The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-04-29
TOP ENTRY
.ISTRIUMP liant
Ringlings' Circus Comes, Is
Seen, and Conquers Kids
and Grown-ups.
$4,000 IN ATTENDANCE
Show Strikes Washington with Bright
Equipment and Spotless Tenh'
and Makes Big Hit.
$4,000 IN ATTENDANCE

Il DTeeZeSf
| ened either rain or wind at any time.
were the principal features in the greet
ing which welcomed the circus yester-
tday. However. the chill was not quite
piercing enough to lower to any marked
degree that fever which attacks man.
kind generally at this time Of the year
and which has been rightly diagnosed
as "red wagonitis." In other words,
despite the weather, the circus came and
conquered.
Ringing Brothers, after giving all of
the inhabitants of their white city a
Sunday that was partly a rest. began
their real show visit to Washington
with the parade yesterday morning,
which brought out thousands Of people
along the route to bask in its golden CLEAN
and glitter. 1t was full Of novelties,
and proved to be all Of the three miles
or so of stretched-out rainbow that the
advance heralding had promised.
Out on the grounds at Fifteenth and G
Streets Northeast, the moving munich
pality with all its people were ready for
the crowds and they came. Two shows
were given. The matinee performance
was largely attended. but at night the
great tent was packed to its capacity.
and those who came late had the choice
of a view of the fat lady in the side
show or a ride home for there were no
seats left TO be sold. 1t was estimated
by the ticket counters that nearly 5000
people were at the circus yesterday.
Nothing could have looked brighter and
had more of an appearance OF newness
than the whole show. This was only its
third day under canvas, and everything
glistened even If the sun did refuse to
help. The big top was free from the
mud streaks of the road, and as an
innovation and, by the way, one that
skaters all circus >traditions-ail OF the
interior poles were painted white instead
of the time immemorial red and blue
Under the electric lights at night 1t gave
a new slant to the usual sawdust-land
picture. At both performances.t doors
were opened in ample time for view
of the menagerie, which is unusually
large and full of interest.
Spectacle Is Effective.
Before the arenic acts came the spec
tacle of Joan of Arc" which was most
effectively done. The costumes were rich
and the big ensemble groups and the
spangled ballet dancing under canvas
made a fine picture. In wordless play
the story of the militant maid was told.
concluding with coronation pageant.
which was produced to the limit Of arenic
extravaganza in costume and effects.
The Ringing show has always been Ia
NOUS for it's speed, and what followed In
the rings, the midair, and the stages was
enough to make eyes ache. but still be
satisfied. For nearly two hours act after
act and novelty after novelty followed,
until IL seemed that the searcher after
new things had secured them all.
The riding was exceptionally good and
the aerial feats full Of the good old thrill
And then the clowns, fifty of them, en-
tered, and juvenile joy knew no bounds
While the little Willies of today shouted
with glee the Bits who refuse to grow
up and are always boys. were with them
on the chorus.
Costumes Are Fine.
A feature of the show is the dressing
of all of the acts, the costumes being
effective Altogether. it. proved
TO be a real circus, and if there was
any change it was that the red lemon
ade was missing. 1t was there, but II
was the natural color, but all of the
dear ladies of good old Spangletown We're
lust as beautiful and the man who hung
by his toes thrilled just like he used to.
So il was just the real spring tonic
circus.
There will be two performances today,
and after tonight the big city viii fold
itself up and quietly move away and
annex itself to Baltimore.
Sixteen Senate pages. ranging in ages
from twelve to fifteen, will attend the
circus this afternoon as the guests of
Senator William e. Chiffon of West Vir-
ginia. The invitation was extended to
all of them yesterday. After o'clock
last evening the Senate agreed to adj
iourn until Thursday afternoon. w. H.