DEATH OF A MATADOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 149, 23 June 1894, Page 2

DEATH OF A MATADOR.

RIPPED OPEN BY AN ANGRY BULL

AWFUL SCENE AT THE SPANISH

CAPITAL.

London, May 27. A despatch to the " Times " from Madrid says there was a sickening spectacle in the boll pen there this afternoon. Esparto, a well known matador, while engaging the first bull eenb into the ring, was caught by one of the horns of the animal, and his abdomen ripped open. He died five minutes later. Tha " Standard's " correspondent sendß farther details of the affair. The bull bad killed four horses and had become extremely fierce, when the banderillos fixed their darts in hia neck. Some 10,000 persons were watching the fight and the excitement was intense. The bull was almoßt in the centre of the arena, pawing the ground and tossing its head. His eyea gleamed with wicked light aa Esparto approached him with his usual daring, which brought forth plaudiba from the spectators. As he got near the infuriated bull the animal made a rueh for him and kicked him down. He was not apparently hurt, for he sprang nimbly to bis feet and again attacked the brute, which had wheeled about preparatory to making another charge upon hie enemy. There was a moment of suspense, and then, with lowered head, the bull rushed at the matador, who sprang to one side and plunged his dagger into the neck of the animal. Juab as he did the bull swung his head in the direction of Esparto, at the same time lifting it. One of the animal's horns caught the unfortunate man in the abdomen and tore his body open almost up to 'the chest. Blood poured from the ghaatly wound in a torrent as Eaparfco e^nk fainting to the ground. He was at once carried to an infirmary, where the physicians pronounced his wounds fatal. A priest was summoned and administered extreme unction to the dying man, In five minutes he was dead. The spectators, at least the greater portion of them, did not propose that their pleasure should be spoiled by the death of a man who had been well paid to assisb in making a holiday for them.and so the fight was continued as soon aa the excitement had somewhat subsided. All the bulls fought well, killing fifteen horees and floorine two of the toreadors, who were Beverely bruised. Esparto was engaged to marry, and the wedding was to have taken place shortly. He was extremely popular, and had made a large fortune. Ib wbb hia intention to retire from the ring next yew.