It was said of him that he was a very reasonable sort of an animal when permitted to have his own way, but never submitted to confinement5 with any sort of grace. He was always enraged6 at being chained to the ring or stake, and sometimes decreed capital punishment, which he executed himself, for the unfortunate keeper who was guilty of the offence of chaining him. He was very much given to breaking and bolting, and when once in the open, and fairly on the go, he became a very dangerous customer, and his keeper, if wise, would give him a wide field until his rampage was finished.
One among the many of them, who died in the seventies, was his friend, and never had any trouble with him, and he always insisted that the lively escapades of his ponderous7 charge were 173 the result of an all absorbing longing8 for liberty. He used to describe the magnificent old pachyderm as the living embodiment of a justifiable9 revolt. He had not much sympathy for the keepers who had been executed, nor did he have much respect for their knowledge or discretion10. According to his theory, they were mere machines for so much per month; they never studied the character or feelings of the splendid animal in their charge; they were inconsiderate, unnecessarily harsh and cruel, and, from the unnaturally-confined elephant’s standpoint, in most instances got what they deserved.
The Columbus incident, of which an account is to follow, was not a particularly exceptional one, and the description of it was written by the friendly old keeper who had charge of the hero of it during two consecutive12 years back in the thirties. The narration13 is a modest 174 one, and its phraseology proves it to have been written by a man of rare courage. It was printed in a Cincinnati newspaper in the month of February, 1870, and is now given, with the editorial head note just as it appeared.
“THE ELEPHANT COLUMBUS.”
“Letter from another witness of his rampage near New Orleans.”
“The account of the rampage of the elephant Columbus near New Orleans, in 1839, which we published some time since, has refreshed the memories of many old showmen, and as we are always glad to publish anything of interest to them, we give the following letter, which we think will prove entertaining to our readers generally:
South Pomfret, Vt., January 30, 1870.
To the Editor of the Chronicle:
I have just received a copy of your paper, of December 31, 1869. I do not think the statement 175 headed ‘A Curious Circus Reminiscence’ is quite correct. At that time I was the advertiser of one branch of the Combined Circus and Menagerie. We were to exhibit in Algiers until the 7th of January, and in New Orleans on the 8th, that being the most popular day with the people of that city. William Crum was driving Hannibal, and George Potter Columbus. It was Crum’s horse that was knocked down, and Crum was killed. Samuel Ward14 and myself were standing15 within ten feet of Crum when he was killed. We had a bet on the height of the two elephants, and that was the reason why they were brought alongside of each other. Columbus was shot under the eye before he killed the drayman. We did not exhibit in Algiers. The people were too much frightened to attend. So we went to New Orleans on the 1st of January, instead of waiting until the 8th.
On the same evening the difficulty occurred, James Raymond and James Humphrey, proprietors16, came to me and wanted I should go and look after Columbus. I told them I would if John Carley would go with me. I knew him to be an old elephant man. They asked him: he said he would like to go, but was sick and would rather be excused. The next morning George 176 Growe, a young green hand, who came with Foster’s company, volunteered to go with me. I must confess that when he came forward it cooled my courage, but two horses were saddled and brought to the door. I mounted mine in rather a confused state of mind, wishing myself anywhere except where I was. When we started out it was dark and foggy. I told Growe to go ahead, and, after going about half a mile, we put up for the night on a flatboat. At daylight the next morning we started again, and proceeded down the river about nine miles, where we found Columbus in a canefield, with his head against a pecan tree, asleep. I may now remark that Growe’s courage had somewhat cooled off, and he had fallen some half mile to my rear. I rode toward the elephant until I got within hailing distance, and then spoke17 to him to come to me. He raised up and began shaking his head. Presently he started for me the best he could, and my horse did a good business getting out of his way. He followed me for about six miles, and then came to a halt in front of a large pile of lumber18 on the levee, which he proceeded to throw into the river as fast as possible, and then started after me at a more moderate gait. When we got in front of 177 a church at Algiers he made a second halt. I then told him to lie down, and, to my astonishment19, he obeyed. I got off from my horse, took my knife, stuck it in his ear and held him down until assistance came from the canvas, which was about half a mile off; then Growe took him by the ear and led him to the canvas, and, the same day, we crossed over to New Orleans. Growe took care of him all that winter and left with him in the spring, but was killed by him the next summer, as I learned afterward20.
