Ringling Brothers Route Book, 1893

From: Offical Route Book of Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Railroad Shows, Season of 1893, Buffalo, NY: Courier Co., 1893. Compiled by S. Alexander. Lists of staff in all departments, performers, program, and detailed day-by-day route. Permission to place the information from this route book on the Circus Historical Society website has been provided by Feld Entertainment, Inc.™, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey™. Circus World Museum's Parkinson Library provided the photocopy of this route book. All information should be checked with additional sources. There will be spelling and typographical errors.

Dedication

“There are moments in life that are never forgot,
Which brighten and brighten, as time steals away;
They give a new charm to the happiest lot,
And they shine on the gloom of the loneliest day.”

Preface

It has in late years become a custom with every show of importance to have published at the end of each season an account of the happenings and leading events of the season. The great number of people employed by a modern circus might well be compared to a good-sized village. It is not unnatural that the people of an aggregation comprising in the neighborhood of a thousand souls, all practically living under the same roof, with common interests, and, at least temporarily, common ends, living together for six months almost as one great family, experiencing mutually pleasures and hardships, all deriving the means of a livelihood and profit from the same source, forming friendships and witnessing the same daily sights, should desire a memento of their experiences. To those uninitiated in the mysteries of the “white tents,” such a volume would be regarded as a book of travels, but to the profession it is known as a “ROUTE BOOK,” under which modest title this little volume presents itself to the reader.

In the main, the author does not essay to deviate materially from the usual routine characteristic of such a chronicle. He has, however, attempted to add to the interest of statistical matter, gossip and news by personal sketches, and portraits of the leading agents, heads of departments, performers, musicians, etc., and hopes that this feature of the book may be the means of recalling many pleasant and happy personal recollections of the season of 1893, and may also form a portrait gallery of interest and pleasure.

The World’s Greatest Show . . During the Season of 1893

Ad this volume is the result of the triumphant national tour of the Ringling Brother’s World’s Greatest Show during the season of 1893, a few words regarding this great amusement enterprise may not be out of place here. The organization of the leading circuses of the country was attended by most managers of tented organizations with considerable misgivings as to the financial outcome of their undertakings. Added to the universal interest of the World’s Fair, which many foretold would engross public attention to the detriment of amusement enterprises, the country stood at the verge of a great financial crisis. Managers of amusements everywhere adopted a policy of retrenchment. The Ringling Brothers alone deviated from the rule. They argued that if it needed a good show to draw people during good times, it would certainly require the super-excellent to fill their tents during a season of financial stringency and with the eyes of the nation turned toward Chicago. Instead of reducing their forces and expenditures, vast additions and improvements were made. The daily expense of the great show was added to enormously. The features in the circus and hippodromic departments alone comprised a salary list never paralleled in the history of the “white tents.” Grand tableaux, gorgeously carved dens and cages, and the thousand and one things that form the ensemble of this modern giant of the circus world were added in astonishing profusion. The menagerie was enlarged in many ways, and in particular by the acquisition of a real live giraffe, eighteen feet tall, and the only one with any show in America; an additional train of cars to transport the numerous enlargements was amalgamated with the other rolling stock; a sea of bran-new snow-white canvas added its bedecked glory to the Ringling Brothers’ possessions.

That the Ringling Brothers reasoned well was proven by results. Crowded tents everywhere greeted the great show. The attendance throughout the season of 1893 has been phenomenal and commensurate with the efforts that were put forth to gain public favor, and as the last flag of triumph was hauled down on the closing day of the season, the story of the latest and most prosperous season in the history of this great quintette of circus managers was told.

Throughout the various departments of the Ringling Brothers’ Show the greatest harmony and unison of action has prevailed. The efficient agents and advertisers, the heads of departments, many artists and performers, musicians, privilege people and army of employees, are entitled to the warmest words of praise for the part each has, during the season of 1893, contributed toward the success of the World’s Greatest Show.

Department of Superintendents

Financial Staff

Miscellaneous Officials

Advance and Advertising Departments

Advertising Cars

Car No. 2.

George Goodhart, Manager
Frank Ward, Boss Bill Poster
Thomas Hodgman, Lithographer
Oscar Kaser, Programmer
Bill Posters: Ed. Ray, Louis Knob, Geo. Howe, Geo. Doersom, Dan’l Malone, H. A. Gregory, John Anderburg, John Hain, Frank Estes, Wm. Morton, Henry Mahler, Chas. Kautz, Pete Wolbert, C. A. Yecker, and the general favorite dog “Ring,”

Car No. 3.

Thomas Dailey, Manager
J. H. Brown, Boss Bill Poster
Fred Kettler, In Charge of Opposition
Henry Kettler, Lithographer
Excursion Men: C. F. Miller. W. B. Murray, Geo. Slade, Joe Green, Warner W. Best, Dan. Nugent, Chas. Wilson, Frank Hoffman, John Sylvester, Geo. N. Goss, Wm. Gleason, H. P. Cushing, W. M. Franklin, Frank Rogers, W. F. Herbert, S. J. Peschane.

Car No. 4.

C. Miller, Manager
Charles Weston, Boss Bill Poster
Frank Kimmerle, Lithographer
Bill Posters: H. J. Dilgeg, James Irish, Geo. Tainter, Mart Nelson, Thomas Wild, Wm. Norman, O. T. Pond, Ed. Traver, Ed. Warn, H. C. Cushman, Wm. Ostherg.

Ticket Department

Big Show Door Tenders

Henry Ringling, General Superintendent
Ticket Takers: John White, Entrance No. 1; Charles Ellis, Entrance No. 2; Fred. Madison, Entrance No. 3; S. Perley, Entrance No. 4, Front Poor Policeman.

Reserved Seat Ticket Sellers

Fred Madison, Superintendent
William Vogt, In charge of Tickets
Bobby Beach, F. Cass. Fred Madison, S. Schrieber.

Reserved Seat Gate Tenders Otis Bowers, J. MacIntyre, Assistant.

Reserved Seat Ushers

Thomas McIntyre, Chief Joe Jewell, Usher Section A John Curling, Usher Section B William Rooney, Usher Section C John Luttrel, Usher Section D

Harry Buckner, Usher Section E William Robinson, Usher Section F Charles Bebense, Usher Section G Dan Sanford, Usher Section H Caius Sylvester, Usher Section J

Blue Seat Ushers

James Adair, Superintendent. Lee Craig, Levi Parks, Henry Ballard, H. Woodward, A. C. Williams, Dick Jones, Wm. Smith.

Railroad Department

Paul Cunningham, Harry Phillips, Jacob Keller, John Butler, Charles Brown, John Flaherty.

Trainmen

Gus Kent, A. Hillman, Wm. Smith, A. Heinburg, Wm. Burg, J. W. Dolan, Wm. LeFlauer, J. Ashton, John Ashton, C. Duffy, W. Thatcher, O. Spuring, J. Koohler, Oliver Springer, Geo. Kent, A. Squires.

Sleeping Car Department

Mechanical Department

Property Men

Stage

Harry Anderson, In Charge. Wm. Holler. K. Cummings, Wm. Reed, Robert Smith.
Thomas Culligon, In Charge of Dressing Room
Kenneth Cummings, In Charge of Leaps
Arthur Stacy, In Charge of Vernon Bros.’ Aerial Rigging
Curtain Men: Wm. Woodruff, Ed. Monoynette.
Harry Anderson, In Charge of Scenery for Concert

Canvas Department

Canvasmen

J. H. Snellen James Adair Charlie Pearley S. M. Marlin Ed. Kennedy Wm. Bryham John Adams J. B. Orr C. W. Williams D. Kelley Joe Jewell John Howarge Lou Gabel James McNab Levi Parks

Fred. Block C. Drum C. W. Bogardus Dick Jones Tom McIntire Dick Martin Joe Lawrence Harry Buckner Al. Hasting Frank Earle J. Stovey Henry Ballard John Curling John Bone Billie Mitchell

J. P. Riley Harry Bebense Walt. Spaulding Jack Wilson Garland Baldwin Bert Matheny Charles Galiger Mat Riley H. Woodward John Luttrell Charles Rooney Oelie Johnson J. A. Jordan Charles Elmer Lee Craig

Tim Lynch John Hoven Olaf Berg Dan Santord Henry J. Timm Wm. Smith Al. Jilson H. J. Sheppard Frank Miller Frank Williams Hiram Magginis John Brady A. C. Williams Tom McIntyre Charles Peifer.

Big Top Men

John Snellen, General Superintendent
Edward Kennedy, Assistant
Lew Gabel, Second Assistant

Charles Drumm A. C. Williams John Lutrell Ike Long Dick Martin John Adams Wm. Jones Dave Collins Frank Earl Joe Jewell Jas. Goodhardt Wm. Wilson John Boone Levi Parks

Fred Madison John Black Walt. Spaulding Dick Jones Charles W. Ellis J. Cunningham Lee Craig Henry Ballard John White Caius Sylvester H. J. Sheppard H. Woodward John Riland Mike Werle

James Adair Wm. Smith James Ashton Patsey Crosby D. Kelley F. Williams Fred Beanmyer Tom Flynn James McNab S. M. Martin Albert Wright Hiram Magginis C. W. Bogardus John Howard

Brigham Wronig Charles Peifer Wm. Robinson John Curling Dick Clews Garland Baldwin Billie Mitchell Charles Bebense Wm. Smith Ollie Johnson Bert Matheny James Johnson

Menagerie Top Men

John Snellen, Superintendent
Charles Williams, Assistant

Dan Sanford Mat Riley Charles Galigher John Jordan Harry Buckner Garland Baldwin Mat Riley Al. Hastings

John Stowey James Riley Tim Lynch Joe Sweeney John Hooven James Orr John Brady Albert Long

Wm. Rooney Charles Elmer Al. Jilson Clarence Daley Joe Lawrence Frank Miller Charles Pearlie Dan Moore

Reserved Seat Men

Wm. Rooney, Dan. Sanford, Mat. Riley, Tim Lynch, Garland Baldwin.
Stake Wheeler, William Brigham.

Stake Puller No. 2.

Harry Buckner, Fred Hovan, Joe Lawrence, Charles Elmer, John Stomey.
Stake Wheeler, John Jordan.
Hook Rope Man, J. B. Carr.

Stringer Wagon No. 1.

John Curling, Joe Jewel.

Stringer Wagon No. 2.

Wm. Smith, Dick Jones, H. Woodward.

Jack Wagon No. 1.

Wm. Robinson, Dick Jones.

Blue Seat Ushers

Willie Mitchell, Olif Berg, Harry Hallard.

Big Top Pole Riggers Pole No. 1, Chas. Drum Pole No. 2, Frank Earl Pole No. 3, Walter Spalding Pole No. 4, H. Woodward Pole No. 5, John Boone Pole No. 6, Dick Martin

Menagerie Pole Riggers Pole No. 1, Chas. Gallagher Pole No. 2, Chas. Perley Pole No. 3, Al. Gilson Pole No. 4, J. P. Riley Pole No. 5, Harry Buckner Pole No. 6, Wm. Rooney Pole No. 7, Dan. Sanford

Blue Seat Plank Wagons

Wagon No. 1: Levi Parks, Tom MacIntyre.
Wagon No. 2: Henry Tims, Harry Ballard
Wagon No. 3: Billie Mitchell, Harry Ballard.

Reserve Seat Wagons

Wagon No. 1: Dan Kelley, John Howard.
Wagon No. 2: Olif Berg, John Adams.
Wagon No. 3: Ollie Johnson, Jake Hoven.

Pole Wagon Men

Big Top: Chas. Gallagher, Al. Jilson, Chas. Perlie, John Howard.
Menagerie: John Brady, Chas. Bebense, J. P. Riley, Al. Hastings.

Big Top Canvas Wagon

Jas. Adair, Billie Mitchell, Wm. Smith, A. C. Williams.

Horse Tent Men

Side Show Canvasmen

Dressing Room Tent

Wardrobe Tent

Dimensions of Canvas, 1893

Menagerie Tent: Round top. 90 feet; six 4o-foot middle pieces. Total length, 630 feet.

Dressing Room Tent: Round top, 70 feet; one 30-foot middle piece. Total length, 100 feet.

Connections: Oblong, 15 feet; Dressing Room, 30 feet; Main Entrance, 25 feet; Oblong Guy Ropes, 15 feet; Dressing Room Guy Ropes, 15 feet. Total length from front door to end of dressing room, including Big Top and Menagerie, 960 feet.

