Evening star., 1929-06-10
j. S. MATADOR WINS.
ACCLAIM IN SPAIN
Makes Successful Debut in
SevilIe-PIanS to Introduce
Sport in America.

SEVILLE, SPAN, June III VII
Sidney Franklin of Brooklyn, N. Y,
who went into the bullfghting pro-
fession after a visit to Mexico, scored
triumph in the principal arena here
yesterday, killing two bulls.
The spectators gave him tremen-
dous ovation, carrying him on their
shoulders out of the bullring and
shouting "Viva ell Americano!" Gong
Live the AmericanD.
Special Dispatch to The Star.
MADRID, June 10.-Sidney Franklin,
the only American bull fighter in the
world, is preparing to bring bull fights
to his native country. The matador, a
favorite in Mexico. feels confident that
Americans will like them and that bull
fighting will take its place with base
ball and foot ball.
Franklin is now for the first time in
Spain. real home of Ia corrida, where
he plans to remain during the entire
in Seville. Later he will fight in the
rings of Madrid, Barcelona and other
centerS
The matador is native of Brooklyn
and a graduate of Columbia University,
where he studied art. Tall, slender,
blue-eyed and curly-haireo. with very
light complexion, he doesn't give the
impression of the hero of the bull ring.
But the same youth, garbed in cos
tune of gold. a sword in his hand, and
a charging bull in front of him, is a
wholly different individual.
Went to Mexico tn Study.
Franklin originally went to Mexico to
study and practice art. While there he
was told that Americans could never
learn how to fight a bull He deter
mined to show them it could be done.
And so the boy; who was teased by
his schoolmates because he knew how
to crochet went into training under
Rodolfo Gaona, Mexico's king of bull
fighters. He made his first public ap-
pearance in the Plaza del Toros Of
Mexico CITY, September 20, 1928. Since
then he has fought all over Mexico and
in South America.
Bull fighting is thrilling. It requires
perfect physical condition and nerve.
That's why think Americans will like
it. They always admire nerve" Frank
lin declared in an interview at his
Madrid pension.
Americas only matador might be
called a goodwill ambassador to this
land of the castanet and mantilla. For,
as was demonstrated in Mexico, the
Latins like him. They are curious to
see what Nordic can do And they
are pleased that a citizen of the United
States. instead of being disgusted with
the bull fight. can take part in the
sport.
Friend of High Officials.
Franklin, though an idol in Mexico
and a friend of high government OFF,
cials, has no bragadocio in his make
up. Shy, almost diffident. his exper-
fences have to be drawn out.
"Yes, I've always been received we'll.
The Latins give me more credit because
am an American"
There is romance in bull fighting
the women throw their arms about the
matador-if he wins-and the men toss
their hats into the ring. But there are
dangers also. Franklin exhibited some
photographs of himself fighting The
bull is shown charging, with his horns
only few inches away from the slender
figure. who is flourishing his brilliant
cape. and horse, horribly mangled,
lies nearby.
There are accidents. of course" the
youthful matador said nonchalantly.
But they happen everywhere. The ex-
element and thrill of the fight makes
up for everything.
THE Latins are more enthusiastic
about their bull fights than the Amer
leans about their ball games. They'll
sit in hot sun for hours to watch one.
They admire bravery and skill above
all else. Both the matador and the bull
must be of Che right stuff or they're
hissed off the arena. If bull covers
when struck with a three-handled
knife. he is taken out and another sub
stituted And when a man doesn't rise
Immediately when he has been knocked
down he is hissed out of the fight,
But when he has shown that he has
courage the crowd goes wild over him. p"