Poor Crum met with a terrible death. Columbus’ tusk21 entered his groin and came out at his shoulder, going through the entire length of his body.
These are some of the exact facts as they occurred for I was on the spot, and saw the whole affair. I could say much more, but do not think it necessary.”
The writer of this letter was for two years the constant and interested companion and friend of, possibly, the most unruly and bad-tempered22 elephant ever exhibited in the United States, and the reason he got along with him without 178 accident was that he devoted23 his undivided attention to his charge, studied his character, gave him frequent opportunities for bathing, and as much liberty as circumstances would permit.
The old keeper used to say that Columbus “was full of odd whims24 and more given to mischief25 than malice26.” When there was any hard work to be done, like lifting cage wagons27 out of the mud, or clearing roads of fallen trees, he was always ready to do his full share, and was never so happy as when actively28 engaged in some laborious29 occupation. Once in a while he would take it into his head that he would like a good run and an opportunity to indulge in mischief, such as uprooting30 trees, scattering31 fence rails, pulling off barn doors that happened to be standing open, etc. etc. It was his habit to signify his desire, after the “show was over,” by trumpeting33 nervously34, 179 dancing in his elephantine way, and tugging35 at his chain. These notifications did not come very often, but when they did, if not too inconvenient36, his request was complied with. These calls never came just before the performance or while it was in progress. The mischief-loving old sinner was far too wise for that, for he had a most lively appreciation37 of the usual inflow of goodies from the boys and girls who were courageous38 enough to encounter the danger of “feeding the elephant.”
The last conversation I had with the successful old keeper, only a year before his death, was about his singular charge, and he insisted upon the truthfulness39 of his old theory—that the elephant was not naturally bad, but hated confinement, demanded kindness and consideration from those who were the visible instruments used in depriving him of his liberty, and, when he received 180 neither, revenged himself by killing40 the tyrants41 who were depriving him of the freedom to which he was naturally entitled.
My old friend used to say: “It’s awfully42 hard lines for such a magnificent old beast as Columbus was to be tied up and deprived of liberty, and, if I had been in his place, I would have killed more fools of keepers than he did. Why, the old elephant was just as smart as any of us. He had thought the whole thing out for himself and put the boot on the right leg every time. He knew we’d no right to confine him the way we did, and made up his mind to be judge, jury, and executioner, and in his time he did a lot of killing. I don’t quite remember how many he made away with; some put it as high as ten, but I guess seven or eight would be about correct.
“When I was first asked to take 181 charge of Columbus, I was in the business part of the ‘Show,’ and had never thought of becoming an elephant-driver. But somehow, without effort or knowing why, I got well acquainted with the old fellow, and, although often warned of his dangerous amusements, was never afraid of him.
“During the winter of 183- and 183- we were in quarters at C——. The confinement had been long and close, and during the whole winter Columbus had been restive43 and cross. When it came time to start out for the summer’s business no one could be found to drive him. So, as a last resort, the owners offered me a large salary for the job. I had no fear concerning the success of the undertaking44, but hesitated about becoming a professional ‘elephant-man,’ but the big pay was a great temptation, and I yielded.
“The first few days after we started 182 out upon the road, my charge was cross and cranky, and I had to watch him all the time as a cat would a mouse. Upon one occasion, when against my orders, just for the mere deviltry of the thing, he went out of his way to turn over a plantation45 cart that was standing by the roadside, I went for him savagely46, with hook and spear, and gave him a big dose of something he didn’t want; he soon had enough, threw up his trunk, and yelled like a schoolboy being flogged.
“This submission47 proved to be his complete surrender to my will, and from that time we got on like a pair of loving brothers. We became strong friends, and I used to talk to the old rascal48 as I would to a human being. I have always believed he understood more than half I said to him.
