Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1914-11-14

WONDERS OF JAVA
A Glimpse of the Most Beautiful
Island In the World.
WAS ONCE A MIGHTY EMPIRE
Only the Architectural Ruins Of Its
Ancient Civilization Now Remain.
Its Royal Prisoners and the National
Sport of Tiger Fighting.

Ancient CIVILIZATION NOW Remain
Its Royal Prisoners and the National
Sport of Tiger Fighting.
The island of Java has been called
by more than one traveller the most
beautiful isnnd in the world 1t is in
shape much like Cuba. 1t is long and
narrow. about 700 miles one way and
less than 100 the other Sumo Of the
mountains are 10000 on 1900 feet
high. but there are no snow clad peaks.
They are all clothed to the summit
with the richest tropical vegetation,
for they are almost directly under the
equator. There are ut least thirty or
forty volcanoes in the island, many OF
them still active.
The island is controlled by the Dutch.
About the time the pilgrim fathers
sailed from Holland to land on Plym-
outh rock another expedition from the
same country carried the Dutch flag to
the other side Of the world. and Dutch
governors have ruled ia java for about
300 years But the remarkable arcAi-
tecturu remains in the interior bear
testimony to the extinct civilization Of
mighty empire once enthroned upon
this island and Of an ancient religion
that was suppIanted by Buddhism.
Although the Dutch are complete
masters, there are still native rulers
left in the island, emperor and sultan.
who are allowed to retain their lofty
ritles and live surrounded with an i'm
perial etiquette, although they are in
reality little better than state prison
ers
The emperor lives in his "kraton."
large Enclosure in which is the palace
Before the palace stretches the so call
ed "Alon-Alon," broad, open space.
often Ganked on one side by a mosque,
and this is the arena for the tiger
fights. which are the favOrite diversion
of monarch and subject alike.
For these combats hunters trap I'll
gers In the mountains magnificent
beasts. not born in a cage and half
subdued by long confinement. but real
kings of the fol St caught full grown
and with their strength increased by
rage at their captivity.
Sometimes the fight is with bun or
a buffalo, but more often with train
ed fighters Of the human race. and n
striking popularity Of the combat Is
that not infrequently the onlookers
themselves are forced to take part In
the performance.
Within the "Alon-A lon'' great
square or ring is marked of. and
along its sides the mass OF the spec
tators take their places. the men arm
ed with spears OF different lengths.
Those with the shorter spears knetl
in the front rank. while those with the
longer weapons stand behind them, SO
that together they present close
hedge OF bristling spear points.
II the tiger tries to break through
the ring Of spectators ne must. If the
spears are firmly held. impale himself
on either the longer or the shorter
ones. while the men on either side can
easiIy run him through with their
lanccs. THAT means that each individ-
ual in the wide circle must be dexter
GUS IN the use Of the spear and also
know something about the habits and
disposition " the tiger.
The leading role is naturally taken
by professional tiger fighters. The big
wooden cage In which the fierce beast
has been confined is dragged into the
middle of the great arena. aud MS 1t is
opened an unarmcd and unShiclded
tighter advances toward it and with a
certain measure OF ceremony and even
of roiteness challenges the tiger to
come forth
suddenly realizing It's freedom. the
beast usually starts in wild flight TO
ward the ring of spectators, only to
halt before the impenetrable array Of
cleaning spears. From side to side of
the ring ii bounds always met 10y the
same imTias>able barrier until finally
the real tiger fighters. each armed
only with q lance. enter the ring. Usu
ally there are two or three. but only
lighters Of the first rank dare TO en-
counter the enraced animal unsupport-
ed and alone
They watch the moment In which
the tiger eroucheS for It's spring and
kneel low. with tense grasp OF the
spear, which they point toward the
tiger in such manner that he cannot
help impaliuc himself ON it, Besides the
courage that the moment calls for. the
Wanted skill and daring OF the span
iSh toreador are the verieSt child play.
for the charge of the great beast may
he so fierce thar il kpu,.ks Tho lop,.,
aside and then there Is nothing but
the spears Of the other men to save
the tiger fighter from being killed and
mangled by the angry creature
Youths Communion.