The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1914-02-13

may vote but once and must not vote
for yourself" The ballots distributed.
the suffragettes disappeared through
the curtain.
Then the curtain rose on the first
tableau. showing the worn front Of
circus tent, with its haring pictures,
its Grand Entrance wooden box Of
fee, red lemonade and all the accesso-
rieE of the circus grounds.
From both sides the country folk
appeared. gazed open-mouthed in Won
der at the pictured freaks. The whole
countryside was out to see the show.
In stream they punched tickets and
made their way into the big tent.
While this was going on, pair Of
disreputabIe Mexican gamblers OPP
peared and opened a shell game" in
to which they worked the countrymen.
1t was the genuine article handled by
a smooth pair. OF course the coun-
trymen lost, and got into q row, which
was finally settled by the winner
agreeing to treat the crowd to the
circus. and through the grand entrance
they marched.
The second scene carried the spec
tators into the circus tent. From the
center pole were stretched streamers
Of colored incardescents, the only dec
grafton attempted.
The Parade.
Headed by q band. playing typical
circus music, the procession of per
formers issued from the performer
tent, and the opening grand march
had begun.
The ring master, in his high hat, red
coat and dark trousers, swapping his
whip. led the way. Then came the fat
I17
Highlanders in kits, followed by Percy
the lion tanner, who dragged behind
him three perfectly trained lions
The lady bareback riders rode grace
fully in their equestrian duet The
fact that their lonely raw-boned steed
had to be dragged along on wheels,
did not appear to disturb their equilib-
rum. The Wild Man from Borneo led
the elephant an animal trained to stay
on rollers Two Roman chariots, drawn
by teams of six prancing clowns, came
next. A bunch of funny clowns, in
rich and fantastic costumes, wound up
the parade.
After a circuit of the stage, the mu-
sic chaged to Yankee Doodle, and in
rode Uncle Sam. mounted on a rocking
horse. accompanied by guard OF
honor consisting Of four midshipmen.
After Uncle Sam had conducted
little parade of his own he mounted
the gilded stand at the rear. and be-
came the presiding genius OF the cir
Gus.
Several grand acts were offered in
the circus proper. The bareback riders
fought one another for space on the
back Of the patient old horse, drawing
great applause.
Roman Chariot Race.
The crowning triumph of the day, a
Roman chariot race, wound up the
circus. The course was the entire
circuit of the dancing platform. Each
chariot with Its driver and it's team of
six clowns. The start and finish were
in front of Uncle Sans throne:
Twice around the course and the
fastest team WINS We're the only
rules, and II was race to stir the
blood of Romans. They charged down
the stretch and turned the bends SO
sharply that the drivers abandoned the
reins for the safer job of holding on.
Then back again at top speed and
around the other bend they went The
finish was exciting, but IN the melee
no one really found out who really
won.
While the clowns were clearing up
the tent, the fat lady succeeded in
having the ballots deposited In the
ballot box. The ringmaster instituted
himself as election commissioner, sum
moned the two gamblers as clerks OF
election, and proceeded to count the
ballots. 1t was then found that the
unselfish "calI outs" had IN many In
stances voted for the recognized suf-
fragette leaders throughout the world,
Mrs. Pankhurst receiving a goodly
of votes
Having ascertained the decision of
the su1ragettes. the ring master sum
moned the midshipmen from the side
of Uncle Sam. and went to the call
outs to find the successful candidates.