AN AMERICAN BABY SHOW.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1147, 3 February 1874, Page 4

AN AMERICAN BABY SHOW.

Thirty-four Missouri babies competed for the premiums offered by the St. Clair County Agricultural Association. Seated in the laps of fond mothers ranged in a row, in an open tent, they presented what ' The St. Louis Democrat' declares was " a truly beautiful sight." Thirty-four little noses evoked admiration ; sixty-eight little fists alternately churned the atmosphere, and were crammed into thirty-four little mouths; sixty-eight little eyes were fixed upon vacancies ; sixty-eight little lungs were inflated, ready for a starter, sixty-eight little legs stuck out straight and 340 little toes sawed the air. Then the committee (one man and five married ladies) went to work, and the crowd looked on curiously. As the examiners passed along, the flush came and went in many a mother's cheek ; a feverish light came into each mother's eyes as she gazed hopefully upon the impassive faces. Little faith would any of them put in the decision that robbed her darling of all the praise. At length the verdict was agreed upon, and it was announced that the children would be driven around the amphitheatre before it was made' public. The first prize, a 90dol. sewing-machine, was mounted in a spring waggon, the committee occupied the second, and eight vehicles followed, filled with the babies and their mothers. Slowly they moved around the ring, while from 10,000 throats poured a noise like thunder. Once more the waggons drew up at the booth and discharged their freight Then the decision was announced. The first prize was awarded to Francis Victoria, aged one year, daughter of Mrs Kate Phelps, of Chester, for being the " handsomest, best formed, most sprightly, and finest for size and beauty under two years." The second premium (20dols. in cash), was awarded to

u thirteen months' old baby, never named, the daughter of Mrs Edward Sikkemau of Belleville. Tbe third premium (10 dols.) was awarded to twins, Margaret and Mary, aged four months, the daughters of Mrs Josephine Schroeder of Belleville. There were pale faces as the verdict was rendered, and thirty-one mothers turned tearfully away. But they will try again.