Year: 1859

CLIFTON, AUG. 3, 1859.


The now famous Mons. Blondin, whose
reckless daring in crossing Niagara Riv-
er on rope has added SO much to the
attractions of the Falls, successfully per-
formed his third and greatest feat this
afternoon. Cheap excursions were got
up by the different railway companies,
and by boat from Toronto. The morn
ing train on the Great Western to the
Suspension Bridge was crowded, a spe-
cial train came from Detroit, and another
left Hamilton, all of which were crowd
ed to their utmost capacity. On the
American side train of sixteen cars
came in from Buffalo, and another large
train on the New York Central. The
banks of the river were dotted with peo-
pie long before the hour appointed for
the commencement of the feat. The
day was fine, but the dust was exceed
ingly disagreeable. in consequence of the
continuous stream of travel to the spot
All seemed anxious to behold the per-
formance, as it had been announced that
he would run race with boat. This
he failed to perform, but there was no
sign of disappointment, all being appa-
rently we'll satisfied with the manner in
which he accomplished his task.


The last train on the Canadian side
arrived at about o'clock, and the hour
announced for the performance being a,
the crowd wended their way to the place,
some crossing to the American side, but
the greater number remaining on this. A
little before that time, M. Blondin ar
rived from the other side of the river in
a carriage, and was driven rapidly up the
Canadian side of the river as far as the
Clifton House. Returning amid the
cheers of the multitude, he drove back
to the point of starting on the American
side. 1t was now getting near 5 o'cl'k ;
all who wished to witness the perform
ance had selected their places; the bank
of the river on both sides was lined with
human beings, all eagerly gazing at the
rope stretched across the river, over
which the fearless Blondin was to cross.
The Enclosures on both sides, to which a
charge for admittance was made, were
crowded, and the whole number present
to witness the feat, could not have fallen
far short of 10000 people. who were
huddled together and jostled about until
they were lain to get standing ground
anywhere. The time at length arrived
for the descent on the rope. M. Blondin
made his appearance attired in Indian
costume, and performed few antics on
the platform he then stepped on the
rope, and tremendous burst of applause
broke from those assembled as he took
the balancing pole in his hands and com
menced his perilous trip. He halted
three or four times before reaching the
middle of the river, and ran backward.
lie then went on run, and reached the
Canada shore in minutes 81 seconds
from the time of starting. This is the
quickest time he ever made by several
minutes. On reaching the terminus he
was loudly cheered. but seemed as indif'
ferent about the matter as if he had
merely walked up from the Western Ho-
tel. He was greatly fatigued, neverthe
less, for he had exerted himself to the
utmost, and the perspiration poured from
HIM in streams. The crossing to this
side did not appear to excite much sur
prise. AS he performed it so quickly, HI
had evidently reserved his strength fol
the return trip.


After resting for twenty minutes, shak
ing hands with number of persons, tax
ing little refreshment, and changing