25

Chicago Globe 4/27

"WILD WEST" OPENS.

Col. W. F. Cody Gives a Performance
During a Downpour
of Rain.

WAS A GREAT EXHIBITION

In Feats of Daring Horsemanship,
Rifle Practice and Border
Warfare.

"Buffalo Bill's" congress of Wild
West riders gave their initial performance
in Chicago yesterday. The performance
was all that was claimed for
in point of merit, and more. The
performance lasted two hours and a
half, and the first half of the show was
given in a pouring rain. Despite the
difficulties of the weather the exhibitions
of horsemanship, marksmanship
and matches nondescript feats of
skillfulness and daring came off as
specified in the program. Col. Cody
makes it a feature to carry out specifically
what he advertises.

The story of our country so far as it
concerns life in the Rocky mountains
and the western plains, has never been
half told. Romance itself falls far
short of the reality when it attempts to
depict the vanguard of pioneers,
trappers and scouts, who, moving
always in front, have paved the way
for the safe approach of the masses
behind. The name of Buffalo Bill has
already become identified with what
seems to be strange traditions and
legends of the great west.

Hon. William F. Cody has a combination
under his control that illustrates
life on the plains. There are bands of
Indians, stalwart in their feathers and
war paint, cowboys on bucking
bronchos and herds of wild buffalos.
Fine exhibitions are given in throwing
the lariat, as well as the western manner
of robbing mail coaches with other
kindred scenes and events characteristic
of the border.

The performance began with a grand
review, introducing the rough riders of
the world and the fully equipped regular
soldier of the armies of America,
England, France, Germany and Russia.
Then came Miss Annie Oakler, or
"Little Sure Shot," the most celebrated
markswoman in the world. She
is a beautiful woman and undoubtedly
the surest of all female rifle shots.

There was a free-for-all horse race in
which many nationalities were represented.
The pony express was a feature.
A highly interesting scene was
an attack on an immigrant train by Indians
who are repulsed by "Buffalo
Bill" with his scouts and cowboys.
Cowboys, riding at full gallop, leaned
from their saddles and snatched small
articles from the ground.

The feature of the show is the attack
and capture of the Deadwood coach by
Indians. This is a most realistic scene.
"Buffalo Bill" gave an exhibition of
his wonderful ability with the rifle.
Performances will continue twice daily.