Side Show Tent: Round top, 90 feet; one 40-foot middle piece. Total length, 130 feet.

Horse Tents: Seven 70 x 40 Horse Tents. Total length, 490 feet.

Dining Tents: Two Dining Tents, aggregating 140 feet in length.

Wardrobe Tent: Round top, 50 feet.

Harness and Repair Tent: Round top, 40 feet.

Blacksmith Shop Tent: Round top, 40 feet.

Grand total length of the Great White City of Tents, 1,850 feet.

Chandelier Department

Daily Supply: Gasoline, 4 barrels; Coal Oil, 25 gallons.
Big Top Lights: 24 Stars, or 1,000 Gas Jets.
Menagerie: 14 Stars, or 366 Gas Jets.
Side Show: 4 Stars, or 96 Gas Jets.
Dressing Room and Wardrobe: 3 Stars or 72 Gas Jets.
Total Number of Gas Jets inside, 1,614.
Outside Lights: Beacons, 12; Torches, 85; Lanterns, 17.

Wardrobe Department

Zoological Department

Closed Dens

Cage 21 - Beautiful Tropical Birds. Cage 32 - Silver Bear. Cage 23 -3 Deers. Cage 34 - Ibex and Russian Deer. Cage 24 - Happy Family. Cage 45 - Gnu or Horned Horse. Cage 38 - 3 Kangaroos. Cage 41 - African Zebra. Cage 44 - Pair of Lamas. Cage 43 - Pair of Ganacos.

Cage 37 - Alpaca and South American Tapir. Cage 46 - Bison, Antelo, & Nylgau. Cage 40 - Cow Antelope. Cage 48 - 3 Lion Cubs. Cage 39 - Giant Giraffe. Cage 42 - Hippopotamus. Cage 50 - A pair of Black Tigers. Cage 51 - Lioness and Cubs. Cage 52 - Striped Hyenas

Open Dens

Cage 47: 4 Leopards. Cage 36: 3 African Lions. Cage 35: 3 Bengal Tigers. Cage 29: 4 Asiatic Lions.

Cage 32: 3 Spotted Hyenas. Cage 25: 3 Jaguars. Cage 49: 3 Brazilian Panthers.

Animal Men

James Rafferty, John Rhettenbock, Albert Mann, Philip Busch, Walter E. Thorpe, George Becker, Tom Britten, Dick Devigne, Joe Lapoint, Alfonzo C. Clark, William Fields, John Williams.

Elephant Men: Mark Monroe, Superintendent. E. Bostick, George Bush, Frank Fetters.

Camel Men: Tom Fletcher, James Woods.

Led Animals: Tom Willis, John Fagely.

Den Men: Jack Rhettenbock, Albert Mann, Charley Ferris, Wm H. Blackburn, Tom Kelley, Peter Miller. Peter Girten, Keeper of “Mamie,” the Giant Giraffe.

Names of Elephants: Babe, Jule, Fannie, Lou, Fanchon, Prince, Duke, Sultan.

Led Stock: 4 Camels; 4 Dromedaries; 3 Elks; 2 Sacred Cattle; 2 African Water Buffaloes; “Bird,” the Wonderful Hairless Horse; “Prince Chaldean,” the Long-Maned Percheron Beauty; 20 Icelandic, Welsh and Shetland Ponies, and 4 Trick Mules.

Ring Stock

Baggage Stock

Helpers: Frank Carnahan, Louis Randall, William S. Sheldon, Mack Wise, Karl Cashing, William Barton, Archie McLean, Frank Reed. Joe La Fountaine, Bert Bowers, George Marshall, Charles T. Clark.

Pull-up Teams: Dan. Mack, J. F. Corneville, Millard Henson, Ross Phillips.

Stable Men

Hotel De Ringling

Side Show and Privilege Dining Tent No. 2.: Joseph Berned, Head Waiter. F. Warner, J. Churchill, J. Power, J. Fisher, E. Day.

Main Dining Tent No. 3.

William Knox, Head Waiter.
J. B. Pratt, H. H. Marsh, C. C. Landers, Thomas Lewis, H. G. Clymer, Ed. Packingham, M. J. Sweet, H. G.Webb, C. Heath, James Shay, George Gregory, E. Day, J. Tracy, P. Brennan, Charles Gething, E. C. Cummings, F. Kelly, James Ryan, J. Kirk, J. Belmont.

Grand Museum of Marvels and Theatre

Ringling Brothers, Proprietors
Alf. T. Ringling, Superintendent
Orators: Steve Schrieber, Bud Hawes, F. Roderico.

Of each of these it could be said:
“His words seemed oracles,
That pierced their bosoms; and each man would turn
And gaze into his neighbor's face.
That with the like dumb wonder answered him.”

Solicitors

Fred Madison, F. Cass, Otis Bowers, Bobby Beach.

Wm. Vogt,In charge of Tickets John White, Door Tender W. W. Jones, Door Tender Ed. Berry, Banner Man

Charles Colter, Property Man J. Woodson, Painting Man Frank Kelly, In charge of Scenery

Curiosities and Performers

Prof. W. Young, Superintendent Miss Ida Williams, Mastodonic Fashion Plate Miss Bertha Carnihan, Midget Col. Powell, Colossal Giant Major Atom, Midget Rattle Snake Tom, “Varmint” Subjugator Robert Roy, White Madagascar Moor Annie Roy, White Madagascar Moor

Estelle, Mind Reader Madame Zazelle, Performing Birds W. Young, Magician Prof. Voce, Ventriloquist Albert Warring, Punch and Judy Debonnaire, Marionettes Prof. Young, Lecturer

This Museum or Side Show differs from all other exhibitions of this character from the fact that a complete theatre stage and scenery are among its attractive appointments.

Side Show Band

John Marshall, Leader C. Ocobock, 1st B Cornet Oscar Bieloh, 1st Alto F. Joslin, 2d Alto Myron McPherson, Trombone

B. Harris, Euphonium W. F. White, Tuba Robert Roy, Snare Drum Doc. Nelson, Bass Drum

Confectionery Department

Minstrel Entertainment

Program given by Beach and Bowers’ Famous Minstrels:

Bobby Beach, End Man Bones
Otis Bowers, End Man Tambo
Lew Sunlin, End Man Bones
Knox Wilson, End Man Tambo
Charles Sherman, End Man Bones
F. Cass, End Man Tampo
L. Debonnaire, Interlocutor
Bert Cummings, J. C. Haverill, John Minden, William Maner, Famous Quartette
Fred Madison, Allie Jackson, Minnie Goodrich. Kittie O'Brien

Part First: Grand Minstrel First Part. Introducing the musical, mirthful and terpsichorean resources of the Famous Beach and Bowers’ Minstrels.

Olio Program

Fred Madison, Famous Irish Comedian Knox Wilson, Musical Specialist Kittie O'Brien, Serio-Comic Vocalist Allie Jackson, Famous Balladist Minnie Goodrich, Wing Dancer

The Waltons, Vocalists and Dancers Crimmins and McGee, Character Boxing Act F. Cass, Black Face Specialties Charles Sherman, Eccentric Character Artist Beach and Bowers, Famous Original Well-Known Specialties

Minstrel Orchestra

Geo. Benedict, Leader. Tom Marshall, 2d Violin James P. McMonies, Flute Lee Thomas, Clarionet

Guy Repaz, Cornet Frank Keeble, Trombone Wm. Van Cleve, Basso Fred Sauthoff, Double Drums

Ringling Brothers’ Grand Concert Band

Band No. 2, Parade

Clate Alexander, Leader Guy Repasz, 1st Bb Cornet Fred Madison, 1st Alto George Benedict, 2d Alto E. E. Butler, Trombone

George Ettner, Trombone G. F. Mitchell, Euphonium H. T. Hoster, Tuba L. Debonnaire, Snare Drum Doc Miller, Bass Drum

Conveyed in a canopied chariot of richly beautiful pattern, with a blazing design on either side of two golden lions, wreathed with silver serpents. Grand lion head for tail-piece, and topped with Grecian lyres.

Band No. 3, Parade

John Marshall, Leader C. Ocobock, 1st Bb Cornet Oscar Bieloh, 1st Alto F. Joslin, 2d Alto Myron McPherson, Trombone

B. Harris, Euphonium W. F. White, Tuba Robert Roy, Snare Drum Doc Nelson, Bass Drum

Transported in the chariot of Neptune, “The Shepherd of the Sea,” and showing all the creatures of his flock. Sea nymphs and mermaids riding dolphins, and sea horses are breasting golden waves, and sirens, luring mariners, are seen on the rocks of danger.

Field Band, Parade

James P. McMonies, Fife
Dave Welton, Snare Drum
Reno Walton, Snare Drum
J. Cousins, Bass Drum

Conveyed in the beautiful Continental Band Wagon of national design and banner colors, and surmounted by the draped living figure of Liberty. All wear blue Continental costumes, crowned with three-cornered hats, in the style of “Ye Olden Time.”

The Bells of Moscow

Chas. Tolworthy, Driver
Lottie Aymar, Instrumentalist
Charles Spivins, Instrumentalist

“That distant chime! As soft it swells,
What memories o’er me steal!
Again I hear the Moscow bells
Across the moorland peal!
The bells that rock the Kremlin tower
Like a strong wind to and fro -
Silver sweet in its topmost bower,
And the thunder’s booms below.”

Grand Steam Calliope

Charles Siegler, Driver
Knox Wilson, Instrumentalist
Eddie Day, Instrumentalist

Top

Performers

Al. Ringling, Equestrian Director Charles W. Fish, Champion Principal Bareback Rider Charles Reed, Carrying Act Francis Reed, Principal Act Charles Ewers, Jockey Act

James Kincade, Principal and Jockey Acts Jack Cousins, Jockey and Hurdle Acts Rhoda Royal, Manege Act Johnnie Rooney, Pony Tandem Act Signor Zano, Tandem Act and Highwire

Vernon Brothers’ Aerial Return Act: Charles Vernon, Benjamin Vernon

Walton Brothers’ Famous Four-high Brother Act and Roman Ladders
High Walton, Dave Walton, Reno Walton, Johnnie Walton.

Si Hassan Ben Ali Troupe of Moors and Bedouins in Grand Pyramids, Arab Tumbling, Saber Combats, Gun Drills and Wonderful Acrobatic Exploits.
Si Hassan Ben Ali, Fred Hadji, Salleen Nassar, Brahem Ben Hamo, Kablen G. Dahdooh, Saad Kablen Dahdooh, Solyman D. Nsaier, Slybie Hidar, C. F. Hassan, Stamato Kolemo.

Akimota Troupe of Imperial Japanese Performers, in various Astonishing Exploits peculiar to their Pastimes, Games and Sports of Flowery Japan.
Akimota Sinkichi, Oheli Kastura, Vira Tai Zabaro, Akimota Katoro, Okeo Sinkichi, Fugo Fuguda, Sam Kichi, Tio Kichi.

Mons. Natalie, Educator of the Porcine Circus, Clown and General Performer.

Sig. Frisco, Flying Trapeze and Perch Acts Doc Aymar, Clown and General Performer Charles Leondor, Peerless Statue Act and Acrobats William Leondor, Peerless Statue Act and Acrobats James Melrose, Dancing Rope and Clown Joseph Lewis, High Pedestal Contortionist John Moncayo, Unique Contortionist Charles F. Sherman, Knockabout Clown Marsala, Head-balancing Trapeze

Lew Sunlin, Donkey Educator and Clown Jules Turnour, Teutonic Clown Frank Jones, General Performer John Foley, General Performer Fred Cone, General Performer L. E. Debonnaire, Acrobatic Clown Dan O’Brien, Champion Double Somersault Leaper and Clown Will Marion, Acrobatic Clown Will De Van, The De Van’s Perch and Ladder Act

Lady and Gentleman Teams

Dan and Kittie O’Brien, Leaping and Wire Act Wili and Lizzie Marion, Aerialists Will and M’lle De Van, Break-away Ladder Act

Doc and Lottie Aymar, Aerial Flying Act Jack and May Cousins, Principal and Jockey Acts Signor and Millie Zano, Riding and Web Acts

Leapers and Tumblers as They Stood on the Run

Francis Reed, Charles Leondor, Dan O’Brien, John Rooney, James Kincade, Jules Turnour, Charles Vernon, John Walton, L. Sunlin, J. Coyle. Dave Walton, Debonnaire, William Leondor, Reno Walton, Doc Aymer, Charles Sherman, Jimmy Coyle.

