
bama State Fair, President Taft and other
important affairs.
The circus parade, which unwound itself
yesterday morning about 10 o'clock and
made brave entry into the business dis
trict, threading lanes of people, was fit
beginning, and those who later went out
noon performance were not disappointed,
either by the size or the standard of ex-
cellence maintained by the show. There
are not a great many novelties this year,
but there is plenty to see and the better
part of everything is in keeping with the
reputation of the Barnum & Bailey circus,
which shares with the Ringing show,
now under the same management, the
distinction of being the biggest and
best"
The trained horses and elephants proved
to be as intelligent and well trained as
anyone could wish, and following the in
troductory tournament these animal per-
formers occupied the attention of the
spectators.-~Afte that the three rings and
two platforms were literally alive with
all kinds of feature acts. while the aerial
performers kept busy. Numerous feats
of equilibrium and strength were done in
the air.
An,cng the special features offered this
season may be mentioned Jupiter, the bal
V on horse, who is raised to the top of the
tent, while suspended on platform be-
reath a small make-believe balloon. Mrs.
Ray Thompson remained In the saduie
during the ascension and when the top
had been reached there was rain of fire.
works from the platform, Jupiter stand
ing unmoved In the midst of smoke and
spewing powder. This act won applause,
while the daring leap Of Desperate was
arcther thriller" which made people sit
I'D and take notice. Desperate leaps from
a high elevation onto smooth incline,
and sliding that way the full length of
the chute, which sends him flying out into
the air to land on his feet
The Relkromas did some excellent SEN
sationA Juggling, while standing on the
backs of running horses. The Four De-
koes won applause for feats OF balancing
while going up and downstairs, the Ka-
roiy horses proved an entertaining num-
be and the Berzac novelty acts seemed to
please the people immensely. There were
quite number Of equine acts in addition
to those put on by the berzacs and for
the most part they were we'll worth WHILE
Labelle Victoria proved herself a mar
vel on the slack wire, her performance
being in some respects the most daring
seer here In long time. There were also
several other good wire acts. The Je-
romes put on some artistic grouping in
imitation of Greek and Roman statuary.
The Imperial Viennese troupe OF aerialists
did some sensational work, giving an
elaborate performance, requiring the SER
vices of 10 people. The programme was
concluded with the usual hippodrome
races.
The Barnum & Bailey menagerie con-
times to be one of the largest and most
interesting collections of animals carried
b., a circus. Although at the close Of a
rather trying season. the animals, partic-
ularly the delicate giraffes. seem to be in
fine condition.
Announcer large crowd Of people saw the
performance last night, which concluded
the engagement, the circus going from
here to Montgomery. After one more
week on the road the circus will 30 into
winter quarters.