The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-03-23
HIS LOVE OF HOOTCH
IS CIRCUS SCANDAL
Call for Beer at Pier Reveals
Depravity of John Daniel
Of Congo, Africa.
SPURNS VOLSTEAD ACT
Dexter Fell0wes Lands only
Gorilla Safe and Sober
in the Garden.
sPURNs vOLsTEAD ACT

In spite OF the efforts made By Mr.
Dexter Fellowes, formerly mineral
water salesman Of Fitchburg. Mass. but
now connected In some obscure way
with the greatest show on earth and
other places too numerous TO mention.
TO keep the facts from press and public
the news transpired late yesterday that
the only gorilla in human captivity had
landed In New York and was at home
to the proletariat In Madison Square
Garden.
Just what induced Mr.. Fellowes to
leave newspaper reporters in the dark
as regards a really important piece Of
news OF obvious publicity value to the
Ringing Bros and Barnum & b y
Circus is puzzling. as John Ringing,
one Of the principal owners OF the circus.
commented in a statement issued to the
press last night. A possible explanation
lies In the fact that the gorilla is adj
dicted to drink. and Mr.. Fellowes, who
IS very kind hearted. whatever may be
said of him otherwise. may have sur
missed that John DANIEL. which Is the
gorilla's name, would be In no condition
when he came ashore to be interviewed
by the keen young men Of the press.
An even more plausible motive for the
astounding secrecy maintained Is sug-
gested by the radio received by the
Rmglings on Monday night. a flash
which read:
'Eavc beer at the pier"
Couldn't Get Beer.
Investigation shows that Mr.. Fellowes
tried to get a few bottles of real beer
and that he was unsuccessful--the
whole mission requiring secrecy. of
course-and that he was able eventually
to procure small bottle Of sherry and
a similar quantity of old port
Be these as they may. the United
States mail steamship Old North State,
from British ports, had scarcely left
Quarantine when Pier ~, North River.
was simply damned with alert news
writer's and camera men who awaited
John Daniels arrival and who peppered
the paipabiy annoyed Mr.. Fellowes with
queries natural to the Importance ard
novelty OF the event II was learned
that the gorilla, which was taken in the
Congo at the age Of a few months. is
now four years of age. stands feet
inches tail and weighs 1873 pounds.
II have been kind enough to supply
these facts. gentlemen Mr. Fellowes
said. "and I do hope you will refrain
from mentioning the circumstance OF
John Daniels love OF booze. We UNDER
stand from London that the creature
simply must have his hootch three or
four times daily. If this should get out,
IL the hint should he emitted that we
win have to provide liquor. the very
best kind of liquor, on physicians pre-
scriptions naturally. at Madison Square
Garden in the next five weeks while the
circus Is there, you can see for your
selves that we would be exposed to
many annoyances. We would have too
many visitors. We would have no time
for serious duties. Is that not so?''
quite so, Mr.. Felowes. Not one
word shall be said about the matter"
The Old North State was even then
engaged in docking. and brushing Mr..
Fellowes out OF the way the reporters
crowded aboard and sought John Il.
Benson, animal trainer for the Hagen
becks of Hamburg. Germany, who
brought the young gorilla to this coun-
try Benson promptly exhibited John
Daniel in a steel barred cage. John
bellies all that has ever been said harsh
ly about the personality OF the great
apes, for the newcomer to the circus
appears to have Pollyanna disposition
and to be entirely content with his lot.
IL Black as Might.
Black as night from head to foot,
short, powerful legs and long, massive
arms covered with thick, coarse, jet
black hair small ears set high up in a
vast and inconceivabiy ugly face. also
dun black: large and intelligent black
eyes, enormous hands and feet, John
Daniel win be quite apt to hold the gaze
of all circus goers. His gentle disposi-
ton and ability to do numerous tricks
should make him big circus attrnc-
ton Dr. Hornaday OF the Bronx Zoo
thinks John Is the third or fourth that
has ever been brought to this country
The RinglIngs paid $4,000 for Johr
and value him at $4,000.
Next Saturday afternoon, when the
circus opens for the season, John Danie
win be on public view. At the same
time the circus. coming in with the
spring. win offer other new and inter
esting features-s three arena act, with
polar bears. pumas and lions working
simultaneously eight performing cam
els, which do the lapdog tricks thai
elephants are taught TO do; a grand new
tiger from Siberia, Exnir: trained zsbras
with newly enamelled stripes. and thirty.
six performing horses from Austria
Among the new freaks IS the man with
the revolving head. the three fat boys
from Hungary and the bear woman
who ect---Shhhhh nothing but honey
And down In the sawdust and up among
the aerials are most OF the familiar and
Inff F,sl haf 10