Catchers: Ben Vernon, High Walton, Moncayo, J. Cousins, Zano.

“Carried the Banner”: Charles Ewers, High Walton.

Clowns: Sunlin, Debonnaire. Sherman, O’Brien, Turnour, Cass, Natalie, Frisco, Aymar.

Ringmasters: Charles Reed, Charles Ewers, Reno Walton, Jack Cousins, J. Coyle. J. Jones.

Four-Horse Chariot Drivers: Al. Ringling, Starter. Sig. Zano, Rhoda Royal, Johnnie Rooney, Willie Smith.

Roman Standing Riders: J. Foley, Frank Jones, Charles Ewers.

Lady Jockeys: Allie Jackson, Minnie Goodrich, Lilly White, Jennie Golden.

Gentlemen Jockeys: John Engle, Fred Cone, Jack Foley, Frank Jones, George Williams.

Runners: Clate Alexander, Will Sprague.

Tandem Riders: Signor Zano, Johnnie Rooney.

Elephant Race Riders: F. C. Braden, Albert Courtney. Bert. Mann.

Camel Race Riders: Will Wilson, J. Cochran, Clinton DeWitt.

Clown Sulky Race Riders: Jules Turnour, Lew Sunlin.

Sack Race: Charles Drum, Y. E. H. Ebur, John Curly, William Appetite, John Wilson, James Oats.

Wheelbarrow Race: Charles Manning, Oscar Reed, F. Huston, Peter Smith, John Newcomer.

Top

Program

Commencing at 1 and 7 P. M., and continuing until the beginning of regular programme. The most novel, new and artistic musical festival ever heard under canvas; introducing many splendid solos and displays of individual excellence. Grand descriptive overtures and potpourries, with novel devices for ingenius musical impersonations of a myriad of scenes from life. Preluding in a fitting manner, with the harmony of sounds, the performance of the World's Greatest Possible Shows.

Display No. 1

The most imposing, glorious and majestic display ever beheld. A many-hued and glittering grand spectacle, unfolding in arenic and scenic splendor on triple rings and elevated stages, and around the entire area of the enormous amphitheatrical hippodrome course. Huge sights of joy and victory. At the blare of trumpets and blast of bugles, a tremendous outpouring and outspreading of a vast bannered army and motley throng of mailed marching warriors, gladiators, charioteers, steel-clad knights, royal grandees, mounted cavaliers and ladies, helmeted spearmen, civilians, squires, pontifical high-priests and wandering Jews, actors courting the dramatic muse. Moors and Mamelukes, Bedouins of the desert, outlaws booted and spurred, Grand Turks, nobles, vestals, senators, gray-beards, orators, barbarians, captives, travelers, wayfarers, embassadors, dames of the harem, turbaned Arabs on camels, Nubians bearing gifts, slaves bearing incense, chariots of conquest, huge herds of swaying elephants, prancing war horses, wild beasts, runners, couriers, pages, etc. Magnificent ostentation. The flash of sword and helmet, spear and shield. Garments rich with the dyes of the Indies; cloth of gold and glitter of silver; the peacock pride of princes and the vanity of earth; the pomp of power and purple of authority. The dancing plumes and clanking steel of chivalry. Flaunting, flashing and flaming costumes; Oriental opulent splendor and semi-barbaric grand doings; immense array of flags, banners and devices. Displaying all the pageantry and pride of Rome’s victorious legions, and introducing the unparalleled scenic and spectacular resources of Ringling Brothers’ World’s Greatest Shows. Concluding with the transcendently beautiful, thrilling and original equine ballet militant. An introduction of too superbly trained, perfect horses in one noble, majestic, tremendous action. Producing magnificent living pyramids of superbly mounted horses. Imperial ballets and stupendous statues in one bewildering blaze of unisonous spectacular action and moving in majestic march, manoeuvre, dance and tableau obedient to the trumpet’s call.

Display No. 2

Prominent star artists from every continent on the globe. Exhibiting in the three rings, stages and in mid-air.

Arena No. 1. - Unique Double Ladder Specialties of startling originality and daring, Akimoto and Sam Kichi

Arena No. 2. - Wonderful Foot-Balancing Ladder Exercises of Oriental design and mystic execution, Kastura and Zabara

Arena No. 3. - Thrilling Equilibristic Display of Sliding from the dome of the canvas to the ground in numerous positions of perpendicularity upon a slender wire, Aira Tan

Display No. 3

Stage No. 1. - Alf. Miller’s great school of Educated Dogs.

Arena No. 2. - Clever company of highly trained Shetland Ponies in the Children’s Circus. Performed by Master Johnnie Rooney

Stage No. 2. - Prof Sherman’s Unique Exhibition of Performing Dogs.

Arena No. 3. - Grand Imposing Display of Equine Intelligence by Ringling Bros.’ newly added troupe of twelve spotted Mexican horses. Performed by Sig. Zano.

Display No. 4

Grand leaping rally and tournament, by the principal athletes of the three Circus companies, over pyramids of elephants and camels. Introducing individual styles of twisting and difficult somersaults, remarkable doubles by Messrs. Reno, Wlaton, James Kincade, Wm. Leondor, Chas. Leondor, Johnny Walton, Dave Walton, and a motley array of gifted clowns in merry and laughable foolery. Terrific long distance leaps and long distance doubles by Dan O’Brien and Reno Walton.

Display No. 5

Stage No. 1. - Remarkable Exhibition of High Pedestal Contortion and Hand-balancing. High hand leaps from a unique apparatus, a distance of eight feet to the stage and difficult evolutions by Jos. Lewis.

Arena No. 2. - Thrilling and indiscribable display of Japanese bending and posturing upon a multitude of small blocks. Performed upon a frail perch of Oriental design by Tio Kichi.

Arena No. 3. - Pleasing and difficult feats of Contortion by Wm. Smith.

Display No. 6

Stage No. 1. - Interludes of merriment by the World’s funniest fools, Turnour, Sunlin, and O’Brien.

Arena No. 2. - Pleasing and wonderful Principal Act by perfection’s peerless paragon, Miss May Reed.

Stage No. 2. - Three Jolly Kings of the caps and bells, Natalie, Marion and Debonnaire.

Arena No. 3. - Marvelous exploits on the bare-back of his flying steed, James Kincade.

Display No. 7

Stage No. 1. - Strength, Agility and skill, combined with numbers, in a performance absolutely unapproachable. In Majestic Four-High Brother Act. Pre-eminently the greatest quartette of acrobats ever presented in this or any other country, The Four Waltons.

Arena No. 2. - Acrobatic displays of novel and difficult ingenuity and famous Head-to-Head Balancing by the Ortona Brothers.

Arena No. 3. - Difficult and mystifying execution of lightning-like rapidity with Guns and Batons, by the peerless Kilpartick.

Display No. 8

Stage No. 1. - Exploits on the High Flying Rings, with marvelous Spanish feats of daring, by renowned Miss Marion.

Arena No. 2. - The originator and only Head-Balancing Trapeze artist, Marsala.

Stage No. 2. - Pleasing and astonishing Balancing Trapeze, Miss L. Aymar.

Arena No. 3. - Spanish Trapeze, Sig. Frisco. Spanish Rings, Mons. Natalie.

Display No. 9

Stage No. 1. - Mounting the Japanese Ladder of Death; an escalement of glittering razor-edged swords, keen as Damascus blades, Okeo Kinkich.

Arena No. 2. - Astonishing Tight Wire display, Sig. Zano.

Stage No. 2. - Japanese High Floating Wire, Ohela Kastura.

Arena No. 3. - Japanese Slack Wire of ingenius originality, Akimota Katora.

Display No. 10

Stage No. 1. - Frolicsome mad-cap capers by the laughter-provoking sons of Momus, Cass, Sherman and Melrose.

Arena No. 2. - The Arenic Champion of Champions, Mr. Charles W. Fish, recognized in five Continents as The World’s Greatest Living Equestrian. Introducing backward backs, one-foot-landing somersaults, a triple succession of somersaults over banners, and a varied medley of intricate feats performed by himself alone. The attendant clowns, Sunlin, Turnour, Goetschius, O’Brien.

Stage No. 2. - Another whirlwind of laughter interspersing brief respites of famous riders. Turnour, Sunlin and O’Brien.

Arena No. 3. - High-class Principal Equestrianism by the famous Australian Principal Bare-back Rider, Jack Cousins.

Display No. 11

Stage No. 1. - The Walton Bros, in a marvelous exhibition of strength, equilibrium, grace, daring and agility on Towering Roman Ladders.

Arena No. 2. - Wonderful Feats on the Floating Mexican Perch., Frisco Gera.

Stage No. 2. - Exploits on the High Flying Rings, with marvelous Spanish feats of daring, by the renowned Mill Lizzie Marion. Original Feats on Two Frail Webs, Millie Zano.

Arena No. 3. - Pyramids of Chairs and Bottles and difficult Head-balancing, Doc. Aymar.

Display No. 12

Si Hassan Ben Ali’s Troupe of Arabs. Ten desert-born, fearless sons of the Orient - Moors, Berbers and Bedouins, in marvelous feats of strength and daring with sabers, guns and bayonets. Introducing terrific combats, marvelous acrobatic displays, thrilling head-long dives and evolutions, gigantic pyramids and finishing with the herculean feat of Saleen holding upon his broad shoulders the entire company of swarthy Musselmen.

Display No. 13

Stage No. 1. - Pendulating Perch Originalities, LIttle Fugo Fuguda.

Arena No. 2. - The great, original balancing Break-a-way Ladder Exercises of Will and Mlle. Devan.

Stage No. 2. - Curious exhibition of Japanese cleverness and expert performance of Barrel Kicking and Feats with an umbrella, Kastura.

Arena No. 3. - Miss Okeo in Feats of Phantasy.

Display No. 14

A hurricane of applause greets Master Johnny Rooney, riding and driving twenty beautiful ponies around the great hippodrome track. Names of ponies: Nugent, Salem, Minnie, Bud, Tom, Jerry, Nellie, Kidney, Frank, Dick, Topsy, Belle, Hazel, Lizzie, Maud, Queen, Rocky, Chub, Spider and Bismarck.

Display No. 15

Arena No. 2. - Grand Double Trotting Act, by the favorites of European capitals, the Sisters Reed. A refined, picturesque and perilous performance.

Arena No. 3. - Graceful High School Manege Education, exhibited by the noted horsewoman, Miss Allie Jackson.

Stage No. 1. - Merry and Mirthful Clowns.

Display No. 16

Stage No. 1. - Unique and difficult feats with Japanese Wooden Blocks, Ohela.

Arena No. 3. - The Greatest Juggler of the Orient, Kastura.

Stage No. 2. - Curious Double Japanese Posturing Act, Akimota and Sam.

Arena No. 3. - Jules Turnour, the Famous English Equilibrist, in new and astonishing Spinning, Juggling and Balancing.

Display No. 17

Arena No. 2. - Prof. Sherman’s School of Wonderful, Performing Goats, in rope-walking, pyramid-building and novel exhibition of brute intelligence.

Stage No. 2. - Nonsensical Mardi Gras Carnival by Four Funny Clowns.

Arena No. 3. - Two ludicrous Ear-winking Donkeys, known as Peanuts and Pickles. Performed by their trainer, Lew Sunlin.

Display No. 18

Grand Platoons of Military Maneuvering Horses. Introduced in companies of four, eight, twelve and sixteen, and combinations of the entire equine soldiery.

Display No. 19

In the Canvas Dome. - All Europe and America’s Greatest Aerial Meteors, the Vernon Brothers, absolute Kings of the Air. Introducing every conceivable style of mid-air pirouettes, somersaults, lion leaps, flights and catches. In conclusion a full double somersault from flying bar to hand clasp, and Mr. Charles Vernon’s fearless dive from the dome of the pavilion, caught and held by Ben Vernon.

In the Canvas Dome. - A series of unapproachable and unequaled performances on their Original Aerial Trapeze Apparatus by Doc and Lottie Aymars.

Display No. 20

Arena No. 2. - Mr. Charles Reed and son Francis in the most beautiful and difficult Carrying Act ever seen under canvas.

Arena No. 3. - Mr. Jack Cousins, the Australian jockey rider, producing a finished act of equestrianism.

Display No. 21

The Great Roman Hippodrome Races, illustrating the Sports of the Caesars, combined with modern triumphs of the turf.

