BLONDIN.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 145, 19 November 1874, Page 3

BLONDIN.

(From the Dally Telegraph.)

The “Hero of Niagara” and “Lord of the Hempen Realm,” as he has been named, Chevalier Blondin, made his first appearance on the tight-rope before the Victorian public yesterday afternoon. Owing to the high wind which prevailed in the morning considerable uncertainty was expressed as to whether the performance would be postponed until the weather took a more favorable turn, Blondin himself on mounting to the rope during the morning stating that unless the wind abated he would not venture to cross it. Superintendent Hare, acting under the orders of the Chief Commissioner of Police, was in attendance at the Artillery Ground before the time advertised for throwing open the gates, and the_ breeze having somewhat abated, it was decided to carry out the programme of the exhibition as advertised. Although the decision of the police was not generally known, and many were thereby deterred from venturing out to witness the performance, a large crowd soon gathered in the canvas arena, and by the time his Excellency the Governor and suite reached the ground, there must have been a concourse of about 8000 persons inside the structure. Blondin appeared upon the scene shortly before 4 o'clock, dressed in plain clothes, but wearing several large gold medals and badges. He was eagerly watched as, moving amongst his workmen, he personally superintended the final tautening and guying of the rope. After the gates were thrown open, an excellent band, engaged in Sydney, discoursed well chosen selections from various operas, and thus rendered the time until the performance began very pleasant. At halfpast 4 the “Hero of Niagara,” attired in a full suit of silver mail, and wearing a helmet with long nodding plumes, emerged from his tent, and was immediately swayed aloft, amidst the applause of the spectators. After bowing his acknowledgments, he gave a signal to the band, which struck up a lively march, and seizing his balancing-pole, stepped forward on the rope. This he crossed and recrossed, marching to the time of the music, and seemingly as much at home as if he were on terra firma. After doffing his suit of mail, Blondin appeared once more attired in fleshings and a black velvet doublet. Running forward at a brisk pace along the rope, until he had traversed about three parts of its length, he then performed the astonishing feats of lying down at full length, turning a back somersault, and standing on his head. This performance Avas followed by the still more wonderful one of crossing the rope blindfolded Avith a sack over him. He caused some amusement by his grotesque, though dangerous, pretences at losing his balance, and capped all by pretending to fall, but instead of leaving the rope, measuring his full length along it. It Avas his intention to cook an omelette on the rope, but the wind being too high to admit of his lighting a fire, the oven he uses for the purpose was lowered to the ground, and he instead took his intrepid agent, Mens. Niaud, on his back, and bore him over the rope, amidst the cheers of the spectators. At this juncture of the performance the rain, Avhich had been threatening for some time, came do ami in torrents, accompanied by thunder and vivid flashes of lightning. Added to these discomforts the Avind suddenly A'eered to the south, and came up Avith a burst. All hopes of continuing the performance being at an end, the Ausitors dispersed as quickly as possible, and the upper portion of the arena was furled. There can be but one feeling amongst the spectators on Avitncssing Blondin’s marvellous entertainment, the daring nature of which calls forth unqualified wonder and astonishment. Although he was unable to carry out his programme in its entirety, that portion -Avhich Avas gone through cannot fail to impress everybody Avith the fact that Blondin can be said justly to hold a prominent place amongst the Avon-

tiers of the world. There is sueh ease, elegance, and self-reliance manifested in his every action on the rope, that almost all sense of the perilous position lie occupies when performing is removed from the minds of those who watch him. It is only once in a lifetime that such a thorough artist as Blondin can come amongst ns, and those who miss witnessing his marvellous performances deprive themselves of a pleasure that will live long in the memory of others who have availed themselves of his presence in Victoria.