“He became very fond of our morning race. It was the custom to start 183 early in the morning—never later than four o’clock. When we would get fairly out of a village where we had exhibited the day before, I would ride up alongside and ask him if he would like a run, he would answer by throwing up his trunk, giving a trumpet32 sound of joy, and starting off at a stiff gait, keeping it up until I called a halt, and, if we happened to be near a stream deep enough to hold him, he would take to it, and stay until the rest of the show came up.
“No, I never had much difficulty in getting along with Columbus. From the start he found out I was not afraid of him, and that I would give it to him if he cut up any of his wicked capers49; and he also came to understand that I was his indulgent friend who humored many of his harmless whims and treated him kindly50.
“At the end of two years I was both 184 glad and sorry to leave him. The watchful51 confinement had become irksome, and I was sure that as soon as I would leave him he would get into trouble,—which he did, and had a bad time of it to the end of his days. I have always felt kind of sorry for having put the knife through his ear, and never would have done it if I had not been excited and scart half out of my wits. If I had given my common sense half a chance, it would have told me that his lying down was a sign of recognition of authority, and that he was willing to throw up the sponge and behave himself. But I guess he forgave me, for, whenever afterwards I went near him, he would give me the old time friendly greeting.
“It’s many years now since I left the show business, and I’ve thought the whole thing over, and concluded it’s all wrong. The confinement is unnatural11 and cruel. Even the little animals in 185 cages, while they seem to be happy, are as miserable52 as they can be. Take a careful look at them when they are not tired out or asleep, and you will find an anxious expression on all their faces—a sort of looking out of their cages for some one to come along and open the door.
“The great cat tribe, Lions, Tigers, Leopards53, Panthers, and the rest of them, are always pushing their noses against the bars for liberty, and are usually pretty cross because they can’t get it.
“At any rate, it’s pleasant for me to look back upon my many years of intercourse54 with the poor creatures, and to feel that I never, save in the single instance, treated one of them unkindly.”
Assisting in the two years of successful management of Columbus was the inevitable55 “elephant dog,” who was his constant companion and friend. 186 They slept together nights and tramped side by side during the days, and often, when the elephant would not obey his keeper, the faithful companion would, in some mysterious way, induce his huge friend to do the reasonable and behave himself like a respectable and order loving beast.
I have forgotten the manner of the taking off of the old slave of the “Show,” but he, with his friendly keeper, who to the end of his days was his champion, have long since passed on to that mysterious resting place from which neither man nor elephant have sent any message back, and let us hope that after their many trampings, and as a reward for the many miseries56 endured while upon earth, that they are now enjoying the rewards bestowed57 upon the forgiven and blest.
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1
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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justifiable
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| adj.有理由的，无可非议的 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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consecutive
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| adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的 | |
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narration
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| n.讲述，叙述；故事；记叙体 | |
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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lumber
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| n.木材，木料；v.以破旧东西堆满；伐木；笨重移动 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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tusk
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| n.獠牙，长牙，象牙 | |
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bad-tempered
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| adj.脾气坏的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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WHIMS
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| 虚妄，禅病 | |
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mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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wagons
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| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
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actively
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| adv.积极地，勤奋地 | |
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laborious
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| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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uprooting
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| n.倒根，挖除伐根v.把（某物）连根拔起( uproot的现在分词 )；根除；赶走；把…赶出家园 | |
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scattering
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| n.[物]散射；散乱，分散；在媒介质中的散播adj.散乱的；分散在不同范围的；广泛扩散的；（选票）数量分散的v.散射(scatter的ing形式)；散布；驱散 | |
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trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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trumpeting
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| 大声说出或宣告（trumpet的现在分词形式） | |
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nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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tugging
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| n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 ) | |
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inconvenient
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| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
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appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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truthfulness
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| n. 符合实际 | |
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killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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tyrants
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| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
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awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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restive
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| adj.不安宁的，不安静的 | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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savagely
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| adv. 野蛮地，残酷地 | |
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submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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capers
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| n.开玩笑( caper的名词复数 )；刺山柑v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的第三人称单数 ) | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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leopards
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| n.豹( leopard的名词复数 )；本性难移 | |
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intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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miseries
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| n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 )；痛苦的事；穷困；常发牢骚的人 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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