First Event. - Brilliant and Dashing Five-Horse Tandem Hurricane Hurdle Race, five thoroughbreds, twice at break-neck speed around the great hippodrome track, ridden and driven by Sig. Zano, and leaping hurdles and obstacles as they fly. Names of horses: Rover, Belchazzar, Dynamite, Beazel, Sultan.

Second Event. - Gentlemen’s American Jockey Race. Three times around the course. Jockeys, Colors, Horses:

John Ingle, Red and Green, Hindoo.
Frank Jones, Blue and Orange, Wally.
John Foley, Yellow and Pink, Cloud.
Fred Cone, Green and Lavender, Foley.
Henry Clark, Black and White, Firefly.

Third Event. - Swaying Ships of the Sahara swiftly sailing around the track. The wild, unique and picturesque Camel Race of the desert. Once around the course.

Fourth Event. - Pony Chariot Race. Once around the track. Charioteers, Horses:

John Rooney (green); Minnie, Bud, Pick and Jerry.
Francis Reed (While); Sailor, Nugent, Topsy and Ned.

Fifth Event. - Ladies Flat Race. Twice around the course. Riders, Colors, Horses:

Allie Jackson, Pink and Blue, Paducah.
Minnie Kane, Red and Yellow, Bismarck.
Lottie Evans, Green and Orange, Maud II.

Sixth Event. - Children’s Pretty Pony Steeple-chase. Ridden once around the course by chattering monkey jockeys.

Seventh Event. - Great Trotting Dog and Pony Race.

Eighth Event. - Ponderous and Awkward Race by Elephants. Once around the track. Riders, Colors, Elephants.

F. C. Bradway, “Elephant’s Breath,” Jule.
Albert Mann, “Elephant’s Breath,” Zip.
Bert Marshall, “Elephant’s Breath,” Fannie.

Ninth Event. - Comical Wheelbarrow Race.

Tenth Event. - Ludicrous Sack Race.

Eleventh Event. - Thrilling Two-Horse Roman Standing Race. Twice around the track. Riders, Colors, Horses:

J. Foley, Red and White, Rover and Dynamite.
F. Jones, Blue and White, Dollie and Flora.
F. Ingles, Yellow and Black, Fannie and Lizzie B.

Twelfth Event. - Handicap Race of a Man against a Running Horse. Once around for the man, and once and a quarter for the horse. Name of runner, Clate Alexander. Name of horse, Kittie.

Thirteenth Event. - Famous and Funny Clown, Pony and Sulky Race by Turnour and Sunlin.

Fourteenth Event. - Grand Four-Horse Roman Chariot Race. Twice around the track. Charioteers; Horses:

Rhoda Royal (Red); Toots, Dollie, Pollie and Willie.
Sig. Zano (Blue); John, Midget, Mollie and Nellie.

Top

Day-by-day Detailed Route

Baraboo has a population of 5,000 people. It is situated 234 miles from St. Paul, three miles from the famous Devil’s Lake, 119 miles from Milwaukee, 175 miles from Chicago, 1,088 from New York. Hotels: Warren, Wisconsin, Urban, Pratt, Union, etc. It is a beautiful thriving city, “The Gem of Wisconsin;” water works, fire department, gas and electric lights; 1,050 feet above sea; 300 business firms; over 600 railroad men; big flour mills, foundries and factories; second largest opera house in the state; great railroad shops; magnificent masonic temple; four public schools, twelve churches, three banks and two breweries; also renowned as the winter-quartets of Ringling Bros.’ Big Show. The following, with apologies to James Whitcomb Kiley, shows how Baraboo has aroused the poet’s fancy:

Cousin Jasper says ’at they
Has a circus every day,
In Baraboo.

Says they’ve got a nix-cum-rous
Larger than the Kirby House,
In Baraboo.

And a snake all wings and feet
Longer ’un Wisconsin street,
In Baraboo.

And a spotted Blastodon
Bigger ’un the Plankington,
In Baraboo.

Little children’s hair turns white
’Cause they live in such a fright,
In Baraboo.

Cousin Jasper he don’t care,
’Cause he’s uset to livin’ thare,
In Baraboo.

Wish he’d move here, bet I do,
And we’d move thare, me and you,
To Baraboo.

Sunday, April 30th. Long run. Left Sunday morning at about 8 o’clock in three sections. Cold drizzling rain falling all day. Looks more like fall than spring. Arrived at Sterling Sunday evening at about 8.30.

May: States Traveled - Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska.

Monday, May 1st. Sterling, Ill. C. & N. W. R. R., 182 miles. Hotel, Metropolitan. Sunday night only the cook-house and stables were unloaded on account of late arrival and long haul in rain. The balance of show was unloaded Monday morning and pulled over muddy streets to a muddy lot one mile from railroad. Afternoon house was fair although it rained all day. “One show only” was announced during the parade, and after the matinee the “ big thing” was with difficulty removed from the lot. Many eight-horse teams were stuck, but by 8 P. M. the show was on the cars and ready for the next stand. Show received a pleasant visit from Otto Floto, amusement manager.

Tuesday, May 2d. Maquoketa, Ia. C. & N. W. R. R., 90 miles. City Hotel. Missed this stand last year on account of heavy rains at Savannah, Ills. The weather here was pleasant, and the sun shed its first rays on the show since leaving winter-quarters. The condition of streets made the parade difficult and the general wash-outs of bridges and roads throughout this section materially reduced business, which, however, was very fair both afternoon and night. Owing to breaking down of several large wagons the loading of show was greatly delayed and did not leave until six A. M. Wednesday. Population of Maquoketa 4,000.

Wednesday, May 3d. Clinton, Ia. C. & N. &. R. R., 38 miles. Pop. 15,000. First real circus day since starting out. Big business. Committee of citizens wait on Ringling Bros. with the hope of inducing them to change their winter-quarters to Clinton. Mississippi River town. One of the property men bitten by Natalie’s pig.

Thursday, May 4th. Cedar Rapids, Ia. C. & N. W. R. R., 81 miles. Hotel, Windsor. Pop. 20,000. The afternoon house was packed. The crowds were enthusiastic over the parade and show. Night house light. It began to rain at 2 P. M., and continued to pour down in torrents until 6 A. M. the next morning at which time the trains left for Marshalltown. The weather indicator had discovered a ring around the moon several days before, and had predicted plenty of wetness. When Southey wrote, “In full-orbed glory yonder moon divine rolls through the dark blue depths,” he never thought of the moon with a ring around it, portending rain and filling the circus man’s mind with dismal forebodings of a wet top, water-soaked actors, slushy rings, a muddy hippodrome track, a mile and a half haul to the cars, a long run, bridges washed out and the next town under water. Nevertheless, these were the circumstances attending the show at Cedar Rapids, and the anticipations of our next stand were fully realized.

Friday, May 5th. Marshalltown, Ia. C. & N. W. R. R., 69 miles. As was reported early in the morning, this city on arrival was found to be under a mantle of slush or mud. The streets were impassable to our heavy wagons and the object of exhibiting had to be abandoned. At 1 P. M. the trains pulled through the town “on to Boone.”

Saturday, May 6th. Boone, Ia. C. & N. & R. R., 52 miles. Hotel, Marshall. Pop. 5,520. On the arrival of show here at 4.45 P. M. of Friday the condition of streets was found but little better than at Marshalltown. A road had to be built for the distance of one block in order to get the wagons from the cars and to a street that was in a measure passable. This was accomplished by means of a great quantity of heavy beams and plank. Fortunately the lot was high and dry, and only about five blocks from the runs. It was impossible to parade here on account of mud. The band marched through the streets on foot. Business was good, both afternoon and night.

Sunday, May 7th. Pleasant run over C. & N. W, and F. E. H. & M. V. Rys to Fremont. Show arrived at about noon. Large crowds witness the unloading of the show from trains. A lodge is organized with the show, and meets in the evening at the City Hall. The name of the lodge is “The Honorable and Ancient Order of Hindoostanese or Wanderers of the Jungle.” Prof. Voce and Charles W. Fish are initiated. Both are very enthusiastic over the solemnity of the ritualistic work, but many of the profane imagine that there is much underbrush in the jungle, and that the East Indian Jordan is a hard road to travel.

Monday, May 8th. Fremont, Neb. C. & N. W. and F. E. H. & Mo. Val. Rys., 165 miles. Pop. 6,747. Sandy lot. Business very large, crowds afternoon and night. Slight rain.

Tuesday, May 9th. Lincoln, Neb. F. E. & M.V. Ry., 52 miles Hotel, Grand. Capital of State. Pop. 55,000. Business immense, both afternoon and evening. At night the people come with such a rush that the reserved seat ushers get tangled up with their coupons. All gets straightened out, however, and the audience comfortably seated. Breathing room only. Papers here all agree that title of show reading “World’s Greatest”is eminently correct. Enterprising man in this town applies for situation to put on exhibition a wonderful relic. It is the hole out of the wall that Ford’s bullet made when he shot Jesse James.

Wednesday, May 10th. Fairbury, Neb. C. R. I. & P. Ry., 72 miles. Pop. 3,000. An immense house greeted the afternoon performance. Wind started to blow and continued to increase in velocity. By night the gentle prairie zephyrs had changed into sand-laden demons, and the great canvas houses heaved like the billows of the sea. The house at night was fair, but the audience became alarmed at the high wind and “blowed” the show before it was half out. Tents were lowered with great difficulty, and it was only by good generalship and the strategic cunning with which Boss Canvasman Snellen outwitted the wind that broken poles and torn canvas were avoided.

Thursday, May 11th. Mankato, Kan. C. R. I. & P. Ry., 58 miles. Pop. 1,000. Doors were opened one-half hour ahead of time on account of the enormous crowd which filled every available inch of space in the big top and occupied the hippodrome track for seating room. When the races began the hippodrome track crowd filled the rings. Night house unexpectedly large. Weather hot, dry, dusty and windy.

Friday, May 12th. Norton, Kan. C. R. I. & P. Ry., 95 miles. Pop. 1,500. Afternoon house packed, night house good. Weather same as Mankato. Sand-laden hot winds remind Fish and Voce of the African simoons they experienced while traveling in Hindoostan - last Sunday night at Fremont, Neb.

Saturday, May 13th. Phillipsburg, Kan. C. R. I. & P. Ky., 34 miles. Pop. 1,000. Business very big. Chas. Vernon in aerial act misses double somersault and severely sprains his shoulder. Will be laid up for several days. Many people with the show slightly under the weather, due to heat, drouth and bad drinking water. Hotel Commercial, awful! Cowboy waiters in wide sombreros and high boots, seven-shooters and bowie-knives in vest pockets. Dinner served in courses or coarse dinner “as you like it.” The menu included: Boiled beef a la day before yesterday, with side-whiskers of boiled prairie grass (the latter just for greens) gave everybody the hay fever, Ben Vernon recites the following poem: “Last night this meat was good and sweet, but now mine host ’tis rotten.” This of course at low breath, and only to a brother showman. “Pie OR puddin’?” was on the dessert list. Those who ordered “puddin’” got pie, but considered even this a pudding, and agreed that they had all stopped at worse hotels, though none could remember just exactly when or where. At least the salt and pepper were excellent.

Sunday, May 14th. Beautiful summer day. Run of 312 miles to Salina made in twelve hours. Show arrived in time for dinner. M. B. Raymond, Press Agent, joins. The Ringling Bros., Charles Fish and Hassan Ben Ali are entertained by the Shriners. Banquet given at night, at which many local Shriners, also Charles and Alf Ringling and Charles Fish, make remarks. Si Hassan Ben Ali entertains the Nobles with an account of the Arabian rites in his native land.

Monday, May 15th. Salina. Kan. Pop. 7.000. C., R. I. & P. Ky., 312 miles. Hotel, National. Business big afternoon and night. Opposition here, but it seems to help pack the tents for the show that revels in rivalry. The town is literally covered with circus paper. Special opposition brigade, under C. F. Miller, visits show here.

Tuesday, May 16th. McPherson, Kan. C., R. I. & P. Ry. 89 miles. Hotel, Commercial. Top. 3,172. Afternoon house big. night house big. Ideal circus weather. From cold rainy weather of a week ago we seem suddenly transplanted into a country of eternal summer.

