BARNUM, THE SHOWMAN

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1923, Page 3

BARNUM, THE SHOWMAN

fii.S LIFE AND DEEDS. LONDON. September 20. In “R. Ik Baruum" .Mr M. R. AVertier relates very amusingly the Jifehistory of America's greatest showman Bnrnum himsc-lf always said he was the “I’tim-t? of Humbugs’’—a versatile and entertaining humbug, too- and lie delighted in hi- title Mr Werner -ays: Tt is because he was so typical an I at the same time so unique that Barnuin remains tu-day one of the out standing figures of our national lit?, lor Baimini v.as a most typical Amerii.-m without ever l.ecom■ug an mioml-i 1 Atnerieaii.

i In one occasion so many people visited his great American museum that the sale ol ticket- had to he stopped. Tki.- llrniiim described as 'exceedingly harrowing to my feelings. Opening a specie 1 exit, Barniiiri huiricdlv called hi- -ign painter and ordered a sign in large lettcis, with a pointing hand. "Io the J-.gi'c-s. ‘ T I iti- was naillt'd over me rear door Some of the Irish vi.itois spelled out tie? sign, ~~fn the Aigtcs- " ami many lentarketl. “Sute. that’s an animal we haven't seen.” ami lound tltem-elves on Ann-strcet. "■lb mi elmm-e of rc-ent-iing the museum . GENERAL TOM THUMB. Barnuin made hi- first visit to this 'ounti-y in 1811 with the droll dwarf General lorn Tlninh. whom he exhibited at the Egyptian Hall with iinmeu.se ■success. An invitation to Buckingham I 'alace was secured. The ‘-'Geimu a!' ■Nine and d.limed and eau-ed gieat amusemetii. (JiH’Cll A’ictoria took lit- hand and led Id'll ahout L be pit nr." gallel.v. asking him many quest Tens, and his msuors en m cd her t,i |n ugh emit in ually. Baruum simeced, d in inducing .Jenny hind to -dig m America under hi- an one-. Tim ‘Swedish Nightingale" headed the precession of Kuiopeau artist- who have won fame and foil line m tin- United State-. hater on. when Baruum went liankiupt. .lenn?■ Bind wa- laueh eomrrned

and begged him to aeeepi her aid. Itanium gratefully dei lined. THE SIAMESE TWINS. The tour of the Siamese twin- in (treat Britain was anotlmi Baruum eiiiel prise. Inteie-t was arou-inl by tin- previous annoum eluent that they were vi-iling thr. country to consult emiiieid -urgeuiiwith a ?icu to their -epara t inti. (tl eon r-e. they had no intent ion of I (coming by a stroke <■ I" the knit" merely two Siame-e, iu-lend of ihe Sia-me-e Twin-, hut the publc-ity was efiet :ive. To those who hoil'-med him for ikee passes Baruum it-t r! to hand a printed card which re,pie led them to -‘search the Set ipl tire.-." and stipj lied extracts hearing on llm -il u.m'oii. stmli as: "T Sou sludt Lot pas-,"; "This generation shall md pa-s" ; “Though they tea i . yet t hey cannot pa--JUMBO.

Tin "greatest single acquisition >.f the Barnuin and Bailey -how duiing its entile history” was the puivlia-e ol .1 II mini, the childien’- favourite e!epluint. from the Zoological Gardens. 1 mligiiat ion wa- inleime. (.'■liimn Aict.oria, the I'rime ol Wales ain i John Rn-kin begged tin.- /' ologiea.

Foi let v In ret use io delivcr the ( '"iilmlit fo Baruum. ami thev promised that the British nation -would be re-pn:i,ibO l-.m any damage, due to breach ei eontiaet. But .1 umbo went all the same. f-.ai num em-e a-lmd the young [’rim c George, now ixii.g George A. whether lie was going to -ion until the end j •■!' tii.- iei Io; mam e. The Bl im-- !cokI cd round lautiomly. pau-cd lor a in..j |,;i,nt.. and. !"aiiiug toward.-. Baruum. | -aid : "Air Baroom. 1 -hall remain hern until they sing God Save Craudmot her !” At la-1 Ba: num. having decided ’ ll return home to New Aork, said hie, to roy ally . nobibly. and ’I I, ;;i-!e.'i • ! 1. ii'doi! hiddiog him In,,,veil, - iid : --Well, gml-iwe Air Baruum. I hope I shall sec you -n Heaven." -‘A'ou will if you arc llwro." said Mr Baniiim to tile bishop.