Wednesday, May 17th. Hutchinson, Kan. C., R. I. & P. Ry., 28 miles. Pop. 8,682. Hotel Brunswick; very gay. Fine weather. Afternoon house big, night house fair. This was the show’s first visit to Hutchinson and its popularity was spontaneous. Many members of Cook & Whitby’s Circus called to see the World’s Greatest and to interchange mutual greetings with friends This was the last stand on the C., R. I. & P. Ry., and the efficient and considerate manner in which its operating department handled the show made us wish we could remain with them longer. To-day anniversary of fatal railroad wreck at Concordia, Kan., last year.

Thursday, May 18th. Kingman, Kan. H. & S. R. R., 32 miles. Pop. 2,500. Hotel, Brunswick. The afternoon business here was enormous but the night house was light owing to a severe wind and sand-storm. Mr E. O. Wild, of the St. Joseph (Mo.) Herald, visited here, and for several days journeyed with us as a guest of honor.

Friday, May 19th. Wichita, Kan. Mo P. Ry., 50 miles. Hotel, Metropolis; excellent. Pop. 27,000. The weather was fine. Beautiful lot in a magnificent grove, and by interpolating Burns a little we may say: “ Admiring Nature in her wildest grace, These Kansas scenes with Circus feats we trace.” There was more than Nature to admire, and one could hardly say with Byron, “I love not man the less but Nature more,” for while the latter filled our hearts with rich sentiments, the former filled the coffers of the show with an overflow of shining yellow and white metal, and green bills that rivaled the green of the trees. By 1:45 P. M. 14,000 people were testing the seating capacity of the big tent and the doors had to be closed. Several thousand were turned away. It was regular Ringling business. This was an opposition stand. Col. Fuller, treasurer of Cook & Whitby’s Circus, visited. Mark Monroe had great difficulty here in inducing Elephant Fanny to leave the cars. A strong chain, however, with big “Babe” pulling at one end and the other end attached to “Fanny.” persuaded her elephantine queenship to come down the runway. It was whispered darkly that Fanny had lately been making remarks about being tired of this daily rubber-necking. This, however, is not vouched for. Evening business here very large. Several members of the show were entertained at club. Those who were not so clubby ate hot tomolies on the street at night.

Saturday, May 20th. Arkansas City, Kan. A., T. & S. Fe Ry., 52 miles. Pop. 12,000. Hotel, Gladstone. Fine weather. Afternoon house packed. Night house big. Two hundred Indian students from school in Indian Territory visit show in a body. All are dressed in uniform and present a fine appearance. Citizens here greatly alarmed over reported raid of Starr gang near here last night. Banks and merchants put out armed guards to protect life and money. Several thousand dollars taken to First National Bank by show. Assistant Treasurer Vogt is accompanied on the way by an armed guard of ten employees. A few weeks later this bank fails.

Sunday, May 21st. Arrived at Pittsburgh in time for dinner. Pleasant weather. The largest zink manufacturing works in the world are located here and many take advantage of the opportunity and visit them. One thousand miners are out on a strike here.

Monday, May 22d. Pittsburgh, Kan. Hotel, Stillwell; fine house. A., T. & S. F. Ry., 152 miles. Pop. 15,000. Day opened clear and windy. At 11 A. M. it began to rain but cleared up again for the afternoon show, which was greeted with a very large audience. Night house fair.

Tuesday, May 23d. Lamar, Mo. Mo. Pacific Railway, 65 miles. Hotel, Lamar. Pop. 4,000. Weather fine. Afternoon house good. Night house fair. This is the show’s first stand in “Mizzouri” for this season. Dan O’Brien and wife and many others call at county jail to look at prisoner under sentence of death and who is to be executed to-morrow. When asked by O’Brien what he most desires in his present condition he apathetically replies, “to see the circus.”

Wednesday, May 24th. Butler, Mo. Mo. Pac. Ry., 55 miles. Pop. 5,000. Hotel, Palace. Weather opened up very windy and disagreeable, but at noon changed and turned out to be a very beautiful day. Afternoon house good. Night house fair. Marsala is much surprised at a German who wants to know “when it goes loose,” a favorite query with Teutons who wish to know when the show will begin.

Thursday, May 25th. Sedalia, Mo. Mo. Pac. Ry., 88 miles. Hotel, Kaiser. Pop. 15,000. Afternoon house good. Up to now we had experienced more strong winds than during any previous year in the same time in the history of the show. Having left Kansas, the reputed land of hard winds and cranks, we were unsuspecting of any blow-downs. At about 5:30 in the afternoon, however, it began to rain. In spite of rain the indications for a good night house were excellent. At 7:15 about two thousand people had already assembled under the circus top. About this time the wind began to blow. Al. Ringling saw the danger and gave the audience timely warning. The last auditor had hardly gotten out of the big top when an angry gust of wind added its fury to the previous assaults of the elements. There was a heaving of canvas as the great tent labored under the strain, then a snapping of ropes in rapid succession on the windward side, and with a rumbling sound, not unlike distant thunder, the big top poised in the air a moment and then dropped to the ground; a heaving mass of broken seats, splintered poles and torn canvas. The dressing tent quickly followed, but the menagerie top to which the audience had fled remained standing. For a few moments pandemonium reigned. Frantic mothers who had lost sight of their children, husbands who had become separated from their wives, and others were appealing for aid to get their children, wives, sweethearts, or whatever the case might be, out of the wreckage. Fortunately these fears were unfounded, and none were under the canvas when it fell. In the dressing-room the greatest confusion prevailed and many of the actors who ordinarly court death in skillfully planned feats of agility would have given their season’s salary for a temporary place of safety. When order was finally restored from chaos, six or seven of the lady artists were found huddled together in the wardrobe wagon. During the storm Okeo was struck by a flying missile and sustained a severe bruise to her knee. Zano’s hand was hurt and Charles Miller carried on his shoulder the marks of a stake that was doing a double over the dressing-room top. The show was loaded by 2:15 the next morning and reached Booneville, the next stand, about 8 A. M.

Friday, May 26th. Booneville, Mo. Mo. Pac. Ry. 33 miles. Hotel, Commercial. Pop. 3,500. Still raining on arrival here, and on account of last night’s blow-down and the necessity of repairs to canvas and poles, did not unload here with the exception of cook house and stables. Left for Marshall about 2 P. M.

Saturday, May 27th, Marshall, Mo. Mo. Pac. R. R., 37 miles. Pop. 6,000. Elements threatening in the forenoon, but clear in the afternoon. All damage to canvas repaired and everything out on time. Matinee house fair; night house light. Several days’ heavy rains have made roads in this vicinity almost impassable. Large excursion business. Tents covered with Sedalia mud. Ringling Bros. showed here seven years ago with wagon show. One of the camels became footsore and was led into town by VanCleve. Colored citizen remembers Van and says, “I remember you, Mr. Man. You was here with them Ringlings brothers’ show long time ago. O, I saw you coming into town leading a measly old camel.” “You are mistaken,” said Van, proudly drawing himself up to his full height. “No I aim deed I aint. I saw you all the next day playing an old brass horn in a little stingy old band. O, I knows you all.”

Sunday, May 28th. Pleasant Sunday run. Thousands of people visit grounds on Sunday. Beautiful day. Abdel Hen Salib critices American methods of building. Sees elevator at building under process of erection and laughs at the idea. Says, “Arabia no pull up stone wit rope. Strong man, Arab; carry on shoulder; American man no strong; Arabian man strong.”

Monday, May 29th. Kansas City, Mo.

“It lies among the western hills
In purple distance far away,
Fed by the gush of mountain rills
High on the portals of the day.”

Mo. Pac. Ry., 86 miles. Hotels. Centropolis and Fifth Avenue. Pop. 150,000. Another big victory for the show. Turned away thousands both afternoon and evening. Total attendance during two performances 28,500. Immense railroad excursion business also. Papers all give glowing accounts of the glories of the “World’s Greatest.” Kansas City Journal has three-column illustrated article on the show and characterizes the Ringling Bros, as the prime favorite arenic kings in the metropolis of the Missouri River Valley. Difficult parade here due to hilly streets. Police inspector stops Day playing calliope for fear that he may get on too much of a “toot.” Long, hard, hilly haul here. Canvas wagon broke down and delayed loading of train until 2:45 A. M. of Tuesday. The weather was fine but slight rain-fall in evening about 8:30.

Tuesday, May 30th, Leavenworth, Kan. Mo. Pac. Ry., 26 miles. Hotel, New Delmonico. Pop. 24,000. Big afternoon business. Night house only fair, due to heavy rain beginning at 7:20 P. M. Although it is a two-mile haul to lot the parade gets out on time. Many of the people come from Kansas city on passenger train, having remained over until Tuesday morning. Fort Leavenworth is located here, also a large and handsome soldiers’ home. The beautiful spacious grounds and buildings of the latter and hundreds of blue-coated, battle-scarred and grizzled veterans, as they leisurely stroll about the place, are a reminder of Goldsmith’s lines:

O blest retirement! friend to life’s decline,
Retreat from care, that never must be mine.
How blessed is he who crowns, in shades like these,
A youth of labor with an age of ease.”

This city is in the very heart of the country that witnessed some of the most stirring scenes of the late unpleasantness.

It was here that Quantrill’s band made their famous raids and enacted many scenes of bloodshed and carnage. Strange coincidence, that with all these sights of war about us, to-day should also be Decoration Day. It is the nation’s annual day for bringing its tribute of flowers of gratitude to its now silent defenders, and as some feeble veteran from the soldiers’ home places sweet forget-me-nots on a comrade’s grave, we cannot help but contrast the two, the one above the other below the little green mound:

“Happy is he on whose decline
The smiles of home may soothing shine.
And light him down the steep of years.
But oh! how bless’d they sink to rest
Who close their eyes on victory’s breast.”

Wednesday, May 31st. St. Joseph, Mo. Mo. Pac. Ry., 51 miles. Pop. 53,000. Hotel. Union Depot. Excellent weather. Rain all day but very light. Business afternoon and night big. Rain seemed to cut no figure with the attendance. At night one hundred Shriners, with their wives, visited the show in a body. Morning papers here contain news of Main’s circus wreck.

Number of miles traveled during the month of May, including one day in April, 2,174.

June - States traversed - Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota.

Thursday, June 1st. Seneca, Kan. St. J. and G. I. R. R., 77 miles. Pop. 3,000. Hotels, Gilford and Cameron. The show train last night was composed of three sections. The engine of the second section “died ” on the engineer, probably from the same cause that many of our people suffered from, namely, too much alkali water. It was four hours before a hoarse toot from the iron horse announced that the Pegasus of steam was getting the rust out of his throat, and that his “biler” and other intestinal organs were again able to perform their functions. The show was a trifle late on this account, but the parade, as the German editor remarked, “let on itself wait only a few minutes.” The show started on time, and the house in the afternoon was packed to the ring-banks, those who occupied the grassy sofas taking to the rings during the hippodrome races. Owing to a long run ahead to Hastings no night performance was given, and the show pulled out at 7:45 in the evening. The weather here was beautiful.

Friday, June 2d. Hastings, Neb. St. J. and G. I. R. R., 150 miles. Hotels, Bostwick and Commercial. Pop. 15,000. The wonderful executive and hustling qualities of the heads of departments and working forces was aptly illustrated here. The three railroad trains of the “World’s Greatest” did not arrive in Hastings until 9:30 A. M. In spite of this the great parade, including every detail, was out on the street at 10:40. a record of which the operative department throughout its various branches can well be proud. The day here was clear and bright and the afternoon house a big one; but at night a severe rain, commencing at six o’clock reduced the attendance to the proportions of a fair house.

Saturday, June 3d. York, Neb. F. E.& M. V. R. R., 48 miles. Hotel, La Grand. Pop. 6,000. The record-breaking high winds and gales of this spring again played havoc with our canvas here to-day. The weather up to 4:30 P. M. was delightful, and the afternoon house was “packed.” Towards the close of the performance the air became almost stifling, and great ominous looking clouds began to bank up their dark, foreboding vastness in the southeast. It looked decidedly cyclonish, and the scene of Boss Canvassman Snellen’s forces placing the different storm stays and moving rapidly from place to place presented a sight not unlike the approach of a storm on shipboard, but “ the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee,” and in spite of the many precautions that had been taken it required but one “strong breath ” of the angry wind, which soon swept down upon us, to yank the big menagerie tent from its moorings, leaving the wild animals unsheltered and to the mercy of the storm. Heavy rain followed in torrents, and within a half hour the grounds were submerged under surging torrents of water. The cook tents were also leveled to the ground, but the balance of the canvas, including the big top, remained standing. The latter, from the fact that its narrowest side faced the wind, escaped the blow-down. Owing to the continuation of the rain, and the short time left for re-erecting the torn and blown-down canvas no night show was given.

Sunday, June 4th. Arrived in Omaha early this morning. The town presents an appearance of having been visited by a severe storm. Sewers and gutters are still carrying with them rushing streams of water. Great crowds surrounded the big furniture house destroyed here last night by fire. It is a strange fact that one of Omaha’s most disastrous fires should have occurred during the heaviest rainfall ever known here. Several firemen lost their lives in fighting the flames, among them a brother-in-law of front-door policeman Mike O’Brien. The show grounds present rather a muddy appearance, but a very bright day promises to restore them to a more comfortable condition. The morning hours have been utilised for repairing the damages done to the canvas by yesterday’s storm.

Monday, June 5th. Omaha, Neb. F. E. & M. V. Ry. 115 miles. Hotels, Millard, Midland and Grand Central. Pop. 144,000. Weather here line. Afternoon house packed to its utmost capacity. Night house packed beyond its capacity. Alf. Ringling makes announcement requesting those who cannot find standing or seating room to report at door for the return of their money. A very few pass out, the balance crowd into infinitesimal nooks and breathing places, and the “merry dance” goes on. This is the Ringling Bros, second appearance in this city, and it is not a year since the same scenes enacted here to-night took place. Several hundred Shriners with their families are seated in the reserved seats. Each Shriner is adorned with the conventional fez of the order, emblazoned with the star, crescent and scimitar. When Si Hassan Ben Ali and his troupe of Arabs make their appearance they are greeted by them with wild shouts of applause. Hassan and his followers draw up in a line in front and with many mystic salaams, the significance of which is only known to the illustrious nobles and to the fanatical Mussulmen, do homage to their brethren of the faith, saying. “Salaam alla kum,” and swearing “by the beard of the prophet” that if they ever come to Arabia they shall have a fine welcome and pay a royal ransom “till yet again they may see that land of their fathers on the banks of the Missouri at Omaha;” see? Mr. Ed. Davis, agent Cook & Whitby’s Circus, and Mr. William Kohland, agent Sells & Rentfro’s show, were visitors. Col. A. Powell was added here to the list of side show attractions.

Tuesday, June 6th. Wayne, Neb. C. St. P., M. & O. Ry, 144 miles. Pop. 2,500. Hotels, Roman and Boyd. Elements fine. Afternoon house big. The number of tickets sold at the wagon exceeded by several thousands the entire population of this county. The night house was fair. This is our last stand in Nebraska, and we leave this beautiful Prairie State with the kindest thoughts towards its warm-hearted, strong-handed sons and daughters. They have filled our tents to overflowing, our ticket wagon with wealth, and our hearts with gratitude for the thunder of their acclamations of applause, told in sums of tens of thousands, who have congregated under the ample tents of the World’s Greatest.

Wednesday, June 7th. Sioux City, Ia. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry. 46 miles. Hotels, Garretton and Oxford. Pop. 30,000. Elements clear, hot and very windy. In fact, an African simoon, laden with the sands of the Sahara, could hardly make life more disagreeable. Arabs draw their garments over their faces and give us lessons in the art of protection from the sandy winds. Saleen says it reminds him of Arabia and riding camels over the desert. Fair ground lot here. People from street cars have to climb many flights of winding stairs to get onto show grounds. This city is suffering from a financial crisis that promises little to an amusement enterprise. In spite of this, however, both afternoon and night business has been very good.

Thursday, June 8th. Le Mars, Ia. I. C. R. R., 25 miles. Hotel, Windsor. Pop 6,000. The weather here was delightful, and business, both afternoon and night, verv big. As the name of the hotel suggests, we are surrounded by people from jolly old England. This county is settled almost entirely by Anglo-Saxons, but the greatest of American circuses is here to-day, and the government at Washington still lives. Packing the canvas on every side are the descendants of our erstwhile enemies, proud of their adopted country, glad of its advantages, and happy because they are gazing upon the wonders of the World’s Greatest Show. Mayor here a contemptible bluffer, who tried to “shake down” the show for additional license, but failed ignominiously, and was made to return a number of comps. “Clad in a little brief authority” he tried to gain more than belonged to him. Thinking that the sun rose just at the eastern city limits of Lamar and set just beyond its western border, he naturally supposed that he was monarch of the world, but “heavy rests the head that wears a crown,” and when this sockless prince of the tobacco-juice ornamented shirt-front and paper collar saw his comps. taken Irom his courtly table, under his crimson nose, not even Shakespeare’s lines, “the dog in office by the beggar is obeyed,” could give him the consolation of their well-earned meaning.

Friday, June 9th. Cherokee, Ia. I. C. Ry., 35 miles. Pop. 4,000. Hotel, Washington. Afternoon house another proof of the drawing qualities of Ringling Bros. big show. Night house good. Weather, an ideal June day. Opposition here seems to have no effect on business whatever, unless it is to increase the number of visitors to the show.

Saturday, June 10th. Webster City, Ia. I. C. Ry.,95 miles. Hotel. Grand Central. Pop. 5,000. Big afternoon house. Night house fair. False alarm of fire during the parade. A lady who heard the chime bells thought the town was on fire and yelled herself hoarse in giving the alarm. After the afternoon performance the band headed a procession, composed of the employees of the show, and marched to the cemetery, where short but impressive ceremonies were held over the graves of Mons. Dialo and Med. Worthington.

Mons Dialo had traveled for several years with the Ringling Bros., and was killed here in 1889 by a drunken tough. A beautiful monument had been erected over his grave a few days before the arrival of the show. The death of Mr. Worthington had occurred but a short time previous. He was employed on Advertising Car No. 3. and fell from the second-story window of a hotel at Hastings, Neb. Upon his newly made grave a large floral tribute, contributed by his fellow bill-posters, bore the tender words. “To our brother.” Alf. T. Ringling said a few impressive words at each of the graves. Speaking of the lamented Rich. Dialo. he said:

“We have congregated above this solemn tomb to offer a tribute to the memory of our departed friend, for here lies buried all that was mortal of him whom we called Rich. Dialo. Few who are gathered about here now knew him personally, and yet the tender and loving expressions with which his memory is cherished by those who knew him and best loved him for his generous nature, are familiar to you all. If you can imagine a giant in stature and strength, with a heart as strong as a lion, yet as gentle as the gentlest woman; with a hand always in accord with his generous nature, and ever outstretched toward the needy and distressed, then you have a fair picture of our departed friend.

“ Although the bed wherein he sleeps his last, long sleep, is far from his native state, yet tender hands are here to place silent, yet eloquent tributes of love and esteem above his slumbering form; although no kin to him is here, yet we all feel the promptings of a kinship which impels us to assemble here and bring our offerings of sweet spring flowers to lay upon his grave.

“ But while we do so we look away from this ‘his little low green tent whose curtain never outward swings.’ with its covering of cold stone, green grass and sweet spring flowers, to that house ‘not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,’ the Supreme Ruler of which can wipe away all tears from our eves, and give us victory over death.”

Sunday, June 11th. A short run for Sunday and everyone enjoys a beautiful summer day. Handsomest lot of the season. A perfect picture of scenic beauty. The great white tents springing up among the great spreading oaks, sycamores and stately elms, and the beautiful carpet of green, dotted here and there with the animating scenes of life in Sunday quarters, presents a picture that well might gladden the heart of an artist. Quite a number of the people go to church here, but what grander sermon than to stand here amid the scenes of Nature and repeat Bryant’s “Forest Hymn.”

“ Father, Thy hand
Hath reared these venerable columns. Thou
Didst weave this verdant roof. Thou didst look down
Upon the naked earth, and, forthwith, rose
All these fair ranks of trees. They in Thy sun
Budded, and shook their green leaves in Thy breeze,
And shot towards heaven. The century-living crow.
Whose birth was in the tops, grew old and died
Among these branches, till, at last, they stood,
As now they stand, mossy, and tall, and dark,
Fit shrine for humble worshipper to hold
Communion with his Maker.”

Monday, June 12th. Algona. Ia. C. & N. & R. R., 45 miles. Pop. 3,000. Hotels, Hall’s, Terment. A beautiful day. Big afternoon house. Good night house. Sig. Frisco fell from his swinging perch during the afternoon performance and sustained quite severe injuries to his side, shoulder and wrist. No bones were broken, although the distance fallen was fully thirty feet. One of the panthers in the menagerie was overcome by the heat to-day and died.

Tuesday, June 13th. Blue Earth City, Minn. C. & N. R. R., 56 miles. Pop. 3,000. The first stand in Minnesota for this season proves the popularity of the Ringling Bros. in this state by a packed house in the afternoon and a big night house. The weather was delightful. Sig. Frisco, whose injuries of yesterday placed him on the sick list for the present, is up and around. Alf T. and Henry Ringling take a trip with rod and reel to Lake Crystal.

Wednesday, June 14th. Mankato, Minn. C. & N. & R. R., 48 miles. Hotels, Saulpaugh and City. Dismal morning with rain anil wind during entire day. Good afternoon house. Evening clearing weather and big house. Parade was one hour late leaving lot this morning; long walk to lot. B. M. Drake, Paul Blum and W. D. Coxey, contracting and press agents, pay their first visit of the season to the show and express a willingness to return to the advance with grander ideas of the show than ever.

Thursday, June 15th. Waseca, Minn. M. & St. L. Ry., 42 miles. Hotels, Ward and Railroad Eating House. Afternoon business good. Night house fair. Fine weather during day, rain at night.

Friday, June 16th. Faribault, Minn. M. & St. L. Ry., 28 miles. Hotels, Commercial and Brunswick. Pop. 8,000. Fine weather, fine business; packed afternoon and night. At night we “hear the loud alarum bells - brazen bells” - just as the concert is about to commence, and many of the audience run away with their concert tickets to see the fire, but it’s only a barn and a load of straw, and the audience, or a greater part of them, return in time to hear “all over ” announced.

Saturday, June 17th. Red Wing, Minn. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry., 50 miles. Pop. 6,000. Hotel, National. Long walk to beautiful but hilly lot below towering bluff. Beautiful weather. Afternoon business good. Night house good. This town is situated on the banks of the Mississippi and hundreds of Indians paddled across in canoes to gaze upon the feats of the white man and to laugh at the clowns. Fitzpatrick, drum-major, joined here.

Sunday, June 18th. Arrived in Minneapolis early Sunday morning. A big strike among the street car employees promises bad “comin’” and “goin’” to visitors of the show to-morrow. Beautiful day, and many of the people visit the famous summer resorts surrounding this city and see “Minnehaha. Laughing Waters.”

Monday, June 19th. Minneapolis, Minn. M. & St. L,. Ry., 138 miles. Pop. 200,000. Hotels, West, Nicollet, Brunswick and National. Although the weather here to-day was almost unbearable, it being the hottest day of the season, the afternoon house was packed to its capacity. At night the jam was such as to fill the big tents long before 8 o’clock. Big business had been expected here and six poles were erected for the big top, making five big middle pieces in the main tent. By 7:45 P. M. every available inch of sitting-room was occupied and standing-room was at a premium. The ticket wagon was promptly closed and the sign of “fighting room only” might well have been displayed. From 7:45 until almost 9 o’clock a steady stream of people kept pouring to the lot and clamored for tickets at the closed wagon. The papers the next morning announced the business as the largest ever done by a circus in Minneapolis, and the show as the most satisfactory ever seen here. The street car strike was declared off here to-day and the Ringling Bros. could feel gratified over this favorable turn of affairs which, if it had continued, would have prevented the enormous business. A number of new performers joined to-day. The list embraces The Devans, break-away ladder act; James Kincade, rider; Jack Cousins, rider; and the Leondor Bros., famous statuary brother act.

Tuesday, June 20th. Minneapolis, Minn. The heat of yesterday instead of diminishing has become intensified. Afternoon house good. Night house packed. The boys are all buying straw hats and summer ties to-day. Mr. Seaman, contracting agent of the Forepaugh show, visited the show. An interesting ceremony occurred among the Arabs here today. This is the anniversary of Mohammed’s flight to Medina and the sacrificial rites were duly observed by the “faithful.” Si Hassan and his nine swarthy followers performed this quaint religious rite after the afternoon show. The earlier part of the day had been celebrated with feasting and prayer. A lamb had been secured and securely bound and prepared for the sacrifice, which was to occur in the horse dressing-room. Hassan, attired as a Mussulman priest, made his appearance first with scimitar in hand and was followed by the entire company uttering weird incantations. Hassan first stepped off the time by the sun, then approached the improvised altar where the lamb lay bound and offered a prayer to Allah, to which his followers responded at certain periods with acclamations of assent. Suddenly the long gleaming blade was swept across the the throat of the Iamb, and as the blood gushed from the wound it was caught in the holy vessel and passed around among the different members who each in turn drank of the warm fluid. The lamb was next hung up head downward and skinned. It was then quartered and each of the faithful ate from the still quivering flesh. During this ceremony there was a continuous beating of tom-toms, wild dancing, doleful music on strange-looking pipes, and weird singing of songs. The heart was finally taken from the body of the lamb and divided into ten equal parts, each Arab taking a piece and tying it by a string over his heart.

Wednesday, June 21st. River Falls. Wis. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry., 42 miles. Pop. 2,500. The weather here in the morning was beautiful. An event occurred here which, for its appalling consequences, is without a parallel in the history of the circus business. The following copy from an associated press dispatch tells the awful story:

Met Instant Death. Seven Persons Killed by Lightning - During a Thunder-Storm at River Falls, Wis., Lightning Strikes Ringling Brothers’ Circus with Terribly Fatal Results.

River Falls, Wis., Special, June 21. - A terrific thunder-storm raged in this vicinity this afternoon. Rain fell in sheets, and great floods of water formed almost in an instant in the streets. Ringlings’ Circus was showing in the edge of a grove about a quarter of a mile from the center of the town. The circus proper had just finished its performance, and as the concert was about to begin a number of people who did not care to attend ths latter were making their way through the menagerie tent, when a terrific bolt of lightning struck one of the center poles of the menagerie tent, and more than fifty people were prostrated. Seven were killed instantly, a few more were injured, and the balance are now regaining the normal use of their limbs, which had been temporarily paralyzed by the shock. The scene of consternation which followed when the survivors realized the extent of the fatality surpasses description, when men and women surged toward the scene, and it was only by the exercise of rare presence of mind on the part of Messrs. Ringling and their employees that a most serious and probably fatal stampede was averted. The Ringlings did everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the injured. Rough canvasmen, stake drivers and animal attendants vied with one another in their attentions to the wounded.

Stretched on the ground were four full-grown men and three boys, all dead, and as soon as anything like order could be restored they were recognized as follows: O. A. Dean, boomer, married, Kinnikinnick township; Eugene Reynolds, unmarried, carpenter; fourteen-year-old son of Curtis Aldridge; J. A. Glendenning, married, town clerk of Oak Grove; Clark Mapes, married, a farmer of the township of Clinton; a twelve-year-old son of Wallace Smith, and a twelve-year-old son of J. A. Glendenning.

Mrs. Glendenning and another son are seriously injured, Patrick Collins, a farmer, unmarried, seriously injured, and now at Gladstone Hotel, and two strangers, supposed to be railroad graders, are also at the hotel, badly injured.

Jay E. Loucks, proprietor of the Gladstone Hotel, was passing through the tent with his wife, three nieces and one child when the shock came. Mr. Loucks and family fell to the ground, but none of them were seriously injured. Mrs. Loucks’ arm was hurt by a man who was killed falling against her.

The bodies of the dead were taken to the village engine house, where some distressingly sad scenes were enacted. Some of the bodies were badly scorched, but the majority presented no external evidence of the shock. Death was absolutely instantaneous in all cases except that of young Dean, who breathed his last a moment after the Pioneer Press reporter entered the engine house.

As the reporter hurried toward the circus tent through the rain he met several citizens escorting men and boys who had been more or less seriously injured. The attendants of the injured were slapping their hands and shaking them to restore animation, while the faces of the victims showed a dull, frightened look, as if they had been through a dazing experience. Six men were carrying the paralyzed form of a young man named Lewis Rosses, whose face and breast were terribly burned, and whose lower extremities were paralyzed. At a late hour the reporter saw this young man in the hotel. He had recovered consciousness and was receiving every care from a nurse. With great difficulty he managed to tell the reporter that he was a laboring man, and that his relatives live at or near Spring Valley. Minn. While he is seriously burned and his lower limbs at present benumbed, he is not fatally injured. Another badly injured young man is William B. L. Horme, aged eighteen, whose parents live at Norman, Okla. He has been working in the vicinity for a farmer named Thomas R. Morrow. When struck he had a little boy by the hand. The latter was shocked, but quickly recovered, and is now running around the street. Young Herme will recover. Mrs. Glendenning has recovered consciousness, but the fact of her husband’s and son’s death has been kept from her. She thinks they have gone home to attend to the chores. She will receive a sad awakening to-morrow. This community is a gloomy one this evening, and the calamity is universally deplored. None of the show people were injured. One of the saddest things in connection with this calamity is the fact that the young lad, Smith, who was killed, had a blind father and a crippled mother, and the little fellow was his father’s guide wherever the latter went.

The circus will, of course, give no performance to-night. The Ringlings are much commended for their thoughtfulness and kind attentions during and after the fatality. This was the fatal work of &ldqup;The scorchinp bolt, that from thine armory hurled, Burns its red path and cleaves a shrinking world.”

No attempt was made to give a night show. It seems a miracle that none of the show people were injured.

Thursday, June 22d. New Richmond, Wis. C.. St. P., M. & O. Ry., 46 miles. Pop. 2,000. Big crowd in town. Everybody here talking about yesterday’s accident at River Falls. Big house in the afternoon. No night show, owing to long run to West Superior. Trains left about 8:30 P. M.

Friday, June 23d. West Superior, Wis. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry., 136 miles. Hotels, West Superior and Commercial. Pop. 30,000. The weather here was regular Ringling weather and a regular Ringling day. This was the show’s fourth annual visit to West Superior, and the business, which was packed both afternoon and night was far in excess of any previous day’s business here, which has always been a great town for the World’s Greatest. Papers all compliment the many enlargements and improvements in show.

Saturday, June 24th. Duluth, Minn. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry., 4 miles. Motel, St. Louis. Pop. 52,000. Another enormous day’s business. Packed afternoon and night houses, and proving, as in the case of West Superior, that the Rindling Bros.’ show grows in favor with each annual visit. The receipts of the afternoon concert were donated in the Virginia (Minn.) fire sufferers. Papers here contain columns about the excellence of the show.

Sunday, June 25th. Long run, but arrived in St. Cloud in time for dinner. Late in leaving Duluth. Passed through the great pine woods of Minnesota, and saw many delightful lakes along the line, where the knights of the fish-line would gladly have spent an hour or two in “harmless and delightful recreation.” But the train was too swift for them.

Monday, June 26th. St. Cloud, Minn. N. P. R. R., 174 miles. Hotel, Grand Central. Pop. 10,000. Henry Ringling and Fred Madison went fishing near here yesterday, and “somehow fortune liked them well.” But how they got their fish I’ll never tell. Their alleged catch numbered over 310 shining bass, pickerel, pike and sunfish, and the cook house had a big, brown, fried fish for every “sucker wid de trick.” Mr. Peter Sells, of the Sells Bros.’ Big Show of the World, was the guest of Ringling Bros. here to-day. Business, afternoon and night, big.

Tuesday, June 27th. Little Falls, Minn. N. P. R. R., 33 miles. Buckman House. Pop. 7,000. Afternoon house big. Fair night house, Warm, clear day. “Plenty Norka people in dees here town,” and quite a sprinkling of French.

Wednesday, June 28th. Detroit, Minn. N. P. R. R., 84 miles. Pop. 2,500. Hotels, Minnesota and Commercial. Owing to a long run ahead, only one show was given here, and that to a packed house. The weather was fair, warm and pleasant. Many people went fishing here after the show, and enlivened the run with stories of how they almost got ’em. Wm. Leondor and a number of the boys flirted too long with the fishes at the bottom of the lake and missed the train. Desperate devils! When will those boys get over their reckless extravagance? Cost ’um 65 cents a piece for railroad fare, besides their “found,” before they got back.

Thursday. June 29th. Grand Forks, N. D. N. P. R. R., 117 miles. Hotel Griggs. Pop. 9,000. Business good afternoon and night. Heavy rain here in the morning. Clearing later in the day. Streets were in a very bad condition, and the parade was made with difficulty.

Friday, June 3Oth. Pembina, N. D. N. P. R. R., 90 miles. Hotel, Winchester. Pop. 1,000. Rained nearly all day. liusiness good. Large excursion from the Oueen’s Domain, many pleasure-seekers coming from Winnipeg to view the wonders of the Big Show. At night a heavy wind-storm frightened the audience, and they left the canvas before the conclusion of show.

Total mileage during June 1,796 miles.

July: States Traversed - North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan

Saturday. July 1st. Grafton, N. D. N. P. R. R. 45 miles. Hotels, Merchants and Ottawa. Pop. 3,000. Third consecutive annual visit of the show to Grafton, “and still they come.” Big business. A hard rain here during the afternoon. Chas. Fish joined here last season. Heavy storms have prevailed throughout this section during the past four weeks.

Sunday, July 2d. Long run to Lisbon, N. D. On train all day. Passed through the great prairie garden of the Northwest. A beautiful day and beautiful country. All enjoyed the balmy Dakota air, which at this time of the year has an exhilarating effect, making all the fip-flappers aspire to do triple somersaults. China in sight at about 4 P. M.

Monday, July 3d. Lisbon,N. D. N. P. R. R., 227 miles. Hotel. Horton. Pop. 2,000. Big business here. Only one show given here. Weather very warm. To-morrow is the Glorious Fourth and everyone is busy preparing for a bountiful display of the national colors. People here celebrate Ringling Day on the 3d of July, calling it their 4th for 1893.

Tuesday, July 4th. Aberdeen, S. D. N. P. & C. & N. W. R. R.s, 93 miles. Hotels, Park Place and Kennard. Patriotism, enthusiasm, glorious festival of a nation’s freedom to-day. On every side red, white and blue. Flags fying, booming cannon, skyrockets, ah-h-h-h! The entire show fittingly bedecked with the national colors, hundreds of flags fying from the many peaks of the city of tents and caressed by the smiling zephyrs of Dakota. In the parade our bands play the airs Americans swear by, fight by and die for. Every man, woman and child wears, in some shape or another, the emblem of Liberty, also the horses, ponies and even the trick donkeys have ribbons of red, white and blue braided into their tails and manes. Even Nat’s pigs wear the colors and seem to cry as they disport themselves in their cute, chubby rotundity, “Hurrah for American Pork!” All the performers appear in white tights, red trunks, leotards or skirts and blue blouses and ribbons, and the concert of Prof. Weldon’s band, preluding the performance, is composed of a programme of patriotic airs and selections.

“My country! If a wretch shall e’er arise
Out of thy countless sons, who would curtail
Thy freedom, dim thy glory - while he lives
May all earth’s peoples curse him; for of all
Hast thou secured the blessing; and if one
Exist who would not arm for liberty,
Be he, too, cursed living, and when dead,
Let him be buried downwards, with his face
Lookiny to hell, and o’er his coward grave
The hare skulk in her form.”

Business here was big. At night the annual festivities of the Declaration of Independence were celebrated as has been the custom with this show for years. An immense collection of fireworks were taken to the cars, and these being a distance from the city the show folk had their celebration all by Ther’ own selves. For two hours giant crackers sounded their booming intonations and the air presented a continuous scintillation of screaming rockets, bursting bombs, fiery dragons, shooting snakes and a varicolored constellation of meteoric glories.

Wednesday, July 5th. Watertown, S. D. C. & N. W. Ry., 113 miles. Hotel, Commercial. Big business here. Afternoon house packed. Night house big. Heavy rain-fall from 6 to 7 P. M. Scientific Rube gives other Rube a lecture on Zoology: “That’s the horned ox,” pointing to the Egyptian cattle; “and them’s a kind of pig that they have out in Colorado,” this of the hippotamus. “Bill, yer ort ter stidy zoo-olergy, it’s suthin’ wuth knowin&rsquo’!”

Thursday, July 6th. Huron. S. D. C. & N. W. R. R., 114 miles. Hotels, Railroad Eating House and Merchants. Pop. 4,000. Weather warm and pleasant. Lively tussle here last year for possession of kangaroo, lost in storm. Great attraction here in old tumble-down hotel building. Everybody goes in and no one knows why, but as they come out wiping their lips we guess it must contain a heap o’ wetness.

Friday, July 7th. Mitchell, S. D. C. & N. W. and C., St. P., M. & O. Rys, 114 miles. Hotel, Merchants. Pop. 3,500. Business big, afternoon and night. Warm, pleasant day, but from all around us we hear reports of heavy storms, rain and hail, crops destroyed and buildings demolished.

Saturday, July 8th. Parker, S. D. C. & N. W. R. R., 38 miles. Hotel, Parker House. Pop. 1,500. Great time here with authorities, who seem opposed to the show’s well-known method of keeping crooks down. Pinkerton Detective Calhoun arrests one of the long-lingered gentry and turns him over to sheriff. The sheriff, by orders of the district attorney, sets crook free. Indignant detective roasts prosecuting attorney. Consequence: Prosecuting attorney becomes an enemy of the show, and the fun begins. Arrests Calhoun for assault, but the latter is discharged with light fine. Shoe-string lawyers serve papers in damage suit on the Ringling Brothers, and take advantage of every possible means to annoy the show. At night, fearing trouble from a lot of local toughs, the entire body of employees march down to cars together, and the effect is marvelous. Just as we are about to pull out with the second section, some local heavy-weights pull a coupling-pin, and to the cry of “Hey, Rube,” are driven into the woods. Last act and curtain: Train pulls out amid utter silence, good-bye, Parker!

Sunday, July 9th. Beautiful summer day. Fishing parties made up and drive out to different lakes surrounding this town. Alf and Charles Ringling, Fred Madison and Debonnaire have a big catch in lake known as Fish-Afraid-of-the-Hook. Results: A bullhead. Others have good luck, too.

Monday, July 10th. Brookings, S. D. C & N. W. R. R., 104 miles. Pop. 1,500. Hotels, Brookings. Farmers’ Home and Commercial House. The latter has the inscription over dining-room door: “The Lord will provide.” Poor satisfaction for the man who has to pay before he gets in. At Brookings House an arbor of green has been erected and arranged for a dining-room. All prefer it to the hot, crowded place inside. Threatening weather here to-day. A heavy storm passed within a few miles of us, but we escaped a drenching. F. R. Blitz, side-show orator, closed.

Tuesday, July 11th. Marshall, Minn. C. & N. W. R. R., 84 miles. Hotel. Atlantic. Pop. 3,000. Marshall News come out with a four and one-half column write-up of the show a few days after leaving here, depicting in most interesting words the modus operandi of the management of the big show. Big business here afternoon and night.

Wednesday, July 12th. Redwood Falls, Minn. C. & N. W. R. R., 70 miles. Hotel, Commercial. Pop. 2,000. Fine day, but threatening storm. Big afternoon house. Night house light. Long hilly haul to shady lot.

Thursday, July 13th. New Ulm, Minn. C. & N. W. R. R., 51 miles. Pop. 5,000. Hotel, Union. German cooking made great hit “mit de gang.” Bill of fare embraced dill pickles, spiced Holland herring, kartoffle salaat, kalter schinken, leber wurst, German fried potatoes, coffee cake. Frankfurters mit sauer kraut, und wie es weiter heist Questions asked at the front door: “Ven goes it loose?” “Do I become a ticket ven I go oudt?” “Gives it yet anudder tseerkus to-night?” “Vot o’clock it is it?” Big afternoon house. Night house good. Threatening sky at night makes everybody fear a cyclone. New Ulm was blown to pieces several years ago, and we do not care to take any chances, so the show is rushed a trifle. Chas. Vernon this morning, in looking after the aerial rigging, had two of his fingers mashed by a sledge-hammer in the hands of one of the property men. Mr. Vernon will not be able to do his act for several days. Miss Bertha Carnihan was to-day presented with a handsome gold medal by Clate Alexander and Major Atom.

Friday, July 14th. St. Peter, Minn. C. & N. W. R. R., 30 miles. Pop. 4.700. Hotels, Nicollet and City Restaurant. Threatening weather again to-day, but no rain. Big business. Two of our handsome gray horses had their feet quite badly burned by stepping into a pile of hot cinders at the runs here to-day. The driver did not notice that they were hot until, by the strange behavior of the horses he was made aware of the torture they were undergoing. Several hundred patients from the insane asylum at this place visited the show in a body. Afternoon and night business good. Mr. N. Julien, uncle of the Ringling Brothers, together with his family, visited to-day.

Saturday, July 15th. Rochester, Minn. C. & N. W. R. R., 88 miles. Pop. 6,000. Hotels, Commercial and Grand Union. This is one of the handsomest and wealthiest towns in the State of Minnesota, and is situated in an agricultural region of great productiveness. The house this afternoon was packed to its utmost capacity. The show’s second visit here. More people were in Rochester to-day than have ever been known to have gathered here in one day in the history of the city. Parade made a great hit. Night house big.

Sunday, July 16th. Beautiful day. Arrived in Winona early in the morning. All rejoice in again coming back to the “Father of Waters.”

Monday, July 17th. Winona, Minn. C. & N. W. R. R., 50 miles. Hotels, Merchants and Stovall’s Dining Parlors. Pop. 2,000. Rattlesnake Tom received a big boa constrictor to-day, and in handling the reptile was severely bitten in the hand. Beech and Bowers, the famous minstrel men, joined to-day. They will present their unique and pleasing specialties in the after entertainment, commonly known as the concert, but which is to be reorganized into a first-class minstrel performance. Business here afternoon and night, big.

Tuesday, July 18th. La Crosse, Wis. C. & N. W. R. R., 28 miles. Hotels, Cameron and Park. Pop. 40,000. Business, afternoon and night packed, weather warm and pleasant, but very dusty. Lot two miles from railroad runs. This is our first stand in Wisconsin, and from the way they came to-day the Ringlings can certainly expect overflowing houses in their home state.

Wednesday, July 19th. Elroy, Wis. C. & N. W. R. R., 64 miles. Pop. 1,800. Hotels, American and National. Business, afternoon house good; night house fair; 37 miles to winter-quarters. Long haul and bad lot with scaly bridge leading to it.

Thursday, July 20th. Madison, Wis. C. & N. W. R. R., 75 miles. Hotel, Capitol House. Pop. 15,000. Largest crowds on street ever known in the history of the capital of the state. Eugene Field lectured here last night. Afternoon house packed and night house big. Passed through Baraboo early this morning. Excursions run to Madison a distance of 50 miles, from all directions; big special excursion trains convey thousands to the show.

Friday, July 21st. Platteville, Wis. C. & N. W. R. R., 90 miles. Pop. 2,500. Hotel. Platteville House. Commercial Hotel was also contracted for, but as the landlord wanted to give the show people papier-mache pies and a general roast in the way of special dishes for the actor folk, his tavern was given the polite go-by. Calhoun, Pinkerton detective, to-day located five crooks who came to work the town. Finding themselves “discovered,” they “ducked” to Monroe, where Woody turned them over to the marshal, and he gave them permission, with a vengeance, to leave the town.

Saturday, July 22d. Monroe, Wis. C. M. & St. P. Ry., 57 miles. Hotel, Ludlow. Pop. 5,000. Tents packed here day and night; many large excursion parties. Fifth time the Ringling Bros. have visited this town. Last two preceding times heavy rains, which prevented show from exhibiting last year. Heaps o’ doin’s and goin’s on at our house to-day! Had a weddin’! Just after the parade. Miss May Reed and Jack Cousins repaired to the house of the Rev. Mr. Goodrich and were united in marriage. The ceremony was witnessed by Mons. Natalie and by Mr. Reno Walton.

What a pang of sweet emotion
Thrilled the master of the ring,
When he first beheld the lady
Through the striped entrance spring!

Midway in his wild grimacing;
Stopped the piebald-visaged clown;
And the thunder of the audience
Nearly brought the blue-seats down.

Sunday. July 23d. Arrived in Milwaukee about nine o’clock in the morning. Many of the people visit the Exposition building. Mr. Hanmore, press agent, receives the sad intelligence of his mother’s death in California. Milwaukee wears a gala-day appearance. Great Turnerfest in progress here.

Monday, July 24th. Milwaukee, Wis. C. M. & St. P. Ry., 105 miles. Pop. 250,000. Hotels, Plankington and Kirby. Business, packed to capacity afternoon and night. This city is suffering from a trying financial depression and many of its mammoth manufacturing concerns are closed or running on short time. Charles Andress’ smiling countenance seen among our visitors to-day. Papers here come out with great reports of the magnificence of the World’s Greatest Show. The Sentinel said: “The Ringling Bros.’ show was all it was advertised to be.” The Evening Wisconsin: “This afternoon’s performance was given to 14,000 people. Every seat was occupied, and many people occupied seats on the hippodrome track. Ringling Bros. have acquired a wonderful reputation here and to-day have added to it. The many features of the show stamp it as “strictly in it.” The Evening Journal: “The show was superior to any circus performance ever seen in Milwaukee.” The above are merely short extracts from column notices which tell in glowing words of the popularity of the show in this city.

Tuesday, July 25th. Sheboygan, Wis. M. L. S. & W. Ry., 52 miles. Hotels, Park and Commercial. Pop. 22,000. Fine day. Lot on hill in sight of Lake Michigan. Poor street car accommodations. Business, afternoon good, night house fair. Matoon Manufacturing Company’s employees, numbering several thousand, out on a strike. News reaches here to-day of the failure of the Marine Bank of Milwaukee. Had great time here about lot. Explained by following liberal translation from German paper of this place: Sheboygan Zeitung, July 26. 1893. (Liberal translation.)

Der Circus. Ringlings’ circus been come to the city on some trains already Tuesday. Been on account the lot so long a haul having from the east end to railroad it could not been a parade until noon nearly when it come on the avenue Eight. But the public then they was having some delight to feel. The street railway have not get a permission to have build to the lot what was first had because the earthworks have been thrown by the sewer up, and Ald. Born could not like something like this also to happen. So they would a fight like to had, when Mr. Laemann by the street railroad presidenten to Milwaukee ducked and with the Ringlings a talk had, and slyly make some business with them to have a lot for no gelt get. Ald. Born by himself thinking then to some free omnibuses have for the people riding to the circus seeing. The circus was so fine as penuckle playing and finer much; the Arabs as good as almost nothing before and better than we have before seen. The Ringlings they promise not somethings that they have them not, but did have, and may-be some more already than that. In the private life they was much of gentlemanlike and comrade-bruders more as any other circus with the Sheboygan people, and they dare to Sheboygan come back some other times when they like some business to do.

Wednesday, July 26th. Manitowoc, Wis. M. L. S. & W. Ry., 28 miles. Hotel, Northwestern. Pop. 9,000. Good afternoon house, good night house. Cool, beautiful day with refreshing breeze from Lake Michigan.

Thursday, July 27th. Shawano, Wis. M. L. S. & W. Ry., 96 miles. Pop. 2.000. Hotel, Murdock House. Afternoon house packed; night business light. Warm, pleasant weather. Three thousand Indians in town to-day, and visit show. At night many of them remain in town and fill up with whiskey. “Heap bad Indian! Heap big Indian!”

Friday, July 28th. Oconto, Wis. M. L. S, & W. Ry., 41 miles. Hotel, Beyer House. Pop. 6,000. A very heavy rain poured down in the morning. Clearing weather later in day. Big afternoon house; good night house.

Saturday, July 29th. Menominee, Mich. C. & N. W. R. R., 22 miles. Hotels, Stevenson and Charles. Pop. 25,000. Big business here at both performances. Big concert, Beach and Bowers old favorites here. Show made a great hit here with its fourth annual exhibition.

Sunday, July 30th. Short Sunday run and arrived in Green Bay early. Everybody that claimed to be anything of a sport at all went fishing.

Monday, July 31st. Green Bay, Wis. C. & N. W. R. R., 51 miles. Hotel Bement. Excellent. Pop. 20,000. The weather to-day was beautiful, cool and bright and the crowds that thronged the streets were the largest ever in Green Bay, and the audiences at both the afternoon and night performances were the largest ever seen under canvas here. The show added to its previous excellent reputation.

Total mileage during July, 1,922.

August: States Traversed - Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

Tuesday, Aug. 1st. Appleton, Wis. C. & N. W. r. R., 28 miles. Pop. 15,000. Hotel, Northwestern. Very warm weather. Big business afternoon and night. This is the first day in August. From all other amusement managers come reports of poor business due to hard times, but the Ringling Bros.’ show has not yet felt the leas